Grades 3–8

Reading Youth
Field Hockey

Registration Opens May 1 Learn More

More Than a Game

Reading Youth Field Hockey (RYFH) is a community-based athletic program serving Reading students in grades 3 through 8. Our mission is to provide a fun, safe, and competitive field hockey experience for athletes of all skill levels.

Through the leadership of passionate volunteers and experienced field hockey players, we focus on developing fundamental skills, fostering teamwork, and promoting strong sportsmanship—both on and off the field.

RYFH participates in the Baystate Youth Field Hockey League. Ready to sign up? View our divisions and register for the Fall season.


View Seasons & Divisions
3–8
Grades Served
3
Divisions
Fall
Season
Select
7/8 Program

Find Your Division

Players are placed based on grade level to ensure balanced competition and age-appropriate development at every stage.

Grades 3 & 4

Division 3/4

7 vs. 7 · Optional GK · 2×20 min
  • Introduction to gameplay
  • Junior-officiated games
  • Equal playing time focus
  • Skill fundamentals & fun
Grades 5 & 6

Division 5/6

12 vs. 12 · Full Field · 2×25 min
  • Full-field competition
  • Penalty corners introduced
  • Fly substitutions
  • Positional development
Grades 7 & 8

Division 7/8

12 vs. 12 · Full Field · 2×25 min
  • High school prep focus
  • Advanced strategy
  • Accountability & leadership
  • Select team opportunity

7/8 Select Team

The Baystate Youth Field Hockey League offers a Select Team option for our most advanced 7th and 8th grade players. Compete against top players from other towns on Friday evenings. All athletes are encouraged to try out—we love athletes who give their all!

Registration Opens May 1

About RYFH

Community-driven field hockey for Reading students since day one.

Reading Youth Field Hockey (RYFH) is a community-based athletic program serving Reading students in grades 3 through 8. Our mission is to provide a fun, safe, and competitive field hockey experience for athletes of all skill levels.

Through the leadership of passionate volunteers and experienced field hockey players, we focus on developing fundamental skills, fostering teamwork, and promoting strong sportsmanship—both on and off the field.

At RYFH, we are committed to creating a positive environment where every player can grow, compete, and build lasting confidence and friendships.

Want to learn more about the sport? Visit USA Field Hockey 101 →

  • Skill Development — Age-appropriate coaching focused on fundamentals and progression at every level.
  • Teamwork — Building communication, trust, and cooperation on and off the field.
  • Sportsmanship — Competing with integrity, respect, and grace in victory and defeat.
  • Community — Powered entirely by volunteers who love the game and the town of Reading.

Program at a Glance


Registration Opens May 1

Fall Season

Open to Reading residents in grades 3 through 8. The program is designed to provide age-appropriate instruction, skill development, and competitive play in a positive and supportive environment.

Registration Opens May 1
Grades 3 & 4

Division 3/4

7 vs. 7 · Optional Goalkeeper · 2×20 min halves · 5-min halftime
  • Development-focused environment for introduction to game play
  • Officiated by one or two Junior Officials
  • Balanced teams by elementary school & grade
  • Learning fundamental field hockey skills
  • Understanding game rules & basic strategies
  • Equal playing time emphasized
  • Opportunities to try new positions
Grades 5 & 6

Division 5/6

12 vs. 12 · With Goalkeeper · 2×25 min halves · 5-min halftime
  • Transition to full-field play
  • Two-official games
  • Penalty corners introduced
  • Fly substitutions (except during penalty corners)
  • Identifying positional strengths (forward, defender, midfielder, GK)
  • Strong commitment to practices & games essential
Grades 7 & 8

Division 7/8

12 vs. 12 · With Goalkeeper · 2×25 min halves · 5-min halftime
  • High school transition preparation
  • Advanced skills & situational strategy
  • Equal playing time not guaranteed
  • Accountability, leadership & work ethic expected
  • Penalty corners & fly substitutions
  • Dedication & responsibility emphasized

Fall 7/8 Select Team

The Baystate Youth Field Hockey League provides a higher-level playing opportunity in addition to our town's balanced team program. This option allows participating towns to form one Select Team per age group, made up of approximately 16–20 of their top players. Select Teams compete against other towns' Select Teams, with games typically played on Friday evenings. Scores are kept, and a winner is determined at the conclusion of each game. This format differs from our balanced Sunday league play, where development is emphasized and scores and standings are not the primary focus.

