EuroHockey

Discover the team and values that drive EuroHockey.

Discover all the information regarding our competitions

Visit our calendar and keep an eye on upcoming events.

Stay informed with the latest EuroHockey news.

The nomination window for the 2026 EuroHockey Institute Solidarity Grants is now open.



The Institute



The EuroHockey Institute is designed to encourage, promote, develop and support the strategic growth of hockey in Europe at all levels. EuroHockey do this by sharing knowledge through teaching, mentoring and facilitating the correct programmes and environments to maximise understanding and implementation.



The Solidarity Grant



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The EuroHockey Institute Solidarity Grant is an opportunity for member national associations to access up to €2,000 to work on a national project.</li>



<li>EuroHockey is limited in the number of grants it is able to award each year so we encourage national associations to take their time in writing their application, ensuring that it has a clear strategic focus and will lead to a sustainable legacy beyond the length of the grant.</li>



<li>For the 2026 grants, focus will be placed on applications which are aimed towards organisational strategy development, youth programmes, club development and officiating pathways.</li>



<li>This year, EuroHockey and the selection group will look for projects that are well-thought out, strategic and, where possible, align with the priorities of your sports ministries and National Olympic Committees.</li>



<li>EuroHockey will work with successful member national associations on their project and consider the resources and timetable needed to achieve its goals.</li>
</ul>



The deadline for applications is 1st February at 17:00 CET.



All nominations should be submitted by the National Association on the EuroHockey Portal&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://portal.eurohockey.org/">link to portal</a>



If you do not yet have account on the EuroHockey portal, please contact your National Association’s portal administrator. If you are not sure who this is, please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@eurohockey.org">info@eurohockey.org</a>&nbsp;for support.



If you have any questions about the solidarity grants or the application process, please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cameron@eurohockey.org">cameron@eurohockey.org</a>

Solidarity Grant window for nominations now open

EuroHockey will begin three new Erasmus+ funded projects in 2026 following successful bids to aid the development of the sport.



To this end, EuroHockey’s Head of Strategy Tom Pedersen-Smith and consultant Gino Schilders took part in the Erasmus+ Sport Info Day 2026 this week to further engage and tap into EU assistance.



This year’s focus was not only on the <a href="https://eurohockey.org/eurohockey-joins-calls-for-stronger-recognition-for-sport-in-mff">Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)</a> and future opportunities but also on celebrating the projects that have secured funding for 2026.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="215" src="https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-1024x215.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4067" srcset="https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-1024x215.jpg 1024w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-300x63.jpg 300w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-768x161.jpg 768w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-1536x322.jpg 1536w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-2048x430.jpg 2048w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-1x1.jpg 1w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-200x42.jpg 200w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-500x105.jpg 500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



These projects show how sport can be a powerful tool for governance, safeguarding, and social change.



Speaking about the success, Tom Pedersen-Smith said:&nbsp;“These projects reflect our vision to make hockey not just a sport, but a platform for fairness, inclusion, and respect. We’re proud to lead initiatives that will have a lasting impact on communities across Europe.”



Here is an overview of the three projects for 2026:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-good-governance-game-ggg">1. Good Governance Game (GGG)</h3>



Partners:&nbsp;EuroHockey, Armenia Hockey, Georgia Hockey, Budapest Association for Sport NGO



The Good Governance Game aims to embed transparency, fairness, and accountability within European hockey. Piloted in Georgia and Armenia, the project will create a scalable governance model for other nations.



Drawing inspiration from the dynamics of a board game, GGG promotes values such as teamwork, inclusion, and respect, ensuring that governance becomes as engaging and accessible as playing a game.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-safeguarding-approaches-focusing-on-grassroots-sport-environment-safe">2. Safeguarding Approaches Focusing on Grassroots Sport Environment (SAFE)</h3>



Partners include:&nbsp;ENGSO, EuroHockey, Italian Rugby Union, Swedish Sports Confederation, European Fair Play Movement, and others. 



SAFE tackles one of sport’s most pressing challenges: harassment and abuse prevention at grassroots level. The project will deliver educational resources, awareness campaigns, and micro-learning tools to empower local clubs and federations.



With 15 organisations from 10 countries, SAFE aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that safeguarding standards reach every corner of European sport.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-hand-in-hand-fighting-gender-based-violence-through-sport">3. HAND IN HAND: Fighting Gender-Based Violence Through Sport</h3>



Partners:&nbsp;FIGC (Italian Football Federation), EuroHockey, Bulgarian Sports Innovation Hub, Albanian Football Federation, French Hockey Federation, and others



Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue across Europe. HAND IN HAND uses sport as a catalyst for cultural change, promoting gender equality and respect.



