COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Field Hockey is excited to announce the launch of the USA Field Hockey Bessant Grow the Game Grant. This grant will support leaders in building “Field Hockey Hot Spots”, which are defined as places where field hockey is an accessible sport option for people to discover, play, learn, compete, improve and excel as athletes, coaches, umpires and fans.
The Bessant Grow the Game Grant was established in 2024 through the generosity and vision of USA Field Hockey’s Board of Directors Chair Cathy Bessant. Bessant, a trailblazer in life and in her career with Bank of America, personifies leadership and stewardship. She has supported field hockey for many years; locally in her community of Charlotte, N.C., regionally, nationally and internationally. In 2024, Bessant, supported by the Bank of America, gave USA Field Hockey a donation of $1 million, with $200,000 earmarked for growing the game.
The Bessant Grow the Game Grant will be awarded over the next four years to applicants working to develop sustainable field hockey opportunities and ecosystems in communities throughout the United States. $50,000 will be awarded in 2024, with a maximum award of $10,000 per applicant. Applications for the 2024 grant will be accepted through September 1, 2024. Applicants must be USA Field Hockey Members. Click here for more information and to apply.
The Bessant Grow the Game Grant will support clubs and organizations committed to growing the game by creating sustainable field hockey opportunities and increasing participation in the sport. Successful field hockey ecosystems, or “Field Hockey Hot Spots”, may include clubs, state chapters, multi-sport organizations such as schools, parks and recreation centers, YMCAs, sports facilities, and more.
In addition to financial support, Grantees will receive networking opportunities, mentorship, and participation in the grant cohort. The mentors will be hand-picked as someone who can best support and collaborate with the Grantee’s vision. 2024 Grantees will participate as mentors for 2025 Grantees.
“Growing field hockey in the United States is important for supporting athletic participation, inclusiveness, and competitiveness at all levels,” said Bessant. “I’m hopeful that the opportunities these grants create will do just that.”
“This is an amazing gift from Cathy that will be hugely impactful in Growing the Game,” stated Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey’s Executive Director. “We know that committed field hockey entrepreneurs who boldly and skillfully start and develop hockey programs in new communities are at the heart of the game’s growth. These grants will accelerate this incredible work and inspire ever more people into field hockey.”
Thank you to Cathy Bessant and Bank of America for their leadership, generosity and commitment to USA Field Hockey.
For more information and to apply to the Bessant Grow the Game Grant, click here.
By USWNT
