Learn the game to love the game.
It’s a simple theory that goes a long way to explain the success of the Richmond Field Hockey Club.
The 47-year-old non-profit organization has produced plenty of talent since its inception and this season is no different.
Six players were recently named to Field Hockey B.C.’s U15 provincial team program. That’s an impressive number given the size of RFHC compared to some of its neighbouring clubs.
Many alumni have gone to play at the university level on both sides of the border as scholarship athletes. Some have even had the opportunity to play for their country.
Helping to enhance players’ potential is Stellar's Jay — a development program that initially was introduced by legendary coach and club builder Lance Carey years ago. It is offered in addition to regular team practices and games.
“Lance was huge in kids going through that long term development and we thought we needed to keep that name. It is a program dedicated to him without him kind of knowing,” smiled club president Kathleen Wong.
For the past five weeks, players have been coming to Minoru Park on Thursday nights for sessions led by Canadian Field Hockey Hall of Famer Nick Sandhu and his daughter Poonam — a one-time national team player. Former RFHC standout and University of Maryland grad Kathryn Masson also provides goalkeeper training while RFHC coaches are encouraged to participate. It’s an ideal way for Sandhu to get his message across to everyone.
“I’m always interested in developing the game and doing it the right way. I’ve been coaching for years now at every level,” said Nick, who is also involved in the field hockey equipment business through his AK Pro West Sports store. “This is a good club to begin with and a lot of good players have come out of it. What we are trying to do is bring a different voice and a different way of doing things.”
“Having the same consistent message going out there is better for the club. That’s why we wanted the coaches involved.”
Sandhu stresses the technical side of the game. If players understand that, their confidence and ability will grow. Most importantly, they will want to keep playing.
“If they learn it the right way from step one, then it becomes easier to play. It’s the little things, as simple as how they are holding the stick,” he explained. “That is something I always notice and it makes a difference in how you can stop the ball. If you make the right changes, then the rest will just take care of itself.”
Sandhu’s philosphy compliments the club’s objective and that’s getting players skill level up to a certain level before they even take to a full field for game action.
“Most parents just want to come out and watch their kid play in a game with goals being scored,” laughed Wong. “Field hockey is such a skilled thing and some kids will be in our program for three or four years before they even play in games. The parents will finally see that once they hit U11 or U12 and and then understand their kid has got it. It’s such a skill thing.”
RFHC is also gearing up to host the B.C. Field Hockey U13 Club Festival June 3-4 at Minoru. The event will also include a boys division — a component the club would love to offer again. Richmond had a reputation of being among the top boys programs in the province, producing such players as current national junior men’s coach Indy Sehmbi.
“Its the first time the championships is running the boys and girls tournaments together and we’re excited because it maybe creates awareness to boys who might be playing other sports,” added Wong.