The project will provide training methodologies, digital tools, and guidelines to educate athletes and influence policy within sport organisations. By leveraging role models and sustainable digital resources, HAND IN HAND aims to create environments where violence is unequivocally rejected. Gino Schilders added:&nbsp;“These projects are about more than sport—they’re about shaping values and creating safe, inclusive spaces. EuroHockey is proud to lead this transformation.”

EuroHockey joins three Erasmus+ projects to begin in 2026

The SGG Project—Solidarity through Great Governance, co-funded by the European Union —held its final meeting at the EuroHockey Headquarters this week, bringing together a range of stakeholders who have benefitted from the programme.



The session featured distinguished guests including the Head of Erasmus+ Sport Gaele Broze, EuroHockey President Marcos Hoffman and keynote speakers like Phil Taylor from Blueprint Sport and Melissa Wright and Jens Aage Skare Nielsen from World Rugby, alongside representatives from national associations and international federations.



Since its inception, the SGG Project has successfully: &#8211; Developed robust governance structures across participating nations. &#8211; Strengthened alignment between national associations, ministries, governments, and Olympic committees. &#8211; Enabled long-term strategic planning and operational efficiencies, ensuring a shared vision and values across all pilot countries. &#8211; This collaborative approach has laid the foundation for sustainable growth and improved governance in sport.



It has benefitted national federations in Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, Portugal, Türkiye and Ukraine who all produced used the expertise on offer to produce bespoke strategic plans.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="215" src="https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-1024x215.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4067" srcset="https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-1024x215.jpg 1024w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-300x63.jpg 300w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-768x161.jpg 768w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-1536x322.jpg 1536w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-2048x430.jpg 2048w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-1x1.jpg 1w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-200x42.jpg 200w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EN-Co-funded-by-the-EU_POS-500x105.jpg 500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The day opened with a welcome from EuroHockey leadership, reflecting on the purpose and impact of the project.



This was followed by a keynote address from Phil Taylor, CEO of Blueprint Sport, who explored the importance of creating alignment and embedding strategic planning within sports organisations. Participants then heard progress reports from the pilot nations, showcasing ambitious long-term strategies—from Bulgaria’s “Taking Our Place” vision to Croatia’s efforts to connect communities, and Finland’s inclusive approach to making hockey a game for everyone.



Later, Portugal, Türkiye, and Ukraine shared their own blueprints for growth, emphasising family engagement, regional pride, and unlocking potential.



The afternoon featured a dynamic knowledge-sharing session with World Rugby and Rugby Europe, offering insights into governance practices across sports. This led into a forward-looking discussion on organisational health and international relations, led by Tom Pedersen-Smith, focusing on how to secure the SGG legacy for years to come.



The meeting concluded with closing remarks from EuroHockey board member Cathelijne Rockall, followed by networking opportunities and an evening dinner—celebrating collaboration and the shared commitment to better governance in sport.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead">Looking Ahead</h3>



Building on the success of the pilot phase, we are thrilled to announce that the SGG initiative will continue into 2026 and beyond under the Organisational Health banner, reinforcing our commitment to solidarity, transparency, and excellence in governance.

SGG Project celebrates final Meeting in Brussels

We are excited to announce that nominations for the EuroHockey Club of the Year 2025 are now open! This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible work your club does off the pitch and within your community.



Clubs are the heartbeat of hockey in Europe and this award celebrates their impact beyond the game. It’s not about winning matches—it’s about making a difference. We want to recognise clubs that lead the way in inclusion, education, development and innovation.



To ensure fairness, we will present two awards:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Large Clubs: More than 300 members</li>



<li>Small Clubs: Fewer than 300 members</li>
</ul>



Every club, regardless of size, has an opportunity to win!



What’s at Stake?



The winners will receive:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>€1,000 grant to support and grow their community initiatives</li>



<li>A EuroHockey Club of the Year Pennant</li>



<li>The prestigious title of EuroHockey Club of the Year 2025, opening doors to even more support and recognition</li>
</ul>



Plus, we’ll share inspiring stories from nominated clubs on the EuroHockey website, showcasing the amazing work happening across Europe.



How to Nominate



This year, clubs can nominate themselves! All submissions must be in English so if your club needs help, please reach out to your national association for assistance.



Deadline for nominations: January 4th, 2026 <a href="https://forms.zohopublic.eu/EuroHockey/form/EuroHockeyCluboftheYear2025/formperma/PDWkqrjteMGYDVLghNgSB7pkJvkGxQ4VJMJVIpAz9WQ">Click here to submit your nomination </a>



For any questions about the nomination process, please contact: cameron@eurohockey.org

Nominations open for EuroHockey Club of the Year 2025

EuroHockey joins 116 European partners in calling for stronger recognition and a dedicated budget for sport and physical activity within <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23erasmus&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED"></a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23erasmus&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED">#Erasmus</a>+ in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034. Sport and physical activity are not just leisure: they are drivers of health, jobs, inclusion and community wellbeing. Together, we urge the EU institutions and Member States to recognise sport as an essential investment and secure a more ambitious funding framework for the years ahead.



