Until July 12, some of the world's best young field hockey players are in Surrey to battle for Pan American bragging rights.
At Tamanawis Park, the 10-day Junior Pan American Championships involves 12 teams including two representing Canada, tourney favourites along with Argentina, Chile and USA.
"This is the premier U21 tournament for the Pan American teams, and the best Pan American countries are all in attendance at this tournament trying to qualify for the Junior World Cup, which will be held in the coming year," explained Kevin Underhill, who manages communications for Field Hockey Canada. "The top three teams from each division will go."
The tournament started Wednesday, July 3, with men's and women's games on the lower field of the park in Newton, south of parking and ticketing at Tamanawis Secondary (enter off 66 Avenue). Teams will warm up on the turf closest to 64 Avenue, where parking is reserved for teams and officials.
"There is GA, or general admission, which is free but people should still go the box office and get a bracelet to wear while watching from some of the bleachers here," Underhill said. "Then there is paid admission, which is $20 per day and also a pass for the whole week for $120, for premier seating in the bleachers."
In each division, the six teams rep Canada, the U.S., Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Mexico.
Surrey is a first-time host of the tournament, previously played in Toronto in 2016.
"On behalf of Field Hockey Canada," Underhill said, "we’re thrilled to have this event in Canada and here in Surrey, hosting all the best teams in the Pan Americas at this facility. With the world-class, double-pitch site, I hope that people really love their experience here."
