Flying Start Fund

Donate today to make a lasting impact.

The Flying Start Fund offers young athletes the opportunity to reach their potential through a Thunderbirds bursary program. Coaches designate athletes for this support, selecting those who show both interest and commitment to competition. We believe that organized sports provide one of the most rewarding paths for youth, offering not only the health benefits of athletics but also the mentorship of dedicated coaches and community leaders. By covering essential costs, this fund helps ensure that financial limitations don’t stand in the way of youth accessing the full benefits of organized sport.

Partner with Us to Support Young Athletes

We invite community members and organizations to join us in supporting the goals of young athletes in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey. Every dollar donated goes directly to the athletes, covering essential club and provincial registration fees, equipment, and travel expenses for competitions. With a commitment to transparency, 100% of contributions are allocated to the athletes—no administration fees are deducted.

Each year, funders receive a comprehensive report detailing the impact of their donations, so you know exactly how your contributions are supporting our athletes.

Who We Are

The Vancouver Thunderbirds is a registered not-for-profit athletics club dedicated to growing and nurturing athletic talent across Metro Vancouver. Operating in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey, our club offers age-appropriate coaching for athletes in Track & Field, Cross Country, and Road Running.

For over 20 years, our mission has been to create a thriving community that fosters talent on and off the track, supporting youth (ages 9-18), elite athletes at national and international levels, and promoting lifelong sport participation through our Masters program. To make our programs as accessible as possible, we offer flexible payment plans, yearly fundraising, and a free school outreach coaching program in partnership with local school districts. Additionally, we collaborate with charities like KidSport, JumpStart, and Athletics4Kids to provide added financial support.

Why the Flying Start Fund?

While we strive to keep club fees low, we recognize that more financial support is needed in certain communities, particularly in North Surrey. According to 2021 census data, Surrey has a higher youth population (15-19) than Vancouver and a larger average family size. This, combined with lower average after-tax income, makes it difficult for some families to afford the cost of organized sport. Our fund aims to assist these families, ensuring youth in need can access our programming.

How You Can Help

Donations provide travel and competition support for athletes showing interest and ability.
Typical costs include:

• Membership and Competition Fees: $745-$765

• Meet Entry Fees: $100-$400

• Equipment: $250-$750

• Travel (national-level competitions): $1,100 - $3,500 annually

With your support, we can create opportunities for youth athletes to unlock their potential.

Transparency and Impact

We are committed to transparency. Donors will receive an annual report detailing the impact of their contributions, with 100% of donations going directly to athletes.

Partner with us in building a community where every youth has the chance to shine.
Consider donating today and empower the next generation of champions!

Matt Johnston

The Thunderbirds Flying Start Fund is led by former Canadian National Team Member Matt Johnston. For over 20 years, Matt has been involved in reducing barriers to participation in sport for young, inner-city athletes throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Matt is currently a full-time professional firefighter, entrepreneur and proud member of the CKNW Kids' Fund Grants Committee. Matt's passion in giving back to the running community is a reflection of the impact running has had on his life. 

Reducing barriers to sport can alter the course of a young person's life. It is an upstream measure that advances social development and promotes mastery of skills that are transferable to other areas of life including academics. Sport keeps kids connected, focused and safe.  

- Matt Johnston, Registered Clinical Counsellor

Nigel Hole

Since hanging up his track spikes a decade ago, Nigel has dedicated himself to building a range of programs that shape the sport across the entire participation spectrum. He currently serves as the CEO of Thunderbirds Track & Field and the Meet Director of the internationally renowned Harry Jerome Track Classic. He himself faced some financial barriers as a youth athlete, and understands first-hand the burden small expenses like sport-specific shoes and regular meet entry fees can pose to families.

Beyond the instant, and incredibly powerful, physical & mental health benefits participants realize from playing with their peers on any given day, organized sports also inherently deliver highs & lows over the course of a season. Through this emotional roller-coaster, Sport has the power to become one of the most impactful teachers we’ll ever learn from.
Hence why it’s so important for those of us who have experienced the transformative power of sport, to pay it forward and help more athletes reach more start lines.

- Nigel Hole, Chartered Professional Accountant