NFHCA launches Campfire Mentoring Program

Apr 12, 2022 | 2021-2022, News

BROCKPORT, N.Y. — The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is excited to launch the Campfire Mentoring Program for member coaches.

“Building off the NFHCA Circle-Ups introduced last year, the NFHCA Campfire Mentoring Program is designed to foster organic engagement and conversations among coaches,” explained NFHCA executive director, Cate Clark. “One of the most common requests from recent member surveys was to facilitate an NFHCA mentoring program. The Campfire concept honors the small group format of the Circle-Ups while providing a stronger framework to share best practices, learn, and network. We are excited to launch this opportunity for both mentees and mentors.”

The Campfire Program is designed to bring coaches together to share experiences, foster fellowship, and promote growth. Small groups of four to seven coach members will be assembled with a lead mentor to connect monthly from May through February. Groups will cover topics of their choosing that may include subjects like refining your coaching philosophy, on-field tactics and post-game analysis, cultivating inclusive coaching, and navigating career transitions and advancements.

The goals for the program are to promote growth and support of newer coaches and assistant coaches; introduce various perspectives for on- and off-the-field skills, knowledge, and coaching philosophies; encourage professional development for future generation of coaches; and foster fellowship and engagement across regions and divisions. These goals will be accomplished by leveraging the power of the field hockey coaching community and the NFHCA membership.

Applications for the NFHCA Campfire Mentoring Program are currently open for both mentors and mentees. NFHCA members can fill out an application before May 1 through the NFHCA Member Portal. The first cohort of mentors and mentees will be selected in the beginning of May.

The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is a nonprofit organization serving field hockey coaches and supporters of the game from across the United States. The mission of the organization is to champion, strengthen, and celebrate field hockey coaches and the game. The NFHCA strives to cultivate and recognize the professional contributions of its membership and to foster and promote the growth of the sport. The NFHCA is responsible for providing a recognizable presence and voice in regard to legislation affecting the sport as well as interscholastic and intercollegiate programs.