Powered by Purpose: Canada’s Masters Field Hockey Team Heads to the World Cup with Performance Nation

Returning to the World Cup

At the Masters World Cup in New Zealand in 2024, Canada finished sixth out of 16 teams. This year, seven players will return, meaning most of the roster will experience the tournament together for the first time.

Since beginning preparations in September 2025, the players have trained, competed and followed a structured strength and conditioning program while balancing work, family and other responsibilities.

“We all have responsibilities off the field, but the sacrifice each player has made is paying off,” noted Gill.

A Team Driven by Its “Why”

During selection camp, players were asked: “What is your why?” For some, it is the love of field hockey. For others, it is the opportunity to represent Canada, inspire their children, build friendships and support their physical and mental health.

“Some players want to be role models for their kids and show that it is never too late to chase your dreams, Others do it for friendship, connection and the physical and mental benefits of continuing to compete.”

Ravi Gill, Men’s Canadian Masters Field Hockey Player

This message reflects the spirit of Masters sport. As athletes move through different stages of life, sport can continue to offer challenge, purpose, connection and opportunities to pursue meaningful goals.

Preparing Through Performance Nation

Through Performance Nation – a program powered by the staff at Canadian Sport Institute Pacific – the athletes have received strength and conditioning support from S&C coach Kieran Phillips. The team followed a shared plan tailored to field hockey, with workouts delivered through an app that players could access from different locations.

“Working with Kieran and using the Teambuildr app has been great,” said Gill. “The exercises have been sport-specific, the program has progressed well from week to week, and it has been easy to manage.” Gill has also seen the benefits in his own performance. “I have noticed improvements in my core strength, speed and agility,” he said. “That has given me more confidence going into competition.”

For Masters athletes, access to strength and conditioning, nutrition and sport science support can make a meaningful difference. Performance Nation provides practical guidance that helps athletes prepare effectively while simultaneously managing the demands of daily life.

“Even though we are in our 40s and may think we know it all, we do not,” noted Gill. “Having access to clear information and guidance makes a major difference.”

Ready for Rotterdam

Canada will open its World Cup campaign on July 23 against the host nation, the Netherlands.

“We are eager to put ourselves to the test right away,” Gill said. “After all the mental and physical preparation, we are excited to finally start competing.”

In the final days before the tournament, the team is focused on rest, recovery, mental preparation and fine tuning its game plan.

The journey to Rotterdam celebrates athletes who continue to train, compete and pursue ambitious goals while managing full lives away from sport. With support from Performance Nation, the team will arrive prepared to represent Canada and show what lifelong performance can look like.

Follow Along with the Team!

The CSI Pacific and Performance Nation communities can follow the team’s journey on Instagram  @Canadamasters45 and support the players by sharing their story across their own platforms and with other Masters sport teams.

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About PERFORMANCE NATION

Powered by the tech and scientists behind Canada’s Olympians and Paralympians, PERFORMANCE NATION is your personal toolkit for optimal results, on and off the field of play.

The world-class sport science experts at Canadian Sport Institute Pacific (CSI Pacific) will use the expertise that has contributed to Canada’s Olympic & Paralympic success and provide performance solutions through Physiology, Data Analysis, Strength & Conditioning, Nutrition and Sport Technology. A full range of services are available to the public, regardless of age, gender, skill level, athletic or fitness goals.

Whether you want to hit new weightlifting heights, run a quicker half-marathon, race through the Gran Fondo or be better and stronger at your job, PERFORMANCE NATION is for you.

http://www.performancenation.ca

About CSI Pacific: Powering Performance. Inspiring Excellence. 

Offering world-class Olympic and Paralympic training environments in Vancouver, Whistler and Victoria, Canadian Sport Institute Pacific (www.csipacific.ca) is committed to Powering Performance. Inspiring Excellence.

Working with national sport organizations and fueled by our national and provincial partners such as Sport Canada, viaSport, Own the Podium, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Coaches Association of Canada, we are driven by our mantra to Collaborate. Serve. Innovate. 

Our team of sport science, sport medicine, coaching & life services experts provide leading-edge programs and services to athletes and coaches to ensure they have every advantage to win medals for Canada. 

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