CFHC was actually
formed by a small group of very dedicated players about
10 years ago. The club went through several different names,
including the North Shore Field Hockey Club and played six-a-side
tournaments locally and friendly matches with other midwest
teams. After a particularly slow year in 2000, Mohit Bhalla
revived the team but participation was low. In 2003, the
5 founding members of present day club, Mohit Bhalla, Nadeem
Khan, Montoo Baruah, Lisa Sorentino and Faizal Jogee decided
to change the name of the club from North Shore to Chicago
Field Hockey Club and the first website was created by Montoo,
after which participation began to rise. In late 2003, Faizal
Jogee (captain) organized the first internal Six-a-Side
tournament and MVP awards were presented to Nadeem Khan
and Lisa Sorentino. In March, 2004, CFHC made its first
tournament trip to Indiana University. The team had a tough
loss but it was the start of something very special. Players
from around the globe, who didn’t know each other, were
bonded and united together for one common cause – and that
was to play field hockey. Later that year, we rebounded
to win the Michigan State University Spartan Summer Classic.
The new millennium
has seen our club grow rapidly in a short period of time,
and a lot of "firsts" for the club. Our first
captains elections in March 2005 had two postions on the
ballot - the captaincy was split between Mens and Ladies
squads to keep the work load managable and to give CFHC
the option to participate in touranments outside of our
usual coed format. Simon Allen and Theresa Sukal were elected
to lead the club, and took players to MSU, Boston, Atlanta,
and National Festival in addition to an End of the Season
match between the club. Chicago Field Hockey Club applied
for and was incorporated as a “Not for Profit” Organization
registered in the state of Illinois, opened our own checking
account, and Rico Fernandes unveiled the renovated website.
In November 2005, we elected a Board
of Club Directors who work closely with the Captains
to help operate and further develop the club. CFHC now boasts
40+ active club members and a mailing list of many more
than that.
During the
warmer months (March until November, as long as there's
no snow!) we practice outdoors twice a week: in general,
a weeknight training at Northwestern University, and a weekend
scrimmage either held at Northwestern University or Concordia
University. In 2006, Kamal ElKhadiri very successfully organized
our first Indoor
League (complete with sideboards!) for the beginning
of the year when it's too cold to be outside. Club members
were split into teams and played each other to determine
the champion over the course of the season, which ran from
January until March.
CFHC has participated
in several field
hockey tournaments in the midwest and other cities nationally.
As a team we have built a reputation of being a dedicated
and competitive club while still being able to appreciate
the great camaraderie that field hockey can develop. In
2006, we hosted 7 other teams for the first Chicago
Cup tournament. If you are looking for competitive
hockey, CFHC has a bunch of very spirited and dedicated
players. If you are looking to experience the great camaraderie
and the social aspect that those of us that love this sport
appreciate so much, you will find it in abundance at our
club. Either way we look forward to you coming out and joining
us. Welcome to the Chicago Field Hockey Club!
Click
here for information on Joining the Club
