New Junior Players
Welcome to the game of Field Hockey! Here is information to get you started as a new junior player. More details are listed under FAQ's regarding equipment and uniforms.
- Field Hockey is a game that combines the fitness of soccer and the finesse of ice hockey.
- The junior season starts in April and ends in June, just when the soccer and ice hockey seasons are ending.
- It is often difficult for field hockey players to play two or more sports during the season. An athlete must be organized and highly motivated to play two or more sports. Commitment to the team is a must.
- Our U8-U12 female and U8-U10 male junior players participate in our in-house programs and play modified games.
- Our U12-U18 male and U13-U18 female junior players participate in the Greater Vancouver Field Hockey League and play against other Lower Mainland Teams on full sized 11 aside games.
- Hawks Registration is online only.
- You must have a valid Field Hockey BC membership to register for the Hawks Club. FHBC membership will be available online through the Hawks registration system. FHBC membership is $6 for U8-U10, $15 for U11-U12 and $43 for U13-U18.
- Equipment is available for purchase during your Registration. Equipment purchased online will be delivered at practice before you first league game.
- Our home fields are Eric Hamber, Wright, Point Grey and Crofton (girls only). Travel to Coquitlam, Delta, Richmond, West Vancouver and Surrey is required for away (except for our U8-U12 female and U8-U10 male players) games.
All players must have:
1. Good quality running shoes/turf boots NO CLEATS. All games will be played on turf.
2. Shinpads - soccer shinpads will be fine in the lower age groups but for U14 and higher a good quality shin guard is recommended.
3. Mouth guard - standard plastic sports mouth guards can be purchased at many sports stores (Look in Frequently Asked Questions for store locations). They can also be purchased online through your registration. To mold the mouth guard to the shape of your mouth, place it in boiling water for about a minute. Then take it out and hold it in your mouth for a minute. If your player continues to gag you can trim a bit off the back of the guard with scissors, and then remold.
4. Stick. A stick should be on the short side rather than on the long size. It is better field hockey development if the player has to squat using their legs with a short stick, than cheat by leaning out with their back with a too long stick. The stick should go up to about the player's belly button. There is about a 2 inch leeway on either side. It is a matter of preference and the player should feel comfortable. It is not necessary to purchase a composite stick for your U12 or younger player. They are expensive and not necessary at the developmental stage.
Sticks, mouth guards and shin guards will be available for purchase online during your registration and in-person at your player's first spring league practice. You can purchase sticks, shin guards and mouth guards from, Rackets and Runners (23rd and Oak- there is a 10% discount for Hawks members) and AKPro at 7220 Main Street or (gives a 15% discount for Hawks members).
Mouth guards, shoes and shin guards can be purchased at most quality sporting goods stores before the season. Rackets and Runners and AKPro, bring in stock for the field hockey season. It is highly recommended that players purchase mouth guards before the season, so that the guards can be molded in time for the first practice.
We also have a "for sale" and a "for swap" section for used sticks and equipment on our web site.
Our Hawks PLUS program supplements the junior season with skill development and tours for our junior players.
