Get Involved: Volunteering with the Aviators
Hockey is about more than what happens on the ice. It's about building a community where our players feel supported, friendships grow, and girls have the opportunity to learn, develop and fall in love with the game.
Our association runs on the dedication of volunteers, and parents are at the heart of it all.
From helping behind the scenes to cheering from the stands, every contribution makes a difference. When parents get involved, they help create the experiences, opportunities and memories that make being an Aviator so special.
Leading by Example
One of the most valuable things we can teach our children is the importance of giving back.
When our players see their parents volunteering, helping others and contributing to their community, they learn that being part of a team means more than wearing the jersey. It means showing up, lending a hand and taking pride in something bigger than themselves.
Volunteering teaches our children the value of:
- Teamwork: Everyone has a role to play, on and off the ice.
- Community: We all have a part in making our association a welcoming place.
- Responsibility: Showing up and following through makes a difference.
- Gratitude: Appreciating the people who make opportunities possible.
- Leadership: Taking initiative, supporting others and being part of the solution.
We want our Aviators to grow into confident athletes and thoughtful, community-minded individuals. It starts with the example we set.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering isn't just about helping the association. It's also an opportunity to be part of your player's hockey journey in a meaningful way.
- Make memories together. Be part of the moments your player will remember long after the season ends.
- Build connections. Get to know other parents, families, coaches and volunteers.
- Support female hockey. Help create more opportunities for girls to play, develop and thrive.
- Be part of the action. Experience the excitement of tournaments, team events and association activities.
- Share your skills. Whether you're organized, creative, handy, great with people or simply willing to help, there's a place for you.
- Help keep hockey accessible. Volunteer support helps the association operate programs and fundraising events that benefit our players.
You don't need to know everything about hockey to make a difference. You just need a willingness to get involved!
Where Can You Help?
There are many ways to contribute throughout the season. Whether you have a few hours to spare or are interested in taking on a bigger role, every contribution matters.
Tournament Volunteers
AFHA hosts 2 tournaments each season that bring teams and families together while raising important funds for our association. These events help support player development, equipment, ice times and other opportunities for our athletes.
Tournament volunteers help make these experiences possible.
Ways to help include:
- Scorekeeping and timekeeping
- Host table and tournament check-in
- Raffle and 50/50 sales
- Tournament setup and takedown
- General event assistance
Our tournaments are a great way to meet other families, get involved and show our visiting teams what makes the Aviators community special!
Coaches & On-Ice Helpers
Do you love hockey and want to help girls develop their skills and confidence?
Coaches play an important role in creating a positive, encouraging and fun environment for our players. You don't need to be a former professional hockey player to make an impact. A willingness to learn, support and encourage young athletes goes a long way.
Opportunities may include:
- Head Coach
- Assistant Coach
- On-ice helper
- Goalie support
- Skills and development assistance
AFHA encourages women to explore coaching opportunities and take advantage of available coach development programs. Every girl deserves to see strong, positive role models in the game.
We Are Coaches - Hockey Canada Women Coaches Training
Team Managers
Team Managers are the organizational heart of each team, helping everything run smoothly throughout the season.
They are the go-to connection between families, coaches and the association, helping keep everyone informed, organized and ready for the next team activity.
Team Manager responsibilities may include:
- Communicating team information and updates
- Coordinating schedules and team activities
- Organizing team volunteers and duties
- Supporting tournament and game-day logistics
- Helping create a positive team environment
It's a rewarding way to support your team and help make the season enjoyable for everyone.
Locker Room Moms
Every team needs a little help behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly.
Before all games and practices, AFHA requires 2 female parents or female guardians with appropriate certifications (Respect In Sport/Shift Forward and CRC) to be present as per the Hockey Canada Rule of Two.
Rule of Two
To best ensure safety for all participants, all minor hockey programs sanctioned by Hockey Canada and its Members are required to implement the ‘Rule of Two’ for all dressing rooms.
The ‘Rule of Two’ requires
two trained and screened adults to be present in the dressing room or immediately outside the dressing room with the door propped open to monitor the environment and ensure it is free of any discrimination,
harassment, bullying, or other forms of maltreatment.
More commonly known as Locker Room Moms, these are 2 positions required to arrive first and leave last from the dressing room. No knowledge of hockey is required, and if you are interested, please reach out to your Team Manager or Director of Managers
Team & Game Volunteers
Depending on your player's division and team needs, opportunities may include:
- Scorekeeping and timekeeping
- Game-day music
- Team events and celebrations
- Dressing room and equipment support, where appropriate
- Team fundraising and special activities
These small contributions make a big difference in creating a positive experience for players and families.
Association & Special Event Volunteers
Have a special skill, an idea or a few hours to share? AFHA has opportunities for volunteers to support the association beyond their own team.
You could help with:
- Association events and player celebrations
- Fundraising initiatives
- Sponsorship and community outreach
- Communications, social media and creative projects
- Website and administrative support
- Equipment and program support
We welcome parents who want to share their talents, learn something new or simply lend a hand wherever it's needed.
Our Two Annual Tournaments:
A Team Effort
AFHA hosts the ICEBREAKER and GIRLS WITH GOALS tournaments each season that are important fundraisers for our association. These events take a tremendous amount of planning, coordination and volunteer support on the tournament weekends to bring to life.
From preparing the arenas to welcoming visiting teams, building an amazing raffle table, to running activities and keeping games on schedule, it takes a community working together to make each tournament a success.
When families pitch in, everyone benefits.
Tournament proceeds help support the development and experiences of our players, making these events an important part of the AFHA season.
We encourage parents and older players to take part and help us create a welcoming, memorable experience for all the teams who visit Abbotsford.
Every Hour Makes a Difference
We understand that families are busy. Between work, school, practices, games and everything else life brings, finding time to volunteer isn't always easy.
That's why we encourage families to contribute in ways that work for them.
You don't have to do it all. A few hours at a tournament, helping with a team activity or taking on a role for the season can make a meaningful difference.
The more we share the responsibility, the stronger our association becomes.
Keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities and sign-up requests throughout the season. You can also connect with your Team Manager or the AFHA to learn how you can help.
Whether you're volunteering for the first time or have been part of the Aviators family for years, there's always a way to contribute.
Together, We Make It Happen.
Our players give their best on the ice. Let's show them what it means to give our best as a community, too.
Thank you for being part of the Aviators family and for helping make female hockey in Abbotsford possible!