VANCOUVER HAWKS SCHOOLS PROGRAM
Our Story
Since 2018, the Vancouver Hawks have been offering its free THIS IS HOCKEY introductory program to local elementary schools.
In 2022, we committed to making the program available to ALL public elementary schools in the City of Vancouver.
What We Offer
A FREE one-week introduction to field hockey for the entire school - grades K-7.
All equipment is provided by Vancouver Hawks, and the program is run in the school gymnasium.
We look to provide two lessons to every class/grade, and we hold a school-wide assembly where coaches share their individual sports stories, demonstrate higher-level skills, and invite students to compete in challenges with them at the end of the week.
What We Teach
Fundamental Movement Skills
Basic Field Hockey Skills
Confidence
That sport is FUN
Why
Because Field Hockey is one of the most played sports in the world. We believe that all children should have the opportunity to learn new sports and be inspired by our coaches.
Knowing and building confidence in a sport is fundamental to a child's future participation.
Our Coaches
NCCP-Certified coaches
Local student-athletes
National and university-level players
Our Ethos
The Vancouver Hawks are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. By providing free programming in local schools, during school hours, and in their gymnasium, we create equal opportunity and exposure to the sport in an accessible and community-based way.
We strive to work with schools in order to fit our program into their school community.
Our Impact
Since 2022, 41 Vancouver Elementary schools have participated in the program, with 27 of these located in East and South Vancouver.
Over 15,350 Elementary-aged children learned a new sport.
Participating Schools 2022/2023
General Wolfe Elementary, Chief Maquinna Elementary, Grenfell Elementary, Britannia Elementary, Ecole Jule Quesnel, Lord Nelson Elementary, Charles Dickens Annex, Edith Cavel Elementary, Trafalgar Elementary, Norquay Elementary, Selkirk Annex, Xpey Elementary, Beaconsfield Elementary, Moberly Elementary
Participating Schools 2023/2024
wək̓ʷan̓əs tə syaqʷəm Elementary, McBride Elementary, Simon Fraser Elementary, False Creek Elementary, Osler Elementary, Nootka Elementary, Hastings Elementary, Tyee Elementary, AR Lord Elementary, Henry Hudson Elementary, J.W Sexsmith Elementary, Crosstown Elementary, Sir James Douglas Elementary, Champlain Heights Elementary, General Gordon Elementary, Quilchena Elementary, Bayview Elementary, Champlain Heights Annex, Kerrisdale Annex
Participating Schools 2024/25
Edith Cavell Elementary, Selkirk Elementary, Brock Elementary, Laura Secord Elementary, Lord Nelson Elementary, Chief Maquinna Elementary, General Wolfe Elementary, Nightingale Elementary, L'Ecole Bilingue Elementary, Moberly Elementary, Tecumseh Elementary, Queen Alexandra Elementary, Cunningham Elementary
Testimonials
"I just wanted to thank you, on behalf of all of the staff at Gordon Elementary School, for the fabulous job your Vancouver Hawks' coaches did last week teaching our students field hockey skills and demonstrating your talents with us during the end of the week assembly. We really appreciated your program and feel that our students benefited from learning about a different sport and new skills from such experienced and enthusiastic coaches." - Gordon Elementary School Teacher
"Thank you so much for bringing such an amazing program to Champlain!! What an opportunity for our kids to participate in a new and exciting sport! The program was so well organized and the coaches were all excellent. Hopefully, you will be able to come back to Champlain again in the future. " - Champlain Heights Elementary
"Thank you again for such a wonderful program! I really appreciated how knowledgeable the leaders were and how smooth the program ran. It was a wonderful experience for the kiddos, and I would love to have you back anytime! A big thank you again." - Simon Fraser Elementary
Finding ways to support students to continue playing would be wonderful and we'd be happy to do what we can on our end.” – PE Teacher, Chief Maquinna Elementary
Give a big thank you to Rowan and all the assistant coaches. They were amazing, and I know it takes a lot of energy to run that many sessions a day. It was very well organized.
I would be very happy to participate in the fall program next year.” – PE Teacher, École Jules Quesnel
"Thank you to the amazing coaches of The Vancouver Hawks Field Hockey school program! We learned new skills while working together, staying active, and having fun. Their love for the sport made learning exciting and inspiring, and we appreciate their patience and enthusiasm. It was a privilege to have such skilled coaches come to our school to give our students this wonderful opportunity to learn a new sport. The kids loved it! We hope you’ll come back and play with us again soon."
– Moberly Elementary PE Teacher
"Thank you to the amazing coaches of The Vancouver Hawks Field Hockey school program! We learned new skills while working together, staying active, and having fun. Their love for the sport made learning exciting and inspiring, and we appreciate their patience and enthusiasm. It was a privilege to have such skilled coaches come to our school to give our students this wonderful opportunity to learn a new sport. The kids loved it! We hope you’ll come back and play with us again soon."
– Moberly Elementary PE Teacher
Get Your School Involved
Contact:
Stephanie Nesbitt
Schools Program Coordinator
schoolsprogram@vancouverhawks.com
Alex Bale
Executive Director
executivedirector@vancouverhawks.com
Proudly Supported and Funded by:
