Field Hockey Canada Launches men’s talent development system
Field Hockey Canada is excited to announce the launch of the men’s component of the updated Field Hockey Canada talent development system. In alignment with international hockey trends and in response to our evolving domestic ecosystem, Field Hockey Canada’s new system has been developed to help identify and improve long-term development support for Team Canada athletes nationwide. Under this system, the revamped NextGen program aims to provide high-level development opportunities for male athletes aged 14 to 23 across Canada.
Program Objectives
The updated talent system is specifically designed to put athlete long-term development at the forefront, while also playing a crucial role in strengthening the broader Canadian field hockey ecosystem through greater alignment and collaboration between the national governing body, provincial organizations, clubs, universities, and schools. This alignment maximizes resources and capacity directed to athletes in all layers of the system (club-province-national). The core objectives of this new system are to:
- Engage and keep athletes in field hockey as life-long participants
- Allow athletes to develop relative to their unique psycho-social and physiological developmental journey, prioritising long-term development goals over short-term outcomes
- Provide our senior national teams with an ongoing competitive depth of players that will help Canada start to see top 10 finishes at international competitions
- As Field Hockey Canada refines its Talent Development System this year, the updated men’s program addresses current needs and aligns with FHC talent development principles that acknowledge each athlete’s unique journey, creating a more open, accessible, and inclusive pathway nationwide.
Who Is Eligible?
If you are driven to be your best, this program could be the first step on a journey of growth and development.
The program is open to male athletes born between 2003 and 2011. Training will be organized into two general groups:
- Group 1: U16 and U18 athletes
- Group 2: U21 and U23 athletes
Developmental youth tours will be conducted at the U16, U18, U21, and U23 levels. Athletes will be assigned to developmental training groups based on their stage of development, rather than strictly by age group.
Program Format
The focus will be on system-wide activation with delivery of the Talent Development System activated at all levels: club, provincial, and national. Field Hockey Canada (FHC) will play a leadership role, providing performance development training as follows:
- 6 Camps delivered in Vancouver and Toronto, as well as in regions across Canada
- Additional indoor session for further skill development and to identify future indoor national athletes
- Camps led by the FHC Men’s National Team Head Coach and Assistant Coach, with dedicated Head and Assistant Coaches for each age group
- Regional coach development through access to training guidance and mentorship from FHC coaching staff.
- Identification Process – Multiple ID points and Focused on Long Term
Athletes will be identified into the program through the following primary routes:
- the national championships or,
- through the provincial pathway, or,
- club/PSO nomination, or,
- national talent development system evaluations
Once identified and accepting invitation to participate, athletes will be expected to participate in all camps and be available for tours in April 2026. Note however that, in keeping with the talent selection principles, deselection is not contingent upon failure to make a camp. The pathway is long, and the approach is inclusive and focused on long term, individual development. Athlete development will be continuously monitored throughout the year. All selected participants will receive individual performance plans tailored to support their growth.
Camp Schedule Outlook
- Camp 1 – August 25– 27 2025 (Vancouver)
- Camp 2 – October 10–12, 2025 (Toronto)
- Camp 3 – November 7–10, 2025 (Vancouver)
- Camp 4 – February 13–15, 2026 – INDOOR (Calgary & Toronto)
- Camp 5 – March 16–19, 2026 (Vancouver)
- April 2026 – Age Group Tours
- Camp 6 – May/June 2026 (East/West)
If you are a male athlete born between 2003 and 2011 and are interested in being part of this exciting opportunity, please complete our Expression of Interest Form
FIELD HOCKEY CANADA TALENT DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES – W.O.L.F.
Winding Journey – Players develop at different rates and in different contexts. The pathway is designed to recognise and work with players changing contexts.
Optimized Learning – Pathway coaches and administrators will use and foster evidence-based learning and skill development environments.
Long-Term Approach – Pathway will be long-term development focussed, NOT tournament driven.
Flourishing and Fulfilling – Player centred. The best interests of the player at that time to help guide all athlete pathway decisions.
STAFF & CONTACT
NextGen Director – Andrea Gibson [agibson@fieldhockey.ca]
Talent Pathway Lead – Mike Van Iderstine [FHCNextGen@fieldhockey.ca]