The Select Team program is designed for the most committed and advanced players who are seeking more competitive experience. Equal playing time is not guaranteed, and teams compete with the intention of winning, while still upholding the values of sportsmanship and respect.

Players are chosen through invitation and/or tryouts.

Players who wish to be considered for the RYFH 7/8 Select Team can indicate interest when they register for the Fall Season.

If your player is worried that she doesn't play year-round, please remind her that we love athletes of all kinds—especially the ones who give their all and work hard to improve. Please don't hesitate to try out!

Registration Opens May 1

Playing Equipment

Everything your player needs to hit the field safely and confidently.

Whether you're new to field hockey or looking to upgrade your current equipment, we've put together a recommended gear list to make the process simple and convenient.

We also kindly ask that you label all personal items — including sticks, shin guards, sweatshirts, water bottles, and bags — to help prevent lost or misplaced belongings throughout the season. We're excited to see you on the field!

Required Equipment

  • 1
    Field Hockey Stick
    See size chart →
  • 2
    Shin Guards
    Required protection for all players
  • 3
    Eye Mask Goggles
    RYFH requires players to wear protective eyewear
  • 4
    Game Socks
    HOME games: WHITE socks · AWAY games: BLACK socks
  • 5
    Mouth Guard
    Required for all divisions
  • 6
    Turf Shoes
    Required for 7/8 players
  • 7
    Water Bottle
    Strongly recommended for all practices & games
🧦
Sock Color Reminder
HOME games require WHITE socks. AWAY games require BLACK socks. Please plan accordingly!
Field Hockey Stick Size Chart
Player HeightStick Size
4' & Under28"
4'1" – 4'3"30"
4'4" – 4'6"32"
4'7" – 5'34"
5'1" – 5'3"35" – 35.5"
5'4" – 5'9"36" – 36.5"
5'10" & Over37" – 37.5"

Fields & Facilities

All home games and practices take place on Reading's premier turf fields.

Home Games
Reading Memorial High School — Turf 2
62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA
Schedule
TBD
Restrooms
Public restrooms available on site
Spectators
Welcome on the bleachers. (Opposite side of gates) or bring a chair outside the fence. Only coaches, players & officials inside the fence.
Practices
Parker Middle School — Turf
45 Temple Street, Reading, MA
Typically
Saturday afternoons
Schedule
TBD
Restrooms
Portable restroom on site
Spectators
Welcome on the bleachers

Clubs & Camps

We encourage our players to play field hockey year-round. Explore these opportunities.

Seacoast Field Hockey
Hampton, NH
Learn More
Wizards Field Hockey Club
Bedford, MA
Learn More
Northeast Elite Field Hockey Club
Newburyport, MA
Learn More
New England Stars Field Hockey
Norton, MA
Learn More
Cape Ann Field Hockey Club
Worcester, MA
Learn More

Atlas Sports Clinics

Winchester, MA
Learn More

Nike Field Hockey Summer Camp

Endicott College — Beverly, MA
Learn More

UNH Field Hockey Summer Camp

University of New Hampshire — Durham, NH
Learn More

Boston College Field Hockey Summer Camp

Newton, MA
Learn More

RYFH Store

Custom RYFH apparel — show your Rockets pride on and off the field.

Get ready, field hockey fans! Our custom online store — built just for you — launches in the Spring. Be the first to gear up with exclusive finds made for true lovers of the game. Stay tuned and don't miss out!

Online Store Opening Soon
⚠️
Please review your order carefully before submitting. Because all apparel is custom decorated, we are unable to offer returns or exchanges. Be sure to check item descriptions and sizing details prior to purchasing. Once the store closes, orders are processed promptly and cannot be canceled or modified. Thank you for your understanding and support!

Contact Us

Have a question about our program? Interested in volunteering? We'd love to hear from you.

Or email us directly at readingyfh@gmail.com

Program
Reading Youth Field Hockey (RYFH)
Location
Reading, Massachusetts
Season
Fall — Early September through Early November
League
Baystate Youth Field Hockey League