Key Takeaways
- The USA Field Hockey Bessant Grow the Game Grant provides financial and networking support to organizations that create sustainable “Field Hockey Hot Spots.”
- Funding originated from a $1 million donation by Board Member Cathy Bessant, earmarked to grow the sport over a four‑year cycle.
- 2026 marks the third award year, with $50,000 distributed to eight recipients and a further $50,000 slated for 2027 ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- Grants are awarded to coalitions that demonstrate collaborative, community‑focused approaches and will be mentored by previous cohort members.
- The 2026 awardees span schools, municipal recreation departments, clubs, state chapters, and regional organizations across the United States.
- Applications for the 2027 grant cycle will open in January on the USA Field Hockey website, inviting continued innovation in grassroots field hockey development.
Purpose and Definition of Field Hockey Hot Spots
USA Field Hockey defines a “Field Hockey Hot Spot” as any geographic location where the sport becomes a readily accessible option for discovery, participation, competition, skill development, coaching, umpiring, and fan engagement. These Hot Spots are intended to serve as vibrant hubs that nurture players of all ages and backgrounds, provide pathways for elite competition, and foster a thriving ecosystem of athletes, coaches, officials, and enthusiasts. By concentrating resources and support in designated areas, the organization aims to amplify the sport’s visibility, improve infrastructure, and ensure long‑term sustainability for the communities that adopt it.
Genesis of the Bessant Grow the Game Grant
The grant program was launched in 2024 through the generosity of Cathy Bessant, a long‑time advocate and Board Member of USA Field Hockey. Ms. Bessant’s $1 million contribution, facilitated by Bank of America, earmarked $200,000 annually for initiatives that expand participation and strengthen grassroots infrastructure. The inaugural award cycle distributed $100,000 each year, and by 2026 the program has progressed to its third consecutive funding round, now allocating $50,000 to eight emerging leaders. This structured, multi‑year approach reflects the organization’s commitment to sustained growth and measurable impact across the United States.
Funding Structure and Future Allocation
The Bessant Grow the Game Grant operates on a four‑year funding schedule that culminates ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Each year, a predetermined amount is distributed to selected awardees, with $100,000 awarded in 2024 and 2025 already deployed to accelerate program implementation. In 2026, eight organizations each receive $50,000, followed by another $50,000 grant in 2027 to further expand Hot Spot initiatives. This predictable allocation model provides awardees with reliable financial planning horizons while aligning grant disbursement with strategic Olympic timelines that can amplify national interest in the sport.
Eligibility and Sustainability Requirements
Applicants for the grant must demonstrate a collaborative, community‑focused strategy that builds a durable field hockey ecosystem. Eligible entities include clubs, state chapters, multi‑sport organizations such as schools, parks and recreation departments, YMCAs, colleges and universities, and sports facilities. Proposals are expected to outline how funding will be used to create sustainable participation pathways, enhance coaching and umpire development, and foster inclusive fan engagement. Successful projects often integrate partnerships with local governments, private sponsors, and volunteer networks to ensure that resources are leveraged efficiently and that the Hot Spot model can be replicated or scaled over time.
Support Beyond Funding: Mentorship and Networking
Beyond monetary awards, grant recipients gain access to a robust network of peers and mentors. The 2024 and 2025 cohort of awardees serve as mentors, offering guidance, sharing best practices, and facilitating knowledge exchange among the 2026 awardees. This mentorship framework encourages collaborative problem‑solving and accelerates the diffusion of proven strategies across the country. Additionally, grant participants are invited to attend exclusive networking events, webinars, and workshops hosted by USA Field Hockey, where they can connect with national leaders, sponsors, and athletes, thereby expanding their influence and the reach of their initiatives.
2026 Awardees and Recognition
The eight organizations selected for the 2026 Bessant Grow the Game Grant are: Amanda Abood, representing McCall Middle School within Winchester Public Schools in Massachusetts; Garyn Daniels of Kent Parks & Recreation in Ohio; Michelle Drummond of Prodigy Field Hockey Club in Florida; Danny Haydon of New York City Field Hockey Club; Sienna Nelson of the City of Wilmington Parks & Recreation in Delaware; Amy Robertson, the North Carolina State Chapter; Brittany Romano of the Illinois State Chapter; and Margi Whittingham, leading the Great Lakes Regional Field Hockey Club in Michigan. These awardees exemplify diverse approaches to cultivating Hot Spots, ranging from school‑based programs to municipal recreation projects and regional club initiatives. USA Field Hockey extends heartfelt congratulations to each recipient and acknowledges the vital role of the Bessant Grow the Game Voting Committee, which includes Rachel Dawson, Adam Falla, Melissa Gonzalez, Miki Osherow, and Chip Rogers, in selecting the awardees.
Gratitude and Forward‑Looking Statement
USA Field Hockey expresses sincere gratitude to all 2026 applicants whose innovative proposals reflected the commitment and creativity of grassroots leaders nationwide. A special thank you is extended to Cathy Bessant for her visionary support and to the voting committee for their diligent oversight of the selection process. The organization also thanks the broader community of field hockey advocates whose ongoing efforts keep the sport thriving at the local level. Anticipating continued growth, USA Field Hockey announces that the application window for the 2027 Bessant Grow the Game Grant will open in January on usafieldhockey.com, inviting fresh ideas and partnerships to further expand Hot Spot networks in preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games. This forward‑looking approach underscores the organization’s dedication to nurturing sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant field hockey ecosystems across the United States.