NextGen is Field Hockey Canada’s national talent development program, built for athletes roughly four to eight years from senior national team impact. Through world-class, structured training environments, NextGen identifies and prepares Canada’s future stars — feeding into the Junior and Youth National Teams, and ultimately the Senior National Teams.
Empowering Talent, Enhancing Performance. Regional development camps and tour opportunities for U16–U23 athletes across Canada.
Athlete Eligibility by birth year:
- NextGen U16 – Birth years 2011-2013
- NextGen U18 – Birth years 2009-2010
- NextGen U21 – Birth years 2005-2008
- NextGen U23 – Birth years 2003-2005
Regional NextGen Camps for the 2026-2027 Season
| CAMP | DATE | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Camp 1 | September 1-3 | Vancouver BC |
| September 4-6 | Toronto, ON | |
| October 23-25 | Vancouver, BC | |
| Camp 2 | October 2-4 | Calgary, AB |
| October 9-11 | Ontario / Maritimes | |
| Camp 3 | November 6-8 | Ontario |
| November 13-15 | Maritimes | |
| November 27-29 | BC/AB | |
| Camp 4 | Jan/Feb TBD | Location TBD |
| Camp 5 | March 19-21 | Centralized - Vancouver, BC |
*This list will continue to update throughout 2027
U21 Camp Information
| CAMP | DATE | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Camp 1 | December 27-January 2 | Vancouver, BC |
| Camp 2 | February 17-22, 2027 | Chula Vista, CA |
| Camp 3 | May TBD | Location TBD |
| Camp 4 | June 19-21 | Centralized Location TBD |
- *This is for athletes identified in the U21 squad
- *Tour/camp dates are subject to change based on European tour dates
SPONSORSHIP & SUBSIDY
NextGen is a self-funded program, in order to bring athlete fees down as well as reduce cost for training tours, international competition and events a significant sponsorship and fundraising program is needed. All athletes involved in the NextGen program can participate and support both fundraising and sponsorship programs. Participants are encouraged to reach out to the FHC Sponsorship and Fundraising leads for more information, or with any leads regarding sponsorship or fundraising. Every effort will be made to find financial support for National Teams, training environments and tours to reduce the overall cost of the program.
Sponsorship Contact – Hailey Yhap (Field Hockey Canada Events and Engagement) – hyhap@fieldhockey.ca
2026 Youth Tours
Field Hockey Canada’s 2026 youth pathway combined its revamped NextGen program with expanded international touring to support the development of athletes on the journey to junior and senior national team hockey. Through regional NextGen camps delivered by national team coaches, athletes received training, physical preparation, mental performance, and overall athlete development, while remaining connected to their club and provincial environments. Complementing this pathway, Field Hockey Canada sent five youth teams to Europe in spring 2026, including U18 women’s tours to Wales, Czechia, and Poland, a U16 women’s tour to Poland, and a U18 men’s tour to Germany. Field Hockey Canada also sent U21 men’s and women’s development tours to Spain in the summer. 2026 was Field Hockey Canada’s largest youth touring year to date. These international experiences provided valuable competition opportunities and strengthened the pipeline from youth hockey to the U21 and senior national team programs. Click for the youth tour rosters.
