WELCOME: The GSPAA Field Hockey program has grown from only a handful of players in the early days to over 230 girls today. The success of the program is the result of coaches, parents and players working together to create an atmosphere that encourages and promotes a positive environment for all girls to learn and enjoy field hockey in a team atmosphere.
GSPAA Field Hockey is an all-volunteer organization, so we greatly appreciate your involvement and support. We are always open and receptive to your input and ideas. Please feel free to participate, volunteer or help-out in any way possible.
TEAMS: The GSPAA Green Hornets Field Hockey Program participates in a county league under the direction of Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks. All home and away games are played against other Anne Arundel County teams. You can learn more about the county league at http://www.aacounty.org/RecParks/sports/youth_field_hockey.cfm
During the 2008 season, we had 14 teams with over 240 girls playing field hockey. There were five "Pee Wee" teams, five "Middie" teams, and four "Junior" teams. We have in the past tried to keep the number of girls on the teams low so that all the girls get maximum playing time. However, the size and make-up of teams are dictated foremost by the number of coaches, as well as other factors.
To meet each girl's recreational needs, we try very hard to balance the many goals of the program:
- Learning beginner, intermediate and/or advanced field hockey skills
- Participating in a healthy, cooperative team environment supported by their peers, parents and coaches
- Having fun!
The predominant determining factor for team make-up is the number and availability of coaches. There are several factors that affect how teams are put together. They are:
- The number of available coaches
- The number of girls registered in the program
- Parent and player requests
- The skill level and experience of players
- Geographic area (for access to practice facilities)
The coaches determine practice times and days, usually two times a week. The current assigned practice facilities are: Folger McKinsey ES, Jones ES, Severna Park ES and Shipley's Choice ES.
Practices begin in August. Twelve games are played between the second week in September and the first week in November. To fit in the twelve games, teams may play as many as three games in one week, including one week night and both weekend days.
COACHES NEEDED!! We need more parents or community members to help coach. No experience or hockey knowledge required!! We will train you, and provide help and assistance. Without enough coaches, we do not have flexibility for team arrangements. We are also looking for volunteers to help in other areas. We are trying to expand the program to incorporate a play day, clinics and other activities. We are asking for volunteers to help for just a few hours in varying capacities.
AGE RANGE:
Peewee: John Long, Coordinator
3rd and 4th Grade
Middies: Andrea Sellers, Coordinator
5th and 6th Grade
Juniors: Scott Luthcke, Coordinator
7th and 8th Grade
Seniors: More Info Coming
9th - 12th Grade
COST: $85 (Pee Wees, Middies, Juniors)
Commissioner: Kathy Luthcke
Phone: 410-729-4070
e-mail: gspafh@yahoo.com
For all questions, comments and inquires, please send me an e-mail.
Last updated 1/1/2009
