Coastside Youth Association, Inc.

Hundreds of girls and boys have grown up playing recreational roller hockey in the coed North Coast Hockey League (NCHL) since it began 25 years ago. Roller hockey is fun, great exercise and builds skills and develops teamwork.

Since 2008, the NCHL has operated a roller hockey program for youth ages 5-16 at the regulation 180x80' outdoor hockey rink we built at Half Moon Bay High School. The rink has all the fixings: an outdoor skating surface, full boards topped with glass, an electronic scoreboard and, of course, a snack shack.

The youth league has 3 divisions: Squirt (roughly ages 5-8/9); PeeWees (9-11/12); and Bantams (12-15). The NCHL is a non-contact league and players compete in full protective padding. The low registration fees cover free jersey, awards, and pictures. Scholarships and sibling discounts are available, and the league operates a well-stocked Gear Swap so players have access to affordable and/or free equipment for as long as they need it.

Officials and coaches emphasize teamwork, skill-building, and an appreciation for the sport in a positive learning environment. Game days are community events with entertainment and activities for spectators in between periods, as well as public address announcements and musical interludes to add to the fun atmosphere.

Testimonials

"I like that it's competitive, and girls and boys get to play against each other and together."
-Keira, 9 years old, NCHL player for 5 years

"One of the greatest sights is watching a youth learn to skate for the first time and chasing pucks in no time. Hockey is one of the more challenging games kids can play and its awesome watching them rise to the challenge. Players learn teamwork, winning, losing and these lessons last a lifetime. As a former player and current coach, hockey has always played a big positive role in my life and there is nothing better than passing this on to the next generation"
-Ryan Sullivan NCHL Co-President and founding NCHL player in starting in 1996

"I like that we (NCHL) are like a family. We play against each other and become good friends."
-Kai, 11 years old, NCHL player for 5 years

"I really enjoy that we have an awesome rink so close. I started playing (in the NCHL) when I was 5. Before the Pandemic I joined our HMB Cougars traveling team, we got to play all over California - in Stockton, Woodland, San Jose and Southern California. Hockey is a great sport!"
-Brennan, 15 years old, NCHL player for 5 years

"The NCHL and Rink is definitely a hidden gem. While growing up on the Coast, those of us who played hockey, we would have to drive to San Francisco and Oakland to play on a rink of this caliber. The game of hockey itself is, in my opinion the greatest sport. The kids develop the speed and agility of an NFL Running Back and the hand-eye coordination of a Brandon Crawford or Steph Curry."
-Marc Higaki, NCHL Co-President and founding NCHL player in starting in 1996

"I love how fast and exciting hockey is and I love the teamwork. Playing in the Half Moon Bay league (NCHL) is amazing because of how it feels like being part of a community, and the games and practices on the rink are so fun. Obviously playing in the games is my favorite thing, but I also love skating around and hanging out with my teammates between games."
-Emil, 13 years old, NCHL player for 5 years

"It's amazing to watch the kids' confidence grow and their skating improve, from stepping out on skates for the first time to skating gracefully around the rink toward the end of their first season, which for me is most rewarding.
The whole attitude of the league -- how supportive and fun it is (it's been called "the most fun youth sport on the Coast") while enhancing the kids' skills and giving them a love for the game-- is what sets the NCHL apart. My sons have participated in all local youth sports programs, and my family and our friends say the NCHL has been by far the most positive experience of all.
-Joel Farbstein, former NCHL President

"Our family has over 20 years of experience with youth sports programs, and NCHL stands in a class by itself. The commitment of volunteers to both develop young athletes and create an environment of inclusion is incredible. Our son started at NCHL when he was 5 years old, and over the next 11 years he went from chasing the puck (and rarely catching up to it) to matching the speed of the game to helping dictate the speed of the game. The summer leagues were foundational in developing his abilities/friendships/love of the game, and the opportunity to play on the HMB Cougars traveling inline hockey team created experiences and memories that will last him a lifetime. I can't sufficiently express our gratitude to Joel and Kevin, who brought us into the NCHL family and gave our son his start, and then the likes of Jeff, Brian, Marc and others who stepped up to continue the tradition."

-Jeff S., parent of former NCHL player