Winter training is underway across Northern California, and 2026 is packed with opportunities to play, compete, and grow. From youth clinics to adult leagues, our Community Calendar keeps you connected to everything happening in the region.
Big news to start the year: both U.S. National Teams will compete at the LA28 Olympics. The Men's National Team returns after 32 years (last competing in Atlanta 1996), while the Women's National Team continues their Olympic journey after qualifying for Paris 2024. Their 1984 Olympic bronze remains the program's only medal. View the competition schedule.
Whether you're chasing Olympic dreams or just getting back on the field after the holidays, let's make it a great year.
Community Spotlight
Masters Athletes Heading to World Cup
Congratulations to three Northern California athletes selected for the 2026 World Masters Hockey Indoor World Cup in Nottingham, England (March 26-31). Team USA will compete in nine age divisions against 15 countries including Australia, England, Germany, and the Netherlands.
NorCal Athletes:
- Yadvindra Dhami (Sunnyvale) - Men’s O-55
- Prashant Aji (San Jose) - Men's O-60
- Raghbir (Viri) Mangat (Gold River) - Men's O-65
Competition Recap
Hayward Hawks had another fantastic showing at VCRD’s Christmas Classic Tournament. Results:
- U12 – 1st Place
- U14 – 2nd Place
- U16 – 2nd Place
Playing Opportunities
We maintain a Community Calendar with year-round camps, clinics, and tournaments across Northern California. Bookmark it as 2026 dates are added, and email us if you'd like an event included.
Upcoming Clinics & Events
- FREE Youth Clinic - Gilroy: Saturday, January 10, 9-11 AM at Christopher High School for ages 7-14, all skill levels. Register here
- San Diego Youth Clinic: Friday, February 7, 9-10:30 AM, before the 4Goals Challenge Tournament. Michigan captain Claire Taylor and Big Ten champion Alana Richardson lead this clinic for grades 1-8. More info
- Stanford Field Hockey Winter ID Clinic: February 6-7 for class of 2027, 2028, and 2029 only. Includes two on-field sessions, campus tour, speed training with performance coach, and student-athlete panel. More info
- Stick Together Middle School Clinics: Save the dates! Sunday afternoons on March 15, April 19, and May 17. Small group training for novices and beginners at Paul Goode Field in the Presidio. Details coming soon.
- Nike Sports Camp - Marin: June 15-18. Additional summer camps will be added to the Community Calendar as dates are announced. More info
Nexus Registration
Registration opens January 6 for returning players and January 20 for new players. Region 11 will train at Stanford, UC Davis, and Cal Berkeley across three weekends this spring. View the Region 11 schedule and watch the Player & Parent Info Session recording if you have questions. Financial aid applications are due February 1—apply here.
Club Winter Sessions
Many NorCal clubs have started winter training or will begin this month. Find a club near you on our interactive map.
Now Underway: Hayward Hawks, Pacific Heights HC, SF Hawks, NorCal Impact (tryouts completed)
Starting Soon:
- Fly (Los Altos HS) - Begins January 11, girls grades 4-12, twice-weekly practices, all skill levels.
- Infinity (Gilroy) - Begins February 6.
- Roseville - Begins February 22, Sunday practices.
- D-City - Training at UC Davis turf. Begins in February.
- Rippers (Marin) - Begins February 1, Sunday practices.
Coaching Corner
Bessant Grow the Game Grants Now Open
USA Field Hockey is awarding $50,000 in grants to clubs and organizations building sustainable youth, club, and high school field hockey programs—applications are due March 15, 2026. In 2024, the SF Hawks received grant funding to support their growth, and now your program could be next: individual grants of up to $10,000 are available for initiatives that expand access to the sport and grow USA Field Hockey membership in your community. Apply here
Coaching Opportunity: Lightning Field Hockey
Lightning Field Hockey is looking for an experienced coach for their U16/19 Girls team this spring (January 24 - May 17). Practices run Saturdays 11 AM - 1 PM and Sundays 10:45 AM - 12:45 PM at Foothill College Stadium in Los Altos Hills. If you're interested in leading this age group, reach out here.
Clinic Opportunity: Goalkeeper Training
Pasindu Wanigasooriya, a decorated goalkeeper coach from Davis, is planning a series of Bay Area clinics starting this spring (Feb-Mar) to elevate goalkeeping across Northern California. If your high school or club has goalkeepers who would benefit from specialized training, we'd love to hear from you—email us to express interest and help organizers gauge demand.
What to Watch
The USWNT competes in the 3 Nations Tournament in New Zealand (January 20-24) against host nation New Zealand, and Japan. Watch all matches live on HockeyNZ.TV. Full schedule
Looking Forward
One more thing before we go: USA Field Hockey's Annual General Membership Meeting is Thursday, January 29 at 4:00 PM PT. It's virtual, open to all members, and a great chance to hear directly from the Board and staff about what's ahead for the sport. Join here.
As always, we're grateful for this community—coaches running weekend practices, parents coordinating carpools, players showing up ready to compete, and everyone in between who keeps field hockey thriving in Northern California. Here's to a great 2026.
See you on the sidelines,
The Stick Together Team
