Pine-Richland head field hockey coach Donna Steph-enson takes any opportunity she can to promote the sport.

It is her passion that has helped bring StickStarz to Western Pennsylvania.

StickStarz introduces young players to the game of field hockey while building a foundation of solid skills.

It consists of eight one-and-a-half hour sessions with 45 minutes dedicated to skill development and 45 minutes dedicated to real game action.

It is designed to enhance and reinforce the skill development.

The program runs on Sundays from 5 to 6:30 p.m., March 30 through May 18, at the Pine-Richland High School stadium.

"This is the first opportunity many girls will have to play field hockey," Stephenson said.

To get involved in StickStarz, kids must be a member of US Field Hockey ($25), and the cost to participate in StickStarz is $175.

For kids who do not have their own equipment, there is a package being offered for $45 that includes a stick, shin guards, a mouth guard, a T-shirt and a stick bag.

Stephenson said that for players who need only a stick, she will have a few for them to borrow for the camp.

"I am the site manager for the program, and Jenny Dumas, former Washington & Jefferson head coach, will serve as the head coach for our StickStarz site with high school field hockey players as assistant coaches," Steph-enson said.

"I am really excited about bringing this program to the Pittsburgh area and being able to offer it here in our school district, andI hope that parents consider this opportunity for their children."

For more information on StickStarz, visit www.usfieldhockey.com/stickstarz [1].

The Pittsburgh site is listed under Region 9, the Great Lakes region, notunder Pennsylvania.

Deadline to register is March 26.

Stephenson said she Stick-Starz is the beginning for possible feeder programs for field hockey, with the ultimate goal being a futures program.