The Hempfield Field Hockey Booster Club will host its annual barbecue fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Hempfield recCenter, 950 Church St., Landisville. The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Meals will be able to purchase for a set price, and they will include chicken from Peters' Barbecue, a baked potato, a roll, applesauce and a drink. Cash and check payment will be preferred, but electronic payment options will also be available on the day of the fundraiser.

The proceeds from the barbecue will directly support the field hockey team by assisting with equipment costs and allowing the coaches to purchase meals for players when they travel for away games during the season. The funds will also be used to cover the cost of team camps, offseason leagues at Spooky Nook and team bonding activities such as the banquet at the end of the season. In July, the players on the team traveled to Penn State University for a summer training camp.

The barbecue serves as the field hockey team's largest annual fundraiser. It was previously held at Stauffers of Kissel Hill in Rohrerstown; this will be the first year that the booster club is holding the event at Hempfield recCenter.

The members of the booster club and coaches of the field hockey team seek to make the program an extension of its players' high school experience by teaching them skills that will serve them in other areas. As field hockey players, students have a chance to learn teamwork and communication skills and gain experience in overcoming obstacles. The high school players also work with younger players in the offseason to grow the field hockey community and to prepare them to compete at the high school level when they are older. Many of the team's players volunteer at youth field hockey camps throughout the year to mentor the younger players.

The field hockey season will kick off on Wednesday, Aug. 23, with a scrimmage against Wilson High School. The first official game will be held on Thursday, Aug. 31, versus Exeter Township Senior High School at the quad on Hempfield High School's campus.

The players noted that they are excited to improve their game and grow together as a team. The seniors on the field hockey team said they look forward to welcoming the new players and showing them the ropes.

"We are looking forward to continuing to grow and develop as a team throughout the season," said coach Sara Brooks.

For more information, search for "Hempfield Field Hockey" on Facebook.