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gateway field hockey

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

REGISTER FOR FALL MINI STICKS

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 in Fall of 2026 - $85 on/before June 30, $95 between July 1-July 31, $105 on/after August 1
  • Kindergarten in Fall of 2026 - $105 on/before June 30, $115 between July 1-July 31, $125 on/after August 1
  • Registrations close when the program is full - programs fill quickly

League Dates: 

  • Saturdays, September 12, 19, 27*, October 3*, 11, 17
  • *On Sundays due to a club tournament and the St. Joe vs Villa HS game on those Saturday

Times: Mini Sticks will be assigned a practice slot between 9:30am-1:30pm 

Notes: Athletes must 3 years old by August 1, 2026 and must be potty trained and able to work in a small group/team with a few coaches while their parents are on the sideline.

REGISTER HERE!

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.

Spring Mini-Sticks

2026 SPRING MINI STICKS - Information Coming in January 2027

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 - 
  • Kindergarten - 
  • Registrations close when the program is full

Location: 

Dates:

Times: 

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.

REGISTER FOR MINI STICKS - Opens in January 2027

mini sticks GALLERY