Chasing Olympic Glory: Insights from USA Field Hockey’s David Passmore
From youth coaching in the UK and Ireland to USA Field Hockey, David Passmore shares his journey and vision.
A passion for hockey
David Passmore's love of hockey began at the age of eight, inspired by his sister and nurtured at a UK state school. His passion carried him through university, leading to a career that spans coaching roles with England and Great Britain Hockey, directing sports science programs, and holding key positions with the Irish Hockey.
On the initial coaching spark...
I started coaching at 19 due to a back injury that side-lined me from playing. My teacher training was incredibly beneficial, equipping me with skills in planning, managing people, and communication. Early on, I had success with youth teams, and by 1999 I was the under-18 women’s head coach for England Hockey, just three years into my coaching career.
Credit: worldsportpics.com/Frank Uijlenbroek
On his start at England and Great Britain Hockey...
My time there was foundational. Chris Spice, the performance director, and I shared similar coaching philosophies. We aimed to instil enjoyment, positivity, and confidence in young players about international hockey. I oversaw the under-21s, under-18s, and under-16s, providing continuity for the players. This period was successful, with many from our group winning bronze at London 2012 and gold at Rio 2016. I'm fortunate to have connected with so many great coaches and players over the years.
On the transformative years at the Irish Hockey Association...
In 2005, I moved to Ireland to coach the men's team, establishing the first high-performance system in the sport. After three years, I stepped up to become the Performance Director, allowing me to return to university and complete my professional doctorate on elite development. However, I soon returned to coaching the Irish under-21 women's team.
Credit: worldsportpics.com/Frank Uijlenbroek
On a new chapter in the USA...
After my time in Ireland, I felt I had become a better coach, with a stronger sports science background, and I was eager to apply this knowledge and lead a team to the Olympics.
On his coaching philosophy...
Authenticity is crucial in coaching. Many coaches mimic their former coaches, which can stifle their own personality and creativity. Good coaches are observant, reflective, and open to feedback, even when it’s tough. This openness accelerates progress.
On the unique dynamics of USA Field Hockey...
In the USA, hockey is predominantly a women’s sport, centered around the college system rather than clubs. The clubs are private organizations, not community based, like in the Europe, and their primary aim is to develop players, many of whom are seeking to secure university scholarships for players, which can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. To support young players and the colleges, USA Field Hockey runs various events, such as indoor and outdoor club tournaments, to showcase players to college recruiters.
On the USA Field Hockey’s Nexus program...
The Nexus program identifies and nurtures young talent through regional training and national trials, helping us build a strong player base. This Easter, we took three under-18 teams to Europe and recently, we had national teams at the Junior World Cup, Indoor World Cup, Hockey 5s World Cup, and Pro League. Craig Parnham, our Performance Director, is establishing a robust performance structure, ensuring continuity for players and coaches. This continuity is very important, as it gives the coaches and players clarity around objectives, skills, and style of play. Without it, it is easy for a coach to focus more on immediate wins, rather than long-term player development.
“As we prepare for Paris, we’ll train on the Poligras Paris GT zero turf in Dublin, which is crucial for our readiness.”
On Charlotte as a hub for hockey excellence...
Charlotte was chosen as our training base because the city aims to become a center for Olympic sports through the USPC. They’ve invested in top-notch facilities, including the Poligras Paris GT zero hockey turf. We have comprehensive support, including strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, psychological support, and nutritionists.
On working with the college system...
Working closely with college coaches is vital, especially with LA 2028 approaching. Colleges invest heavily in their athletes, and we respect the importance of education. For Paris 2024, seven players took a year off college, a significant commitment that thankfully paid off by us securing our qualification.
Credit: 2024 Getty Images
On building a centralized program...
When I arrived in Charlotte, we had nine players training. Now, we have a squad of 28, with players relocating to the city. This centralized approach ensures focused training and cohesive team development. Players train in the mornings, with many working part-time in the afternoons and evenings. Remote work has been beneficial in this regard. My role involves a lot of people and resource management as much as coaching, and my experience as a performance director helps me understand the support structures needed for a centralized group.
On bridging the experience gap...
We face a unique challenge with a younger squad lacking the extensive international experience seen in other countries. Our average caps are below 30, and the average age is around 22. This is very different from other international teams, and of course many players don't reach their full potential until mid to late 20s. However, this youthfulness offers exciting potential for rapid learning and growth.
On preparing for Paris 2024...
We are focusing on a strong defensive base, thanks to my assistant coach's (Javier Telechea) expertise in defensive structures, pressing, and individual techniques. We're enhancing our transition into midfield and attack, encouraging faster and more dynamic play. As we prepare for Paris, we’ll train on the Poligras Paris GT zero turf in Dublin, which is crucial for our readiness.
On facing Olympic rivals...
In Paris, we’ll face Argentina, Australia, South Africa, Spain, and Great Britain. We’ve done better against Argentina of late (the USA lost late in a 4-5 encounter) and recently beat Great Britain in the Pro League. We enjoy the challenge of Australia’s attacking style, and Spain presents a new opportunity, as we are less familiar with them. Finally, our final match versus South Africa could be a crucial must-win game.
On his favourite match...
The Ireland versus Canada qualification games for Tokyo 2020 were one of the standouts in my career. It was ‘Big Stadium Hockey,’ and, as assistant coach, the atmosphere in the sold-out Dublin rugby stadium was electric, with 13,000 people in attendance over the two games. The games were incredibly tight, culminating in a thrilling shootout.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games hockey competition will take place on Poligras Paris GT zero turf from July 27th to 9th August.