AFHC players competing for the ball on the turf

Building the Next Generation of Field Hockey in Abbotsford, BC

Founded by Fraser Valley field hockey families, AFHC has grown from a small recreational club into the region's premier development pathway — from first stick to national ambitions.

Our Story

From Backyard Sticks to Fraser Valley Champions

Abbotsford Field Hockey Club was established in 2007 by a group of parents who wanted more than weekend kick-arounds for their children. They wanted coaching, community, and a clear pathway to competitive play. Starting with one rented turf slot on Saturday mornings and twelve eager players, they laid the foundation for what AFHC is today.

Over the following decade the club grew steadily, adding weeknight sessions, hiring certified coaches, and affiliating with Field Hockey BC. The Abbotsford Turf Classic — now an annual fixture — drew twelve clubs and hundreds of players in its most recent edition, cementing AFHC's reputation across the province.

Today we run eight distinct programs serving players from age five through to adult, with alumni competing at university, provincial, and national levels. Our home field, Rotary Stadium Turf, is one of the best synthetic surfaces in the Fraser Valley, and our volunteer-powered club continues to punch above its weight every season.

Our Mission

To develop every player's full potential through expert coaching, safe sport, and a love of the game — so field hockey thrives in the Fraser Valley for generations to come.

Our Values

What We Stand For

Six principles guide everything we do — from how we coach to how we welcome new families.

Inclusion First

Field hockey is for everyone. We welcome players of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels and work hard to remove barriers to participation.

Excellence on the Turf

We hold ourselves to high coaching standards and follow Field Hockey Canada's Long-Term Athlete Development framework to maximise each player's potential.

Community Over Competition

Winning matters, but so does sportsmanship. We build lasting friendships, support local families, and contribute to a healthy, active Fraser Valley.

Safe Sport

Every AFHC coach holds a current Safe Sport certification. We have a zero-tolerance policy for abuse, harassment, and discrimination — on and off the field.

Player-Led Development

Our programs progress players from fundamentals to elite pathways. We celebrate personal bests as loudly as championship titles.

Volunteer Spirit

AFHC is powered by parents, alumni, and community volunteers who give their time so every player can thrive. We are grateful for every pair of hands.

Our Team

Meet the Coaches

Every AFHC coach holds a Field Hockey Canada certification and a current Safe Sport credential.

Priya Sandhu

Head Coach & Club Director

Priya brings over 15 years of playing and coaching experience to AFHC. A former BC provincial team player and university all-star at UBC, she has been instrumental in building the club from a small recreational group into one of the Fraser Valley's most respected field hockey organisations. Priya's coaching philosophy centres on developing the whole athlete -- technical precision, tactical intelligence, and mental resilience. Outside the field, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and is a certified personal trainer.

NCCP Competition Development
Safe Sport Certified
First Aid & CPR Level C
BC Field Hockey Level 3

Marcus Tran

U16 & U18 Assistant Coach

Marcus played field hockey at the national junior level for Team Canada before transitioning into coaching at 26. His specialty is set-piece design and high-tempo attacking play. Marcus joined AFHC three years ago and has helped develop multiple players who have gone on to earn provincial and university selections. He is known for his energetic, demanding style and his genuine investment in every player's long-term development.

NCCP Competition Introduction
Safe Sport Certified
First Aid & CPR Level C
Former CAN-FHK Junior National Team

Amara Osei

Junior Programs Coach (U10-U12)

Amara coaches our U10 and U12 squads and is widely regarded as one of the most gifted teachers of young players in the club. Her background in elementary education informs her approach to every session -- she understands how children learn, what motivates them, and how to build confidence through incremental success. Amara played club field hockey for 12 years and has been coaching youth sport for six. Parents and players alike love her positive, patient style.

NCCP Trained
Safe Sport Certified
First Aid & CPR Level B
Elementary Education Certificate

Devon Halvorsen

Development Programs Coach (Learn to Play & Junior Dev)

Devon oversees our introductory programs for the youngest players in the club. A former competitive hockey player who discovered field hockey at university, Devon is passionate about creating first-sport experiences that last a lifetime. His sessions are known for being exceptionally fun while quietly planting the technical seeds that bloom in later years. Devon is also the club's Safe Sport coordinator and handles all on-field welfare and safeguarding matters.

NCCP Trained
Safe Sport Certified -- Club Coordinator
First Aid & CPR Level C
Responsible Coaching Movement Trained

Sofia Reyes

Senior & U14 Head Coach

Sofia comes to AFHC with an impressive playing career that includes ten seasons in the BC Field Hockey Metro league and two provincial championship titles. She brings a competitive edge to our Senior and U14 programs while maintaining a culture of mutual respect and continuous learning. Sofia emphasises game intelligence and positional discipline, and her players consistently stand out at provincial assessments. She is currently completing her NCCP Competition Development certification.

NCCP Competition Introduction
Safe Sport Certified
First Aid & CPR Level C
BC Field Hockey Referee Level 1

Safe Sport

Your Child's Safety Is Our Top Priority

AFHC is a fully compliant Safe Sport organisation. All coaches, managers, and volunteers who interact with players must hold a current Safe Sport certification issued by the Coaching Association of Canada and undergo a police background check before any field contact.

We follow the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) and have a designated Safe Sport Officer who handles any concerns confidentially and impartially.

Parents and players can report concerns directly to our Safe Sport Officer at safesport@abbotsfordfieldhockey.ca or anonymously via Sport Integrity Commissioner Canada.

All Coaches Are Background Checked

Every coach and volunteer working with players holds a clean criminal record check renewed every three years.

Safe Sport Certified Staff

All AFHC staff hold a current Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) compliance credential.

Two-Deep Leadership Policy

No coach or adult is ever alone with a minor player. Two adults are required at all practices and events.

Get Involved

Ready to Join the AFHC Family?

Ready to Play?

Join Abbotsford Field Hockey Club Today

Registration is open for all programs. Spots are limited — secure your child's place before the season starts.