U7 FUNdamental (IP)

2023/24 Season Information

U7 (FUNdamentals) Updated Structure:

The FGHA is excited to offer an updated and enhanced U7 (FUNdamentals) program for 2023-24.  We recognize that some players want more ice time and more training while others aren't quite sure if they'll fall in love with hockey as they get started.  We've tried to address both of those situations with the structure for the coming season. 

What's changing:

• We will offer 2 streams for the U7 age group - the weekly (once a week on Saturdays) and for those who want more, the TWICE weekly (twice a week, Saturdays and 1 weeknight evening).  This will allow families to choose how much hockey they sign up for.
• In addition, we will be breaking the season into 2 sessions for further control for our families!  Session 1 will run from October 7th - December 23rd and the second session will run from January 6th to March 2nd.  This means that a family has the flexibility to sign up for session 1, once a week and then for session 2, select the twice weekly option or vice versa.  

What's returning:  

• Structured and professional training lead by Celina Clark
• High touch support from dedicated volunteer Falcon players 

If you're ready to go, click here to register now!

What is the U7 program?

It is Hockey Canada's U7 Program.

The main goal is to make the beginner’s first impression of hockey a good one! When players get started on a positive note, they automatically enjoy the game and usually go on to have fun playing hockey for many years.  Details of the program can be found here. 

Hockey Canada developed the Initiation Program to make the first contact with hockey a safe and positive experience. It is a structured, learn-to-play hockey program designed to introduce beginners to the game's basic skills. It enables participants to become contributing members of a team effort, develop self-confidence, and experience a sense of personal achievement. These goals are achieved in an atmosphere of fun and fair play.

The Flamborough Girls Hockey Association sponsors the U7 FUNdamental Program for the young girls in our community who wish to learn to skate and to learn the basic skills to play the game of hockey.

Hockey is a great sport for girls and starting early will develop a life-long love of the game and the environment!  You will really enjoy watching her confidence grow as her skills develop.  She will make some life long friends and be involved in something big!

Core to the program...

The U7 Program is a progressive, learn-to-play teaching curriculum. Children learn through participating in practice drills and informal modified games.

The program consists of four phases of instruction, designed for any entry-level hockey player, which introduce the skills of skating, passing, puck control and shooting in a progressive, one-step-at-a-time manner.

U7 Program Objectives

• A comprehensive program for the development of young children as hockey players.
• The focus is on skill development and fun without the pressures of winning.
• It aims to create participants and instructors who will continue in the game.
• The motto is Fun, Fitness and Fair Play.

The success of the U7 Program is measured by the level of development young players achieve. To optimize those levels of development, it is necessary for dedicated adults to play a large role as effective leaders and teachers who will create a challenging and motivating environment for the player.

The goals, philosophy and objectives of the program are:

1. Teaching basic hockey skills so players can enjoy the game.
2. Assisting in development and enhancement of basic motor patterns.
3. Developing and encouraging the concept of team, through player participation in on and off-ice activities.
4. To implement fitness, fair play and co-operation aspects within the fun of the game

Please click here to check out Hockey Canada's Introduction to U7 Video.

You can also visit the Timbits U7 Hockey Program pathway page by clicking here.  

We would ask that each player bring their own water bottle each week (filled with water) that is clearly labelled and marked with their name as we will have a few water breaks to give the girls (and coaches) an opportunity to catch their breath.  For health reasons, we discourage players from sharing water bottles. 

As well, it takes a little while for the coaches to learn the players’ names and as such, we would ask that you use some white hockey tape and write your daughter’s name on their helmet so the on-ice help can easily identify the girls by name.

Equipment:  Full gear is required along with a mouth guard, helmet with a cage/visor and a jill.

Males in the Dressing Room:  No males (of any age) are permitted in the dressing room.  We ask that you assist the girls outside of the change room or have them get dressed before arriving at the arena.

On-Ice Help:  We will be having some of our older Falcons players on ice to assist and instruct our U7 players.  Our experience is that our younger players (in all divisions) see the older Falcons as role models and respond better to the girls than the coaches or parents.  This aside, we will be seeking some on-ice help with running the U7 program from Moms and Dads.  You will have to have a current and valid Police Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening in order to help on the ice.  If you are interested in helping, print off the Police Check letter which is located under "Forms" on the website and take it into the main Hamilton Police Station and you will receive a reduced rate for the police check.  If you are interested in helping on-ice, please send an email to our House League Director and depending upon the level of interest, we may set up a rotational schedule.

Finally, historically, fathers are very quick to offer their assistance with on-ice activities, however seeing as the FGHA stands for the Flamborough Girls Hockey Association, it goes without saying that the FGHA strongly encourages Moms as on-ice help, trainers and coaches.