So you want to be an Olympic field hockey player?

Are you a competitive field hockey player playing in your local club or school? Are you doing well, and wondering where you will find the next level of competition? Are you beginning to look at what colleges have the best field hockey programs? If you answer yes to these questions, then you should be looking to participate in the USA Field Hockey Futures program.

In 1990 the Futures program began. This program was designed to improve play across the US by providing an environment that brings the best players in the country together. Through this program, the opportunity is there for athletes to be identified and evaluated for their potential to become future Olympic field hockey players. Currently, the Futures program consists of 3 age groups; under 14, under 16, and under 19. The program runs from January to June with the season culminating with the National Futures Championship.

The US Futures program is an invitational program, and there are a limited number of spots available. In order to qualify, there is a process that everyone must go through in order to be selected:

1. Regional Trials: In regions conducting trials, a 4 hour physical trial is held. A series of drills, scrimmages, and games are held. The athletes are scored, and compared to the regional standards. Invitations may be extended for some of the players to participate in the Futures program.

2. Regional Paper Trials: For regions that do not have "official" trials, paper trials are conducted. For these trials, high school coaches or approved testing centers put athletes through a series of tests and record the results. The results are submitted to the Regional Coaching Director for evaluation. Futures invitations are extended to those athletes selected, based upon the scores for their region.

3. USA Field Hockey Partner Camps: Athletes can also qualify for the Futures program through certain field hockey camps. Only camps partnered with USA Field Hockey may submit recommendations to the Futures program.

4. Coach Recommendation: In certain regions, high schools coaches are provided information about the Futures programs. The coaches have the opportunity to recommend athletes into the program; however, each year the number of allocations are determined, and are strictly enforced.

With multiple avenues available to get into the Futures program, there is an opportunity to tryout for everyone. However, only the best are selected so look critically at your skills. Ask you coach what you need to work on, and put in the time and the effort needed to improve.

There are many people who have a significant amount of talent, but are unwilling to work to get to the next level. Are you willing?

See you on the field!