Youth

Why underwater hockey is good for kids

• Confidence in the water. Kids learn to dive, clear a snorkel and move comfortably in deep water. Those water-safety skills last a lifetime.

• Fitness without the pounding. Swimming, diving and breath-holding work the whole body. There's no running on pavement and no body checking.

• Calm under pressure. Every play means holding a breath, staying relaxed and making a quick decision. Kids learn to manage nerves, and that carries into tests and other stressful moments.

• Teamwork without shouting. Nobody can talk underwater, so players learn to read teammates and communicate through positioning. Kids who feel lost in loud, fast sports often do well here.

• A place to belong. Players of all ages and sizes often share the same team. Kids join a small group that welcomes newcomers and celebrates effort.

Your child's first night

6:30: Arrive and check in. We fit your child with fins, mask, snorkel, glove, stick and cap.
6:40: Pool-side intro to how the game works and how to breathe through a snorkel.
6:50: Skills in the shallow end: surface diving, moving the puck, passing to a partner.
7:10: Small games and relays with other kids.
7:25: Friendly scrimmage with experienced players in the water beside them.
7:45: Wrap-up. Parents can ask the coaches questions.

Kids set their own pace. Anyone who wants a break can rest at the wall and jump back in when ready.

Safety comes first

• Adults in the water. Experienced adult players are in the pool with the kids during every drill and scrimmage.

• Protective gear. A padded glove protects the playing hand, and a water polo cap with ear guards protects the ears.

• Surface anytime. Kids come up whenever they need a breath. There's no required breath-hold time and no pressure to go deep.

• Ear comfort. We teach kids to equalize ear pressure on day one, the same technique divers use.

• Gentle contact. The water slows everything down, which keeps bumps gentle.

Before you come

• • Bring a swimsuit and a towel. Goggles aren't needed since we provide a mask.

  • Eat light. Finish a meal at least an hour before practice.

  • Hair and jewelry. Tie back long hair and leave jewelry at home.

  • Glasses. Kids who wear glasses can play in contacts. Ask us about prescription mask options.

  • Waivers. A parent or guardian signs the club and Kroc Center waivers before the first visit. Both are on the Fees page.

After the first night

Most kids know right away whether they're hooked. Here's what comes next:

• • Keep coming. Join the Kroc Center youth session for 8 weeks of regular practice.

  • Use our gear. Loaner equipment is available while your child decides whether to stick with it.

  • Get your own kit. Families who continue usually buy a stick, glove and snorkel from a starter kit. See the Gear page.

  • Play in events. As they build skills, youth players can join club scrimmages and regional tournaments.

Parent questions

• • How well does my child need to swim?
    Well enough to swim 50 yards, which is two lengths of the pool, without stopping.

  • Does my child need swim team experience?
    No. If your child swims comfortably, we'll teach the rest.

  • Is holding your breath scary?
    It doesn't need to be. Kids start with a few seconds at the surface and build up naturally. Nobody is pushed.

  • What does it cost after the free visit?
    A Kroc Center youth session runs 8 weeks for $40 (members) or $64 (non-members). A single club practice is $10.

  • Can I watch?
    Yes. Parents are welcome on the pool deck.

  • What if my child only comes once?
    That's completely fine. There's no commitment to try it.

  •  Is a waiver required?
    Yes. A parent or guardian signs a waiver for players under 18.