The Panthers Field Hockey club team was started 5 years ago to allow girls the opprotunity to play field hockey. We began with one team and have now expanded to three teams. The Panthers are sponsored by Swift Creek Field Hockey and Commonwelath Youth Lacrosse Association. We are a nonprofit group.
The three teams are all based on skill level. The Panthers teams play mostly private schools and have some travel. As with most travel teams there are days when early dismissal from school is expected. I have tried to limit that as much as possible. The teams are split up as follows:
PANTHERS GOLD
This is the most competitive level of hockey. Although made up of all middle schoolers this team plays mostly JV level teams. The success of this level of play has allowed us to play teams that are stronger each year and we have risen to the challenge time and time again. This team WILL TRAVEL. Currently the schedule includes games in Norfolk, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg and Northern Virginia. The gold team has a strenuous schedule incorporating my philosophy of game experience makes for the better hockey player. Since we are a club team there is no limit to our schedule. Last year we were able to travel to Baltimore for a tourament which we won. I will again be looking for challenging teams for this highly skilled team. The gold team practices on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays with occasional Thursday and Friday practices depending on our weekly schedule. Girls trying out for this team MUST committ to the Panthers when selected THEY MAY NOT PLAY JV FOR THEIR HOME BASED HIGH SCHOOL TEAM. The schedule we offer them is much more competitive then the local JV teams. Players who play on the gold team are the most skilled players and will learn advanced skills to carry them onto their varsity teams and beyond. These players most often go on to play FUSION level (elite) field hockey year round. The gold team is coached by Betsy Ellis.
PANTHERS BLUE
This is still a competitive team playing the areas TOP middle school teams. The Blue team also plays games out of town. The success of this team has grown tremendously in the last few years. The Blue team plays many games as this is the level most schools want to compete against. Girls trying out for this team must also committ to their spot after tryouts and teams are announced--THEY MAY NOT PLAY FOR THEIR JV HOME BASED SCHOOL. The Blue team practices on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Some weeks will drop to two practices a week depending on the schedule and at the coaches discretion. MY philosophy however is practices make better playing games! Girls who play on the Blue team will be preared to play for their highschools or for the GOLD team next year. They are also encouraged to tryout for FUSION level play. This year the blue team will be coached by Amy Walters and her sister Melissa Kirchner. (Melissa was a goalie in high school and college so she will be working with the goalies alot!)
PANTHERS WHITE
This team is for the less experienced player who wants to play field hockey and needs that game experience. Playing mostly area middle schools they do limited travelling. However most girls like to have a couple of AWAY games so a small trip to Fredericksburg or Charlottesville is probable. The white team girls will learn strategy, stickwork and game skills. Upon completion of the Whtie team schedule these girls are ready to be field hockey players. Not such a gruelling schedule this team practices on Sundays and Wednesdays however they are encouraged to participate in Blue team practices occassionaly. The girls who play on the white team will be ready for the Blue or Gold team next season. The white team will be coached by Betsy Ellis and will have another TBA coach.:
Practices:Games
All home games are played at Clover Hill Athletic Complex. Away games are played at the school we are playing or their athletic fields. Directions for most schools are on our website. Team moms will organize travel when necessary to make sure girls arrive on time. Typically players are expected to arrive one hour before game time.All practices are held at Clover Hill Athletic Complex except for the occasional practices we can get on TURF over at University of Richmond. Practices are typically 4:30-6:30.:
Coaching styles
While all coaches have their own style--typically at a high level of play such as the gold team coaching can expect to be strict. Practices are focused on field hockey and games are intense. By coaching in a strict level we allow the girls to play to the best of their ability and take responsiblity for their actions on and off the field. This will allow them to be ready for the instense Varsity level that awaits them.
The Panther teams ARE NOT A REC LEAGUE. We are serious about teaching field hockey strategy and skill. Practices are expected to be attended and players are expected to be ready and focused on field hockey. We will have fun but girls will learn when to have fun and when to be serious. Practices are planned in ADVANCE and drills are sometimes planned with specific people in mind. Not having players at practice without notice is unacceptable. My cell phone is always on and my email is checked everyday. I do understand there are times when practices must be missed due to school events or homework BUT you need to let me know so that I may plan accordingly.
TRYOUTS FOR ALL THREE TEAMS:
I am sorry I have had to change these dates a couple of times but these are now FIRM:
June 2nd, 3rd and 4th AT Cloverhill Athletic Complex Field 9
5:30pm-7:30pm
The teams will be posted on the website and emails sent one week after tryouts. Girls trying out must attend at least two days of tryouts. If you have a conflict and can only attend one day please email me or speak to me seperatly so that arrangements can be made. I will have 5-7 people helping me with tryouts some will know NOBODY trying out and some will know many girls trying out. Tryous are based on skill, competitiveness, coachablilty and desire to be playing field hockey.
Fees for Panthers 2009-10
The fees are set based on coaching, games played and covering officials. The fees are $175 per player. This does not include the charter bus rental for two out of town games for the GOLD and BLUE teams. Typically each year the players will pick an item that they wish to purchase as a team such as last year we got rugby shirts. This is not mandatory. We have tried to keep the fees at the lowest possible prices. If you have a financial question please see me seperatly or call the office and speak to Brad Powell directly. It is my intention that a girl who wants to play field hockey will be allowed to play. I do think that for your money you are getting some of the best coaching possible. I do attend coaches clinics, do research online and speak to other coaches often regarding drills, strategy and any other concerns regarding my teams.
CAMPS, CLINICS AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:
Commonwealth Bootcamp--for rising 8th-12th graders July 27,28,29 at TRINITY EPISCOPAL SCHOOL 8:30am-11:30am cost is $90
Panther Field Hockey Camp- For girls ages 6-14 August 18th,19th,20th two sessions morning 8:30am-11:30am and evening 5-8pm (August 21st 6:15-8pm scrimmag for both sessions)
AT Clover Hill Athletic Complex- cost is $95 for one session $170 for both.
You may register for both of these camps online at www.swiftcreekfieldhockey.com
I also recommend the following camps:
Merestead Field Hockey camp at Randolph Macon (see brochure)
Trinity Episcopal SUMMER LEAGE and CAMP (see flier)
I also give private lessons at $20 per hour. Please email me for dates and times.
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