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Growing sport has favorable first year
In its first year, the Loudoun Field Hockey Association has drawn 200 people to its league.
The LFHA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is the first field hockey organization of its kind in Loudoun.
Having completed one full year, including a fall season, spring season and three-day summer camp, the LFHA is preparing for another year of growth.
The group acquired the use of another field, allowing it to accommodate players from both sides of the county.
The field at Northern Virginia Community College in Sterling accommodates the east, while The Worship Center in Leesburg offers a field to cut the commute for western Loudouners.
"I'm amazed how far some of these people travel," Meg Dudek, LFHA program director, said. "Our first season in the fall, we just had the field in the east of the county, but people from Bluemont and western areas would still sign up and travel out there."
Teams from the LFHA took part in a play day this year in Oakton, allowing them to be with leagues from neighboring counties.
"The play day really broadened their universe, saying, 'Hey, there are other girls my age playing this sport,' and it let them feel like they were playing a true game since we played other leagues," said Lisa Craig, LFHA chairwoman.
Craig and Dudek said they are amazed at how dedicated the players and their families are and plan to drum up interest in a travel team to compete at tournaments one day.
To begin its second year, the LFHA is working to develop preseason clinics where new players can get acquainted with the game, while returning players can brush up on their skills.
"We're trying to also plan for down the road when the majority of players we have are returning players instead of those new to the game," Dudek said.
That day may come sooner than later as many girls are picking up the sport and its rules quickly.
A day the league wishes would come sooner is the day when field hockey is recognized in high school sports.
"We have a lot of parents that would love to get this in schools, but it's hard to explain that it's not just a matter of making a phone call, there's a whole process to it," Dudek said.
There are no short- or long-term plans for getting the sport into high schools, but the LFHA is working to change that.
For now, the LFHA is focused on building its upcoming season.
This year the adult league for those 21 and over will continue, and there will be new age divisions for the youth league.
In looking toward the future, Craig said, "It's nice to build this program and through all the hard work be able to reap those benefits now that we have a year under our belt and can continue to build from there."
For information about the LFHA, visit www.loudounfieldhockey.org .
Contact the reporter at nbuckholz@timespapers.com
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