The Amateur Athletic Union has unveiled the schedule and logistics for the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games field hockey competition, confirming the venues and dates for the under‑16 and under‑18 girls' tournaments.
Girls' Competition at the University of Iowa
The University of Iowa will host the U‑16 and U‑18 girls' field hockey events from August 2 through August 4, providing a centralized venue for the nation’s top young talent.
Concurrently, the boys' tournaments will run from August 4 to August 6, allowing a seamless transition for athletes across age groups and genders.
Registration and Financial Obligations
Athletes who earn a spot must complete registration by July 3, 2026, through their USA Field Hockey Membership Account, a process that ties participation to official membership status.
The registration fee stands at $325, and participants are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, meals and any additional AAU-related expenses.
Beyond the sport itself, the AAU Junior Olympic Games bring together more than 14,000 athletes competing in 20 different sports, creating an environment that mirrors the diversity and intensity of an Olympic Games.
USA Field Hockey anticipates selecting roughly 160 athletes for the field hockey component, a pool that includes designated Nexus Championship alternates who remain on a standby list.
Should a vacancy arise, those alternates will be notified and given the opportunity to step into the competition, ensuring continuity of the tournament roster.
Each participant is slated to compete in only one event, allowing focused preparation and fair allocation of resources across the extensive multi‑sport schedule.