Competitions and new initiatives highlight an exciting look-ahead into 2022
With the new year upon us, we are excited to look ahead to 2022, which promises to be a busy one for all of us, both here at home and on the international stage where our national teams will be gearing up for World Cup and Commonwealth Games.
Under head coaches Rob short and Pasha Gademan, our senior national teams enter the year ranked 13th (Women) and 11th (Men). We are now in a short triennial through to Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and the upcoming World Cup & Commonwealth Games events are critical pieces towards success in Paris. This year our men’s team will also have the privilege – travel regulations permitting – of participating in the FIH Pro League for the first time. We will be keeping you abreast with all events as they happen.
Supporting the identification and training of our future podium athletes, we will be launching our Targeted Athlete Strategy this year. The launch of the Targeted Athlete Strategy — delivered through local partnerships — will build our Team Canada winning style of play, culture and clear pathways from the top down and bottom up, placing clubs universities, provinces and Field Hockey Canada as collaborators who work together for our athletes, officials to create a stronger domestic environment and international outcomes.
Linked to this Targeted Athlete Strategy, FHC will be expanding the roster of international hockey teams. Our junior-aged squads will be extended to include the U18 and U16 age groups and with Masters level hockey continuing to grow in all age categories, we expect to be extremely busy on the international scene. With all of these growth opportunities, there is a strong sense that our national teams belong to our community, and we want you — our field hockey nation; our Team — joining all our national teams on their exciting journey to international success. You can contribute in many ways. We encourage you to join our growing team of supporters and donors to contribute.
Last year, our Team of Teams celebration weeks highlighted the importance of community and the growing network of field hockey contributors. Field Hockey Canada intends to continue celebrating those who give back to the community on and off the field. We look forward to creating new and exciting educational and engagement opportunities for our amazing community this year.
Many of these initiatives centre on making our sport more accessible, more inclusive, and more diverse. One where the voices of everyone in our community are heard and needs are met. Diversity, equity and inclusion sit high on our agenda and straddle all elements of our strategic implementation. Field Hockey Canada will ensure our continued progress towards this goal, and we will continue to embrace the discomfort of change for a vision of safe sport, podium national teams and a positive sport experience for all.
It would not be possible to achieve any of our strategic objectives without everyone in our community. Our sincere thanks to our provinces, clubs, universities; our committees and the countless volunteers who make up our community. You continue to be the heartbeat of our sport. There is no doubt 2022 will continue to demand of our collective ability to adapt to the challenges of the pandemic. We are confident that together we will continue to find new ways and ensure our sport plays a part in supporting our mental and physical health while we navigate the pandemic.
Sincerely,
Susan Ahrens
Field Hockey Canada – CEO
