A Festival of Field Hockey

The unofficial home of B.C. Field Hockey’s U13 Festival once again earned rave reviews.

The two-day tournament was held last weekend at Minoru Park’s Gateway turf field which was divided up into four mini-pitches for five aside games. The event attracted 24 teams and over 270 players from throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

It’s not the first time Richmond Field Hockey Club has stepped to host the event. In fact, more often then not, the festival has ended up at Minoru thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers.

They have created a fun atmosphere complete with families bringing barbecues and pot luck meals to enjoy the park setting around the schedule of games.

“It is about everybody having fun,” explained RFHC president Kathleen Wong. “Even though the games are quite competitive, there are no scores being kept. These are 10, 11 and 12-year-old girls that just want to play. It’s such a short season and it’s a great way to get everybody together.”

Field dividers create an ice hockey type environment where the ball continuously stays in play. Mini-nets are used so no goalies are required and games consist of seven minute quarters.

“It creates a super fast game and the players know how to use the boards,” continued Wong. “It’s also a great opportunity to bring on our young umpires as we have created a mentorship program. It gives them some confidence to build up their skill and learn to officiate a fast-paced game.”

Richmond was represented at the Festival by the U13 Ravens and U12 Owls.

RFHC’s 48th season is quickly winding down with its popular year-end award night slated for June 13. 

The event is actually organized by the club’s graduating team that determines the evening’s theme. Awards are also handed out by U13 teams and older for most improved, sportsmanlike and MVP.

“Not a lot of clubs hold award nights anymore,” added Wong. “Our graduating team creates a theme and this year it’s going to be ‘Super Heroes.’ There will be skits or a dance each team will have to come up with around a field hockey theme. It’s not a serious atmosphere and the kids really enjoy it.”