Summer Skills and Game Sessions

Are you new to field hockey? An experienced player looking to try out new skills in a welcoming and encouraging environment? Someone wanting to meet others who like field hockey as much as you? Ascend Field Hockey Club’s Skills & Game Sessions are perfect for players of all levels! These sessions are the heart of our summer programming, bringing together intentional skill development and live game play in a format that is as competitive as it is enjoyable. Our goal is to provide every athlete the opportunity to sharpen their game and put it to the test, all in one session.

What to expect

At Ascend, we believe that summer is the perfect time to explore new sports or refine existing skills without the pressure of a traditional club season.

Each Skills & Game Session is divided between focused skill-building and live game play, giving athletes the chance to develop their technical abilities and immediately apply them in a game environment. Players in grades 1–5 enjoy 60-minute sessions designed to build foundational skills and introduce competitive play in a fun, age-appropriate setting. Players in grades 6–12 step it up with 90-minute sessions that go deeper into technical and tactical development before putting everything to work in high-energy, competitive game play.

Some points of emphasis will be:

• Technical skill-building drills (dribbling, passing, and shooting)
• Small-sided game play to increase ball contact time
• Position-specific discussions and drills
• Fun, team-building activities that foster lifelong friendships

Why are Skills & Game Sessions perfect for beginners?

Starting a new sport can be intimidating, but our "Skills & Game Sessions" are built specifically to lower that barrier to entry. We often hear from parents who aren't sure where to start. These sessions are the answer because they balance instructional learning with the immediate fun of playing the game.

We understand that trying out a new sport can be overwhelming, so we break the game down into manageable parts. Beginners spend the first half of the session learning a specific skill–like a push pass or receiving the ball–and the second half applying that skill in a low-stakes game. This format ensures that every player leaves the field feeling successful and excited to return.

How can I register for Charlottesville summer field hockey?

Registration is designed to be a simple, straightforward process for busy families. Head here to secure your spot. Because our summer sessions—especially the beginner-friendly Skills & Game Sessions—tend to fill up quickly, we recommend signing up as early as possible to avoid the waitlist.

If you have questions about which programming is right for your child or if you need help with the registration portal, our Contact Us page is always available. We want to ensure that every family in Charlottesville has access to high-quality field hockey programming, and we are here to support you through every step of the enrollment process.

Preparing for Your First Field Hockey Practice

Once you've signed up for a session, it's time to get ready for the turf! For those who are new to the sport, you don't need a massive amount of gear to get started. Most players will need a stick, shin guards, a mouthguard, and appropriate footwear (sneakers or turf shoes). We also occasionally have field hockey sticks available for loan during our introductory sessions to help new families get started without a large upfront investment.

Ready to see your child ascend on the field? Visit our Summer 2026 page today to explore our full schedule and Register for the upcoming season!