New Families Start Here

Never played field hockey? Neither had most of our players.

If you are wondering whether your child is too far behind to start, the honest answer is no. This is a brand-new sport in Birmingham, which means almost every player is starting at the same place. That is the opportunity.

Is my child too late to start?

No, and here is why field hockey is the smartest new sport to pick up right now. There is no decade of travel-team players ahead of your child. Rosters are small, so they get real playing time fast. And the sport has a genuine college pipeline that most families have never considered. A player who starts in middle school here can absolutely play varsity.

The players who try it almost always fall in love with it. Field hockey is fast, social, and built on teamwork. Your child does not need to be the fastest or the most athletic, they just need to be willing to try.

The Basics

What they need to try

Equipment

Nothing to start. We provide sticks and protective goggles for the clinic. If they love it, we will help you get geared up the right way.

What a practice looks like

Warm up, learn a skill, play small games, scrimmage. Coaches keep it active and fun. Every player touches the ball, every practice.

Time commitment

The summer clinic is one evening a week for five weeks. Easy to try alongside soccer, lacrosse, or a summer schedule.

Questions

Parent FAQ

Do they need any experience?

None at all. The clinic and the youth program are built for brand-new players. Most of our players picked up a stick for the first time this year.

How much does it cost?

The summer clinic is $85 for players entering grades 4–8 in fall 2026, plus a USA Field Hockey membership. High school players, including incoming freshmen, come play with the high schoolers at captain's practices, 6:30–8:00 PM. See the Summer Clinic page for full details.

Is it safe?

Yes. Field hockey is a non-contact sport at the youth level. Players wear protective goggles and a mouthguard, and our coaches teach safe stick skills from the very first session.

Can they play field hockey and another sport?

Absolutely. Many of our players also play soccer or lacrosse. The summer clinic is one evening a week, designed to fit a busy family schedule.

What grades can join?

Our pathway runs grades 4 through 12: a Grades 4–8 youth program and Birmingham United high school field hockey. The summer clinic is open to all players from Birmingham and neighboring communities. Middle school league play is for students attending a Birmingham middle school.

Do we need a USA Field Hockey membership?

Yes. Every player needs a current USA Field Hockey membership (good for one year) before registering. The State Chapter level ($25) is fine, or any current U19 membership. When you join, select Great Lakes as your club. You'll need your membership number to sign up. Get it here.

How do I sign up?

Registration runs through our online form. Head to the Summer Clinic page and click Register. It takes about five minutes.