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At Needham Youth Field Hockey, we are strong believers in the ability of girls to become successful in all areas of their lives' through sport. Our program is designed to help players reach their goals and fulfill their highest potential, both on and off the field.

Needham Youth Field Hockey aims to teach fundamental field hockey skills, introduce team play while encouraging good sportsmanship and is offered to 1st through 8th graders.

Our hope is that your player will fall in love with the sport we are so passionate about, and that they will play in the years that follow Needham Youth Field Hockey!

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ABOUT US

Needham Youth Field Hockey was founded by Dina Hannigan . In addition to helping coach, she is the league Director. Dina started playing field hockey in elementary school, continued through high school, and then went on to play Division II field hockey in college. Coach Hannigan also coaches the JV 2 field hockey team (& varsity girls rugby) at Needham High School. Fall '26 is her 9th season there.

Tessa Taylor is NYFH's Assistant Director. Tessa has been coaching with

Needham Youth Field Hockey since its' inception. Tessa played high school field hockey and went on to play Division 1 in college. She spent a season in the Fall of '24 as an assistant varsity coach at BB & N in Cambridge, MA. Coach Tessa is currently the varsity coach at Needham High School. Fall '26 is her 2nd season there.

Both Dina and Tessa are extremely passionate about helping grow the sport of field hockey in the US, but especially locally here in Needham!

About

HISTORY

History

In 2022 we incorporated as a non profit and we welcomed players across 7 teams and had an amazing season.

Our Fall season was so popular, and initially Fall was going to be the only season we planned; but there was such a huge demand to do something in the Spring too. We thought what a better way to keep the sticks in the girls hands in the off season, and do more of a clinic style session in the Spring. We have more than doubled in size since we started, and we continue to grow with each season!

We founded this league to provide players an opportunity to learn field hockey as young as many of our neighboring towns. We also wanted to find a way to support our community other than coaching, which is why we are so passionate about helping other non profits for which we are passionate about. We have donated to over 20 organizations all of which whose mission is similar to ours; in a nutshell, to better our communities and help those in need.

As a non- competitive league, we don't hold tryouts or create teams based solely on skill level. We are an inclusive, empowering community where not only will your children learn how to play field hockey; they will be heard & respected; and made to feel as part of a team no matter their skill level. We incorporate social/ emotional elements into our coaching style so that the lessons they learn with us, they can take with them off the field as well. It is extremely important to us that NYFH is a place for girls to be empowered and to empower each other.