Worcester, MA --- Over the course of the month of February, the Worcester State University field hockey squad has teamed up with the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Elementary School to teach the basic elements of the game to their fourth graders during gym class.
The new program "FUNdamental Field Hockey" is a part of USA Field Hockey's new youth development initiative to expose the sport to thousands of children nationwide in an effort to provide free equipment while emphasizing a new fun and physical activity.
Worcester State is one of 16 different colleges or universities that are involved and one of seven Division III institutions that are participating in the program. Other well-established field hockey clubs are also taking part in an effort to try to grow the game at a grassroots level.
From as far west as Hawaii to as far south as Florida, FUNdamental Field Hockey is designed to provide more than 15,000 boys and girls, from ages 7-11, the opportunity to teach the game in its basic form.
"We have more than 250 new programs across the nation that are exposing the sport to over 18,000 boys and girls," said Sport Development Coordinator Courtney Tavener, of USA Field Hockey.
"We want to expose the sport to kids at a younger age to offer them the chance to participate in a new physical activity. We've been partnering up with YMCAs, after school programs and parks and recreation departments."
Since the end of January, the Worcester State field hockey team has conducted the program at Abby Kelley Elementary's indoor floor surface on every day of the week for the fourth graders. Physical education is only offered once per six-day weekly cycle of extracurricular activities which include music, art, library, technology skills and character/health classes.
"We are trying to do different outside-the-box things to try to expose our students that are separate from the normal sports like soccer and floor hockey," said physical education teacher, Brian Willar.
WSU head field hockey coach Chris Pothier also said that he wanted to try to have his players contribute something back to the community, a role that he feels is important in collegiate athletics.
"FUNdamental Field Hockey is a great tool that we are using to try to get kids active and moving," said Pothier. "We are also trying to grow the sport and expose our student-athletes to new perspectives that they might otherwise not have been aware of."
A large number of the student population at Abby Kelley Elementary live in an inner city neighborhood and it's dangerous for kids to play outside. Most often times gym class is the only way that the students get some kind of physical activity.
With the WSU field hockey team bringing FUNdamental field hockey to Abby Kelley Elementary, it's a welcome change that the students have been embracing. There are plans in the works to continue the program during the next academic year.
"When we first came, there were a number of students that have never even heard of field hockey," said Pothier. "But Willar has pointed out to us that a lot of the students who normally wouldn't participate in gym classes that he runs are picking up sticks and participating. We are even seeing not just girls, but boys involved as well.
"The opportunity has also allowed our girls to learn the fundamental aspects of coaching," said Pothier.
Chris and Katrina, who are ages 10 and 9, respectively, both said that they were enjoying the program.
"I really like getting the exercise and scoring," said Chris.
"I am having a lot of fun," said Katrina. "I really like it when we scrimmage the best."
During the gym class, the WSU field hockey players try to emphasize the basic techniques, like dribbling, stick handling and proper spacing.
"Teaching the kids is a lot of fun," said sophomore Katelyn Abber. "In order for them to get the concept of the game and the rules, you have to teach the basics first."
"I really like trying to put a smile on their faces," said freshman Julie O'Rourke.
The FUNdamental Field Hockey program itself has grown in leaps and bounds as a direct result of their partnership with First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiative and its goal of trying to expose kids to a healthier lifestyle.
The program is also sponsored by Harrow Sports, who has donated a lot of equipment in order to make it successful.
"The sport development team is committed to growing the game nationwide," said Tavener.
"Establishing more youth programming is very important in order for the sport to flourish. We will continue to use programs and initiatives to introduce the sport to boys and girls."
