Tichelman to Headline Day Two of 2024 Virtual National Coaches Forum

Tichelman will present on the continuum of development from youth to high performance.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Thomas Tichelman, renowned Netherlands coach, will kick off Day 2 of the Virtual National Coaches Forum on December 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ET, with a focus on youth development and its critical importance. Tichelman will lead a session titled “From Youth, Club, Collegiate to High Performance: Insights from the Dutch Olympic Program”.  The session will focus on proven strategies and structured development pathways that have positioned the Netherlands as a global leader in field hockey. Tichelman’s approach provides a roadmap for coaches at every level, to guide athletes from grassroots programs to high-performance success. 

Tichelman’s career is distinguished by his contributions to the sport as the founder of SportWays BV and co-founder of SportsInq BV, organizations dedicated to advancing field hockey excellence. He has served as an assistant coach for the Netherlands’ Men’s and Women’s National Teams, working alongside iconic coaches like Paul van Ass, Max Caldas, and Roelant Oltmans. His achievements include gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the FIH Hockey Pro League in 2023 and 2024, and the 2023 European Championship, as well as silver medals at the 2014 World Cup and London 2012 Olympic Games.

Currently, Tichelman is active in the Hockey India League as an assistant coach and consults for the U.S. Women’s National Team, lending his expertise to support their growth on the international stage. His diverse experiences offer invaluable lessons for coaches looking to enhance player development at all levels.

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"We are thrilled to welcome Thomas Tichelman to this year’s forum,” said Craig Parnham, USA Field Hockey’s High Performance Director. “His ability to connect club-level development with elite performance strategies is unmatched, and his insights will inspire and equip coaches to elevate their programs.”

 Tichelman’s session will be complemented by interactive discussions and presentations that highlight innovative coaching methods, aligning with USA Field Hockey’s “USA Way” principles. The event promises to leave participants with actionable strategies to implement in their coaching practices. 

For more information on the 2024 Virtual National Coaches Forum and to view the full schedule, visit the event page.