Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some questions about field hockey and the Surrey Sharks organization.

Why choose field hockey for your child?

Field hockey is a team sport where the emphasis is on participation, teamwork, and fun. All team positions are important and playing time is equally divided between all players, regardless of experience or ability. Field hockey is a fitness activity that is well suited to children’s exercise requirements, with plenty of running over short distances (chasing the ball), and good development of eye-hand-foot coordination. Field hockey is a sociable, club-based game. Many juniors go on to play in the senior leagues at recreation or competitive levels.

Who can play in the Vancouver Junior League?

Minimum age for players in the junior league is five years, but they might be with older children up to age ten. Boys and girls are encouraged to play.

The junior league is divided into age groups and divisions which will be determined by registration numbers from Minis (5-10 years), Under 11 up to Under 18. The number of teams in each category varies annually. Previous experience is not necessary to play with the Sharks!

When and where are games played?

Tamanawis Park is our home field (126th Street and 64th Avenue, Surrey).

The majority of games are played on Saturday or Sunday. There may be the occasional weeknight makeup game, plus 1 practice per week. Games are equally divided between home and away. The junior league has member clubs from Tsawwassen, Richmond, Burnaby, Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Coquitlam. Car pools are encouraged for away games.

What equipment do players need? What about uniforms?

All players require a stick, ball, mouth guard, shin pads and suitable footwear (turf shoes or runners) Please note, soccer boots with multi studs or blades are not allowed on Tamanawis artificial turf.

• Female players U-11 and older are provided with a uniform skirt.

• All Junior players are supplied a numbered team jersey.

• Jerseys and skirts must be returned by July 1, 2006, to ensure the return of the uniform deposit cheque.

• Male players and Minis wear their own royal blue shorts.

• Registration fees (Mini/Junior) include: 1 pair of royal blue socks, 1 team photo, and umpire costs.

When does the Junior season start and end?

The junior season starts at the beginning of April, and ends by the third or fourth week in June. Teams typically play 10 to 12 league games, and also participate in 1 tournament. Games are not scheduled on weekends that include statutory holidays.

What team will your child play for?

Children will normally play within their age category. Children will be placed on a team with their friends if age and team numbers permit. Final team assignments may not occur until the starting week of the season.

Is there a league for adults?

Our club currently has six teams from Division 5 up to Division 1, in the Vancouver Women’s Field Hockey League, and 1 team in the Vancouver Men’s Field Hockey League. If you are interested in playing field hockey on a team from September to March, please visit our Online Registration page for more info or contact our Registrar.