Winter Indoor FUNSTIX Programs

Youth Indoor Field Hockey

Winter 2026 2027

DID YOU KNOW that Indoor Field Hockey is considered a different sport from traditional outdoor field hockey with different sticks, balls and team sizes? Played on a hard surface with boards, it is excellent for developing quick reflexes and hand eye coordination and makes for a thrilling game! 

WINTER INDOOR FUNSTIX U8/U10

For athletes born January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020.  Athletes born in 2021 will be considered on a case by case basis  

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Program will focus on fun games and drills while incorporating basic skills for indoor field hockey.  Key focus will be on physical literacy and FUN! Weekly practices will be held on Saturdays. Programs will culminate in Fun Festivals

SESSION 1 (Nov/Dec)

University of Calgary Red Gym

Note: Due to final exams, the University will be closed for programming on December 12. We will be practicing at the Genesis Centre on Saunday December 13 in the morning  

Winter Festival - Saturday, December 19

Genesis Centre - Time TBD

Cost: $130

Ramp Registration:Link

SESSION 2 (Jan/Mar)

University of Calgary Red Gym

Saturdays: Jan 16, 23, 30, Feb 5, 19

Note: NO session Feb 12 (Family Day long weekend)

March Madness Festival

IMPORTANT NOTE: participants will be charged for a FHA/FHC membership if they do not hold one for the current year effective September 31, 2026 to August 31, 2027 ($5)

INDOOR FAQs

Q: What equipment is required?
A: Sticks are provided. Athletes may use their own indoor stick and must provide their own mouth guard and shin pads. T-shirts, shorts and athletic pants are recommended for games and practices.  All participants will be provided with field hockey socks. Indoor court shoes or running shoes are also required. An Indoor glove is also recommended. 

Q: How do I borrow an indoor stick?
A: Yes, you can borrow a stick from FHA; email league@fieldhockey.ab.ca and bring a cheque for $80 written to Field Hockey Alberta post dated for the last day of your session. 

Q: Where can I purchase an indoor field hockey stick?
A: Be sure you purchase an INDOOR stick that is appropriately sized for your child. A stick that is too large creates improper body positioning and makes it harder to learn and harder to break bad habits down the road. Generally, the stick should come to the athlete’s hip or just under the belly button.

There are lots of online sites to purchase indoor sticks, we recommend the following local business to purchase indoor sticks: 

AA Sports - Sohail Abdullah:  sohail63@gmail.com 

NOTE: South Program facility operator requires special sticks to protect their hardwood. Sticks will be provided by FHA

Q: Where can mouth guards, shin pads or practice socks be purchased?
A: Most sporting-good stores carry these items (Sport Chek, Sport Mart, Kicks, etc.). Call ahead to check availability. Or you can contact Sohail Abdullah at AA Sports sohail63@gmail.com.  Be sure to select shin guards that wrap over the ankle. 

Q: Where can I learn the basic rules of indoor field hockey?
A: The following link is a good start: https://youtu.be/1yP_Abs1iD0

Q: What training do your coaches have?

A: All coaches are NCCP Safesport trained and have taken courses on ethics, and concussions. Each session has a First Aid certified coach on field. 

For additional information please contact CJFH Coordinator at league@fieldhockey.ab.ca 

LONG TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT

We are mapping our programming to support the Long Term Athlete Development plan (LTAD) and the Long Term Hockey Development Plan (LTHD). 

Supporting these evidence based protocols in sport helps our athletes and coaches develop and engage in sport with age appropriate skill requirements and fundamental physical literacy skills.

Children aged 6 to 10 fall into the FunStix stage of learning and skill acquisition:

LTAD Stage 2 - FunStix 

In the FunStix stage children need to participate in a variety of well-structured activities that develop basic field hockey skills and promote interest in physical activity. Physical literacy continues to be developed through activities involving the athlete in as many sporting activities as possible throughout the week. It is important that all children master fundamental movement skills before sport specific skills are introduced. 

Competition should involve no formal game play. Modified games, such as the FunStix mini game, should be introduced. All activities are fun-based. The focus should be on creating self-esteem within participants by reinforcing individual effort and not keeping score. 

Children aged 11 to 14 fall across two stages of learning and skill acquisition:

LTAD Stage 3 - Learning to Train

Ages 9-12 males, 8-11 females. In this stage, attention focuses on building the athlete’s foundational movement skills and begins to expand the repertoire of field hockey basics.

Participation in multiple physical activities and sports is still recommended. 

Stage 4 - Training to Train

Ages 12-16 males, 11-15 females

The major focus of this stage is on the consolidation and implementation of the basic skills of field hockey and the use of decision-making skills. 

The athletes may play to win and do their best, but they still need to focus more time on skill training and physical development over competition. This approach is critical to the development of top performers and maintaining activity for the long-term. 

Have questions? 

Contact CJFH Co-ordinator: league@fieldhockey.ab.ca