FIELD HOCKEY

NOW

RECRUITING ATHLETES FOR

PARA HOCKEY

WORLD CUP TRYOUTS

CALLING ALL MALE & FEMALE ADAPTIVE ATHLETES 18+!

WE ARE LOOKING TO SEND ATHLETES FROM WESTCHESTER, NY

  • Para Hockey for athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) has been played for over 14 years.

    Supported by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) as part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the sport continues to grow worldwide.

  • International competition for male & female athletes age 18+ who qualify under VIRTUS NATIONAL ELIGIBILITY for intellectual disability.

  • The 2026 FIH Para Hockey World Cup will be a 6-a-side tournament played at HC Myra in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and Louvain-La-Neuve HC, in Belgium, from August 21 to 25, 2026.

    The finals will be held in the same arenas as those hosting the FIH Hockey World Cup, namely the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen and the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre.

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  • No prior hockey experience is necessary to participate. Athletes selected for the program will receive training and guidance to prepare for international competition.

  • To ensure athletes are ready to compete as a team, participation requires travel to two team training practices prior to the event in August 2026. These practices are an important opportunity for athletes to learn the game, build skills, and train together as a national team.m description

  • Team & Community Fundraising

    Able Athletics and the USA Field Hockey All Starz community are committed to ensuring that selected athletes can participate with no out-of-pocket costs. Through team and community fundraising efforts, we are working to raise $75,000 to support two training camps and travel to the 2026 Para Hockey World Cup.

    This historic event will be the first dedicated World Cup stage for athletes with intellectual disabilities, and the USA team has been invited to compete. With the support of donors, partners, and our broader community, we aim to fully fund the experience so athletes can focus on training, competing, and representing their country.

    International competition provides athletes with a powerful opportunity to grow through sport—building confidence, independence, and lifelong skills. Like all athletes, our All Starz belong on the world stage.

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FROM THE GROUND UP

Able Athletics is at the forefront of a groundbreaking sports-wide initiative aimed at introducing adaptive field hockey to individuals with diverse abilities. In a pioneering collaboration with USA Field Hockey, Able Athletics stands among a select group of programs dedicated to cultivating inclusive field hockey from its roots. With the robust support of USA Field Hockey,

Able Athletics and other adaptive clubs are afforded the unique opportunity to participate in the esteemed National Indoor Tournament. This event, set in an adaptive and nurturing environment, provides our athletes with an experience that mirrors the prestige and excitement found in mainstream field hockey programs. This partnership not only showcases the spirit of inclusion but also highlights the commitment of USA Field Hockey to embrace and celebrate diversity within the sport.

All participants in Able Field Hockey, whether they are novices or seasoned players, are automatically invited to partake in this annual national event, ensuring an inclusive and exciting opportunity for all.

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NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

COMPETITION

As a recognized USA Field Hockey-All Starz Organization, Able Athletics collaborates with USA Field Hockey to offer our athletes experiences that align with mainstream programs.

Able Athletics is recruiting male and female athletes age 18+ with intellectual disabilities who meet Virtus eligibility criteria to try out for the 2026 Para Hockey World Cup. Selected athletes will train in preparation for international competition.


Contact Melissa Ponzio to learn more and register.

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A woman with glasses smiling, wearing a black sports jersey with blue and white paint splatters and the word 'ABLE' on it, standing in front of a fenced field at an indoor sports complex, with a gold medal hanging around her neck and a tooth inset in her mouth.
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MEET MELISSA

Director of Field Hockey

Melissa Ponzio, an elementary physical education teacher in the Bedford Central School District, boasts a remarkable 18-year tenure in teaching and coaching field hockey. For 8 of those years, she held the esteemed position of Fox Lane Varsity Field Hockey coach. Currently serving as the commissioner for Somers Youth Field Hockey and coaching for Coach Brit Field Hockey, Melissa is a dedicated advocate for the sport.

With two children, one of whom is an Able athlete, Melissa's dual roles as a Physical Education educator and a mother of a child with unique challenges underscore the importance of providing inclusive opportunities and promoting physical activity. Her passion for field hockey and her commitment to fostering inclusivity make her a valuable addition to our team.

CONTACT MELISSA

UPCOMING PROGRAMMING

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