Academy Team| Nashville Field Hockey Club

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

UPDATE: JANUARY 2024

Full team training will begin in March and end in Mid-May with Madeline Santschi as our lead coach.
Practices once per week Thursday evenings at Grassland Middle School.

program structure

Practice, then compete.

The Academy Team focus is skill acquisition and tactical development. As the less demanding of our two spring programs, the primary component of the program is training. However, everyone deserves a chance to compete and put their skills to the test. Everyone who plays for the Academy Team will participate in the club's home tournament, the Music City Jamboree, in May.

TEAM FEES

TEAM FEES INCLUDE...

10 WEEKS TRAINING (1x A WEEK)

THE MUSIC CITY JAMBOREE

PAYMENT...

$99 Early Bird Deposit

** On Dec. 11, deposit increases to $199

$99/month

** March, April, May

All payments will go through TeamSnap this year, including monthly dues.

TRAINING DETAILS

Specific details are not yet available, but will be updated here as soon as they are.

TEAM PRACTICES

Practice will be held on Thursdays from 6-7:30p at Grassland Park Lower Fields.

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

The Academy Team is a co-ed program, open to players of all skill level, ages 12-18. Players younger than 12 should participate in our Elementary Program.

Early Bird Pricing ends Dec. 1!

The deposit amount goes up to $199 on Dec. 2.

2024 Focus

Skills and training
- Development of foundational skills
- Tactical Understanding
- More complete understanding of rules
Encouraging, but challenging environment
- Prepare for one end-of-season competition
Building team and club identity

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

March - May

TRAINING

1 trainings each week at Grassland Park

1 hour 30 mins team practice

COMPETITION

Compete in the Music City Jamboree on May 4, 2024

Local tournament, hosted by Nashville FHC

Potential Questions

WHO WILL BE COACHING?

Madeline Santschi will be the primary coach along with other assistant coaches. Madeline joined NFHC as a coach in spring 2022 and manages our umpires and will now be leading our Academy Program. She is an NCSA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer. Before moving to Nashville, Madeline coached for Patrick Henry High School and the Typhoon Elite Field Hockey Club, and played at Randolph-Macon College in Virginia.

IS THERE A LIMIT TO HOW MANY PLAYERS CAN PARTICIPATE?

No. The Academy Program will not be limited by number. As necessary, additional coaches will be added to facilitate training.

CAN MY CHILD PARTICIPATE IF THEY ARE NEW TO FIELD HOCKEY?

Yes. The Academy Program is exactly where they should be. Because many of the players will have some experience, we highly recommend participation in a Learn to Play session prior to the start of the Academy Program. NFHC will offer a short Learn to Play program, in January/February 2024, for any new players interested in joining the Academy Program in March.

IS THE MUSIC CITY JAMBOREE MANDATORY?

Again, technically nothing is compulsory, we will place great emphasis on tournament participation. As we look to build a sustainable and competitive travel program, competition is an important barometer of team development, and an invaluable element of player learning. Because of that, tournament fees are included in the team fees. It’s our sincere hope that players will make the tournament a scheduling priority.

WHAT IF I MISS A SESSION?

While attendance to all sessions is not compulsory, we will place great emphasis on attendance, as continuity is a crucial part of team growth. Players who choose to miss consistently will find themselves falling behind. However, we do understand that on occasions conflicts will arise. Within reason, no players will be penalized for missing a session.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN TEAM FEES?

Personal equipment. NFHC does have sticks available for loan, but players will be required to wear their own shinguards and mouthguard during all practices and competition.

Team uniform. All players will be required to wear a Nashville FHC reversible pinnie for practices, and will need to purchase appropriately colored skirts/shorts and socks prior to the Jamboree.

ARE THERE MORE COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS?

Yes. Our travel team includes a once-a-week practice, once-a-week small-group skills session, and four regional tournaments. More info is available here.