Learn to Play for our Youngest Athletes!
ABOUT MINI STICKS
Mini Sticks is the perfect first step into the exciting world of field hockey for athletes ages 3–6 (JK/PK and Kindergarten)! Designed with young athletes in mind, this program introduces the game in a fun, energetic, and welcoming environment.
Our amazing team of coaches focus on building basic field hockey skills, confidence, and coordination—then bring it all together with small-sided fun games that keep kids moving, smiling, and engaged. With 2–4 coaches per team, every child gets plenty of attention, encouragement, and high-fives along the way!
Teams are thoughtfully created based on age and friend requests, but no worries if your child is coming solo—Mini Sticks is the perfect place to make new friends and be part of a team.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Kate@gatewayfieldhockey.com. We can’t wait to see your little athlete pick up a stick and fall in love with the game!
PK/JK and Kindergarten Offerings
Winter Mini Sticks
Held during January and February, but only for Kindergarten!
Spring Mini Sticks
Held during April and May for PK/JK and Kindergarten!
Fall Mini Sticks
Held during September and October for PK/JK and Kindergarten!
season information
Spring Mini-Sticks
2026 SPRING MINI STICKS
Divisions Includes:
- JK/PK Division - Fun skills and drills the first half then we will begin to mix in some game play in the later sessions
- Kindergarten Division - Skills and drills plus game play each week
- All athletes will receive a Gateway Mini Sticks uniform shirt to wear each week.
Fees: Vary depending on program (JK/PK Fee / K Fee)
- JK/PK - $85 on/before Feb 10, $95 after
- Kindergarten - $105 on/before Feb 10, $115 after
- Registrations close when the program is full
Location: Villa Duchesne - 10801 Conway Road, Frontenac, MO
Mini Sticks Dates:
- Week 1 - Saturday, April 4
- Week 2 - Sunday, April 12
- Week 3 - Sunday, April 19
- Week 4 - Sunday, April 26
- Week 5 - Sunday, May 3
- Week 6 - Saturday, May 16 (on Saturday due to Villa's graduation on Sunday)
Times: Every team will be assigned one game slots between 10:30am-1:30pm
Notes: Athletes must be potty independent and able to work in a small group/team with a few coaches while their parents are on the sideline.
Fall Mini Sticks
FALL MINI STICKS REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 15
Divisions Includes:
- JK/PK Division - All skills and drills with some game worked into stations
- Kindergarten Division - Half skills and drills and half game play each week (games will be reffed)
- All athletes will receive a Gateway Mini Sticks uniform shirt to wear each week.
Fees:
- JK/PK Fees - TBA
- Kindergarten Fees - TBA
- Registration closes when the program is full
Location: Villa Duchesne - 10801 Conway Road, Frontenac, MO
League Dates: TBA
Times: Mini Sticks will be assigned a practice slot between 10am-1pm (younger kids earlier)
Notes: Athletes must be potty trained and able to work in a small group/team with a few coaches while their parents are on the sideline.
Winter Mini Sticks
2026 WINTER MINI STICKS - PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY FULL!
Includes: Gateway uniform shirt, coaching, and tons of fun learning field hockey!
Open to:
- Kindergarten division (must currently be in Kindergarten)
- We welcome on PK/JK athletes back to Mini Sticks in the spring at Villa!
Fees:
- Early Bird:
- Regular:
- Late:
Location: STL Athletic Center (indoors)
League Dates: Saturdays - January 10, 17, 31, February 7, 14, 21
Times: One time slot in the mid morning on Saturdays
Notes: JK/PK 4 year olds with experience should email Kate before possibly registering as the winter Kindergarten division plays games.
SUMMER MINI CAMPS
Mini Camps are the perfect opportunity to grow your field hockey skills, develop your team game, and have fun in a one day two hour camp setting! Kick off the 4th of July weekend early with the Firecracker Mini Camp or gather your friends and get ready for the fall season during the Pre-Season Mini Camp.
Firecracker Mini Camp Option 1: Tuesday, July 1 - 8:30-10:30am - $50 @ Villa
Firecracker Mini Camp Option 2: Wednesday, July 2 - 8:30-10:30am - $50 @ Villa
Pre-Season Mini Camp Option 3: Tuesday, August 12 - 8:30-10:30am - $50 @ TBD
Pre-Season Mini Camp Option 4: Wednesday, August 13 - 8:30-10:30am - $50 @ TBD
Open to Rising Kindergarten-6th graders - Must be 5 years old going into Kindergarten in the fall of 2025
**Limited Spots Available**
mini sticks GALLERY
