NFHCA Launches Field Hockey Forward Grant
Photo Credit: Ithaca Athletics Communications
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA), in alliance with USA Field Hockey, is proud to announce the launch of the Field Hockey Forward Launch Grant, a new initiative designed to support select institutions adding intercollegiate field hockey programs.
For generations, field hockey has created opportunities for student-athletes, strengthened college campuses, and built one of the most enduring communities in women’s sports. As colleges and universities across the country continue evaluating opportunities tied to enrollment growth, gender equity, and enhancing the student-athlete experience, field hockey must remain part of those conversations.
Originally launched in 2023, the Field Hockey Forward initiative was created to strategically grow, strengthen, and sustain collegiate field hockey opportunities nationwide. The initiative has helped champion six new NCAA programs and one new conference sponsorship announcement in the past eighteen months, while additional institutions remain in active exploration phases.
Through direct outreach efforts, the Field Hockey Forward initiative has resulted in 28 meetings with athletic departments and conferences, distributed targeted communications to more than 1,800 athletic administrators, launched the Sport Administrator’s Guide to Field Hockey, and expanded strategic resources such as the Collegiate Coaches Operations Handbook to support both emerging and existing programs.
Today, the initiative takes another step forward through the introduction of the Field Hockey Forward Launch Grant.
Designed to assist select institutions during the early stages of launching a varsity field hockey program, the grant will provide startup and onboarding support while continuing to build awareness and momentum surrounding collegiate growth opportunities nationally.
To establish the initiative, the NFHCA Board of Directors approved an initial $15,000 investment through operating surplus to launch the Field Hockey Forward Fund. Given the limited funding currently available, only a select number of institutions will be eligible for grant support annually through a competitive application and review process. Selected institutions will be chosen through a competitive application and review process designed to ensure established criteria and program readiness benchmarks are met.
“Field hockey continues to present meaningful opportunities for institutions seeking strategic women’s sport growth initiatives,” said Cate Clark, Executive Director of the NFHCA. “Through Field Hockey Forward, we are committed to helping athletic leaders better understand the value field hockey can bring to a campus while supporting institutions exploring how the sport can align with their enrollment, community, and strategic goals.”
The NFHCA and USA Field Hockey hope to continue growing the Field Hockey Forward Fund in the years ahead to expand the initiative’s long-term impact and support additional institutions exploring the addition of field hockey.
To help make the initiative possible, the organizations invite the field hockey community, alumni, supporters, and advocates of women’s sports to contribute to the Field Hockey Forward Fund.
Contributions to the fund help:
- Expand awareness and outreach efforts to colleges and universities
- Support strategic growth conversations with athletic leaders
- Provide startup resources for new intercollegiate programs
Learn more about the Field Hockey Forward initiative. To support the Field Hockey Forward Fund, click here.
About the NFHCA
The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is the professional organization for field hockey coaches in the United States, supporting more than 1,700 coaches nationwide through education, leadership, advocacy, awards, and community-building opportunities across the sport. The mission of the NFHCA is to champion, strengthen, and celebrate field hockey coaches and the game.
About USA Field Hockey
USA Field Hockey is the national governing body for the sport of field hockey in the United States and a member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
