Is Wrestling For Beginners? And what if my child struggles?
Absolutely!
Many HWC wrestlers start with little or no wrestling experience. Our programs are organized by age and developmental level so athletes can learn at an appropriate pace.
For beginners, the goal isn't to throw them immediately into competition. We want them to learn the sport, build confidence, have fun, and want to come back to practice.
No previous wrestling experience is required.
Furthermore, every wrestler struggles.
It's normal.
Wrestling can be challenging, especially for a young athlete learning something completely new. Coaches work to balance instruction, challenge, movement, competition, and fun based on the age group they're coaching.
We don't expect a 5-year-old to train like a 14-year-old. And we don't expect a beginner to train like an experienced wrestler
Our goal is to help wrestlers become more comfortable, confident, and capable over time while developing a positive relationship with the sport.
What program is right for my child?
Tots | Ages 5–8
Fun. Movement. Confidence.
An introduction to wrestling through movement, coordination, structured games, basic technique, and age-appropriate challenges.
Little Huskies | Ages 8–12
Learn. Develop. Challenge Yourself.
Fundamentals, body control, technique, discipline, live wrestling, and competition when ready.
Junior Huskies | Ages 10–14
Train. Compete. Prepare.
More intensive training, advanced technique, conditioning, live wrestling, and regular competition.
High School Huskies | Ages 14+
Elevate. Prepare. Lead.
Preseason and offseason training for high school wrestlers looking for additional development and competition preparation.
Age is a starting point. Development matters too.
Some age groups intentionally overlap because experience, maturity, and readiness vary from wrestler to wrestler. If you're unsure where your child belongs, contact us and we'll help you find the right starting point.
How does competition (tournaments) work?
Wrestlers don't have to compete
Competition is an important part of wrestling, but athletes should compete when they're developmentally ready for the experience.
Junior Huskies is HWC's primary competitive youth program and wrestlers should expect regular competition during the winter season.
Tots and Little Huskies may have opportunities to compete based on interest, experience, readiness, and coach recommendations.
Our goal is to challenge wrestlers appropriately—not rush them.
That being said, during the winter season, HWC coaches identify competition opportunities appropriate for each program and developmental level.
Tournament schedules, registration instructions, arrival times, weigh-in information, and other competition details are communicated directly to participating families through email, WrestlingIQ and/or GroupMe.
Not every wrestler will necessarily attend every tournament. Coaches will help families understand which competition opportunities are appropriate for their wrestler.
Do I need a USA Wrestling membership?
Yes.
USA Wrestling membership is required for all athletes participating in practices and competitions.
This membership provides athlete insurance and is required by USA Wrestling and IKWF.
Memberships renew annually on September 1, so we recommend purchasing your membership beginning September 1 each year.
What equipment does my child need?
• Wrestling shoes
• Athletic shorts
• T-shirt
• Water bottle
Please do not wear running shoes or street shoes on the wrestling mats.
Do you offer girls wrestling?
Absolutely!
Girls are welcome throughout HWC and train in the age- and developmentally appropriate program alongside their teammates.
As girls wrestling continues to grow, HWC is committed to creating opportunities for female wrestlers to learn, compete, develop, and see a clear pathway forward in the sport.
How do I register for tournaments?
Parents register individually through tournament websites after discussing competition plans with their coach.
Most Illinois tournaments use:
• Trackwrestling
• USA Bracketing
How can parents get involved?
HWC is built by more than coaches and wrestlers. Parent and family involvement helps make our club stronger.
Families may have opportunities to help with tournaments, events, hospitality, fundraising, photography, community outreach, and other club activities.
Families interested in coaching or working directly with athletes should contact HWC leadership to learn about applicable USA Wrestling, SafeSport, background-check, and club requirements.