Stick Together programming succeeding in communities across Canada
Field Hockey Canada is excited to update our members on the activation of this year’s Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI) by celebrating its commitment to serving underserved communities across Canada. Through the support of the Government of Canada’s Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI), Field Hockey Canada has secured $800,000 in funding over two years. This first disbursement of funding enabled the launch of 60 community-based field hockey projects across 10 provinces and one territory, reaching over 90 communities and serving almost 30,000 participants.
The fall intake for community applications has launched last week
This funding is a huge step towards Field Hockey Canada’s goal to grow the sport through making field hockey more accessible and inclusive for all Canadians. The CSAI is designed to deliver for underserved communities, removing barriers and increasing participation among under-represented groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, low-income families, persons with disabilities, newcomers, and seniors. Below are some descriptions of a few of the many initiatives taking place nation-wide.
EXAMPLES OF 2025 COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Atlantic Field Hockey Club – Halifax, Nova Scotia
Led by Alan Wintermeyer and Tess Akland, the Atlantic Field Hockey Club is making impressive strides in Halifax through its Stick Together initiative. With over 300 participants engaged so far, the club has partnered with organizations like YMCA and ISANS to offer free or low-cost field hockey sessions to newcomers and low-income families. School outreach has been a major focus, with demos at over 15 schools and more than 250 students already introduced to the sport. The club is another great example of what FHC’s Stick Together support can generate. Using the boost that Stick Together funding brings, the club is now looking to build sustainable revenue and support network within their local community. This includes working with local politicians to spread awareness and investing in equipment and social media promotion to grow participation across Halifax and the local region. Upcoming activities include free beginner sessions and an ISANS open day.
Vancouver Hawks Field Hockey Club – Vancouver, British Columbia
The Vancouver Hawks are leading a successful Walking Hockey program tailored for individuals aged 55 and older. Supported by Stick Together, there are 57 participants now accessing field hockey at low cost. Sessions are held at Eric Hamber Field in Vancouver and led by Teresa Schwartz and Valentina Iturraspe. Walking Hockey offers a modified, low-impact version of field hockey that promotes physical activity and social connection. The program continues to grow and remains open for new registrants.
Panjab Sports and Cultural Club – Calgary, Alberta
This Calgary-based club is using FHC’s Stick Together funding to provide inclusive field hockey opportunities for low-income families and visible minorities across Calgary. With hundreds of participants already involved, the program is growing and now operates at venues across the city including the Genesis Centre, University of Calgary, and Khalsa School. Led by Sukhdeep Bhangra, the initiative is helping to break down barriers and foster community engagement through sport.
Successful programs are running from coast to coast.
Port Alberni Field Hockey – Port Alberni, British Columbia
Port Alberni’s revitalized field hockey program is thriving thanks to grassroots efforts at Alberni District Secondary School and the broader community. Led by Andi Shannon, Giles Wheatley, and Kristi Wolff, the initiative supports both junior and senior high school teams and a growing youth club program. With over 100 youth already benefiting, the funding has removed barriers to participation and enabled the program to flourish, providing support to quality sport experiences, helped by additional commitments to coach education and mentorship. The program has expanded by 25% this year and is now bringing field hockey back to life in this rural community.
RND United Field Hockey – Riverview, Moncton, Dieppe, New Brunswick
RND United Field Hockey, led by Program Director Liudmyla Shokur, is building a vibrant youth development program in southeastern New Brunswick. Targeting children and youth aged 6 to 18 this program is expanding with Stick Together support and continues to foster teamwork, confidence, and discipline for marginalized youth. Training takes place at BGC Dieppe during the winter; with summer sessions planned at Bernice MacNaughton High School. Looking ahead, RND United aims to establish inclusive adult teams, creating a lasting field hockey community in the region.
Whistler Field Hockey Club – Whistler, British Columbia
With support from Field Hockey Canada’s Stick Together grant, the Whistler Field Hockey Club is offering free sessions to low-income individuals and newcomers in the Sea to Sky Corridor. Led by Florencia Tomaghelli and the club’s Board of Directors, the initiative has already welcomed dozens of participants in its first session, with plans to reach over 70 this year. Sessions at AVJ Field and Bayly Park have included both beginner and experienced players, culminating in a full 11-a-side match that energized the local field hockey community. The club is committed to continuing inclusive programming throughout the year.
Play for all Hockey ID – Victoria, BC
Play for All Field Hockey ID is an inclusive program in Victoria, led by Veronica Planella and a team of certified coaches with experience in adaptive sport and performance psychology. The program targets children and youth with intellectual disabilities, as well as Indigenous, low-income, newcomer, and racialized communities. Sessions run indoors at the University of Victoria in a fully accessible facility, free of charge, with equipment provided. Organizers have been proud of the success so far, building on two years of experience and partnerships with local organizations. The continued goal is to foster skill development, social connection, and joy through a safe environment.
