International tours foster development, experience and camaraderie
From April 13-21, Field Hockey Canada sent two youth teams on international tours as part of their talent development pathway. The U16 women’s team traveled to Hradec Králové, Czechia, while the U18 women’s team headed to Cardiff, Wales. Both tours provided valuable international on- and off-field experiences for the young athletes, focusing on development, exposure, and team culture.
U16 Czechia Tour – Hradec Králové, Czechia
The U16 women’s team featured athletes from across Canada. Prior to departure, team members met virtually to familiarize themselves with training, travel, and game strategies. Departing from Vancouver and Toronto, many players met their teammates for the first time during the connecting flight in Paris.
In Czechia, the focus was on development and fun. For most players, this was their first international experience, and they embraced the challenge enthusiastically. After a couple of training sessions, the team played against Czechia’s U18 women’s team. The series ended with a 0-0 tie, a 1-0 win, and a 1-1 tie, showcasing the team’s ability to implement coaching strategies effectively. The players were encouraged to trust themselves and their teammates, leaving everything on the field.
For many of these U16 athletes, this was their first exposure to international competition. Field Hockey Canada is proud of our U16 athletes for facing that challenge head on. Click here to hear testimony from athletes who have gone through the development pathway and pursued a career in college, university, club and national level hockey.
Thank you to our amazing staff team, Lacey, Andrea, Pam and Freya and all the parents and family that traveled with our team!
Canada takes on Czechia in a three-game series in Hradec Králové. Photos/Felicia Chang
U18 Wales Tour – Cardiff, Wales
The U18 women’s team traveled to Wales for a three-game series against the Welsh U18 team. Before the series, they played a competitive tune up match against Swansea University, resulting in a 2-1 loss but providing valuable learning experiences. Led by coaches Mike Van Iderstine and Krissy Wishart, the team had strong practices that prepared them for the series.
The first match against Wales, captained by Elle Ferros, ended in a 5-0 loss. Despite the defeat, the team’s spirits remained high. The second game, led by Sabine Keon, saw goals from Sutton Van Dyke and Izzy Prior, ending in a 4-2 loss. The final game on Easter Sunday, captained by Maisie Fulton-Stephenson, showcased the team’s growth and determination, though they faced another loss.
A highlight of the tour was the post-game interaction with the Welsh team, where players bonded over lunch, made TikToks, and played soccer. The Welsh team and staff were welcoming and accommodating, contributing to the success of the trip. The U18 players returned home in high spirits, having built a strong team culture and learned valuable skills.
Some of the athletes on this team have now toured twice, last year with the U16s and then again this year to Wales with the U18 team. This continuity builds trust in the process and stacks international experience prior to transitioning to the junior national and senior international hockey. Congrats to all athletes on a successful spring youth tour
Thank you to our amazing staff team, Mike, Krissy, Kayley and Jadyn and all the parents and family that traveled with our team!
Field Hockey Canada will be sending a third and final youth women’s tour to France from May 1-10. That U18 team will face France in a four-game test series. Stay tuned to the Field Hockey Canada website and social media for updates from the France tour.
Canada and Wales play a three-game series in Cardiff, Wales. Photos/Provided