📝 Key asks highlighted in the Joint Statement: • A stronger <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23erasmus&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED"></a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23erasmus&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED">#Erasmus</a>+ envelope with sport clearly safeguarded • At least 5% of the Erasmus+ budget dedicated to sport &amp; physical activity • Fair access, better support for grassroots, simpler procedures • Stronger links with health, education, inclusion and innovation • Mainstreaming sport across EU programmes (EU4Health, Horizon, Cohesion, LIFE)



 🇪🇺 Investing in sport means investing in Europe’s future.



EuroHockey is proud to stand with partners from across the European sport and physical activity ecosystem.



👉 Full Joint Statement: <a href="https://lnkd.in/dwRgf3Qr"></a><a href="https://lnkd.in/dwRgf3Qr">https://lnkd.in/dwRgf3Qr</a>

EuroHockey joins calls for stronger recognition for sport in MFF

Eight umpires from across the continent have been selected to form Group 18 of the EuroHockey Institute Umpire Development Programme (UDP) who will begin their two-year journey in early 2026.



The programme continues to be one of the organisation’s key programmes in developing future top-level umpires across Europe.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Name</td><td>Nation</td></tr><tr><td>Dayana Petkova</td><td>Bulgaria</td></tr><tr><td>Max Davidson</td><td>England</td></tr><tr><td>Enzo Saleine</td><td>France</td></tr><tr><td>Hendrik Voelker</td><td>Germany</td></tr><tr><td>Karolis Donculas</td><td>Lithuania</td></tr><tr><td>Marc van Tuijl</td><td>Netherlands</td></tr><tr><td>Emilia Lozano</td><td>Spain</td></tr><tr><td>Yevhen Stupachenko</td><td>Ukraine</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Over the next two years, the participants will take part in two in-person seminars each year and receive at least one guaranteed EuroHockey appointment per season.



The 2026 programme will open with a seminar in Barcelona in February, running alongside the Top Hockey Barcelona tournament, before a second gathering later in the year at the EHL KO16.



Group 18 will be mentored by Fred Denuemostier (BEL) and Martin Madden (SCO)—two highly experienced officials who will guide the participants throughout the cycle.



Madden, a three-time Olympic umpire who previously worked with many of the cohort on the U4N and U4E courses, expressed his enthusiasm for what lies ahead for the group:



“I am really excited to be working with this new UDP group. I worked with most of them at U4N &amp; U4E and there are some fantastic prospects there. 



“Although the UDP wasn’t around when I was starting out, I’ve seen the value of it and the quality of umpire it develops right to the top level so being part of someone’s journey is an honour.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-find-out-more">Find out more</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://eurohockey.org/programme-session/umpire-development-programme">Click here to find out more about the UDP</a></li>
</ul>

Umpire Development Programme selections announced for Group 18

The EuroHockey Institute hosted its latest Technical Delegates (TD) Conference in Brussels from 7–9 November, bringing together 15 leading officials from across Europe for a weekend of collaboration, learning and exchange of best practice.



Building on the success of the event held two years ago, the 2025 edition has now become a key fixture in the Institute’s calendar, designed to support the continued development of Europe’s top officials.



The technical delegate’s role is the highest officiating position in EuroHockey competitions, ensuring that every event is conducted in accordance with the relevant rules of hockey and tournament regulations.



The conference programme combined practical workshops, leadership discussions, and technical updates — reflecting the broad range of skills required in modern event management.



Following a welcome dinner and networking evening on Friday, participants began Saturday with an opening session led by Magda Nazaret and Sonja-Annabell Schwede, focusing on expectations and introductions. This was followed by a Tournament Reflection Workshop, encouraging delegates to share their recent experiences and identify key learnings.



The morning continued with sessions led by Pierre-Philippe Van Besien on marking umpire managers before Muriel Peché and Eric Pirenne – bringing their vast experience as Belgian team managers – guided a practical discussion on team management.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leadership-workshop">Leadership workshop</h3>



In the afternoon, there was a leadership workshop, followed by Elisabeth Fürst’s marking discussion and an important update on competitions information from EuroHockey staff David Voskamp and Gráinne Corry. The day closed with a wrap-up session and a second evening of networking.



Sunday’s focus turned to communication and decision-making, starting with a workshop on delivering feedback and concluding with a deep dive into disciplinary hearings, led by Christian Deckenbrock and Rogier Warris, with 10 real scenarios discussed.



The programme was intentionally designed for TDs at all stages of their officiating journey, allowing those with extensive experience to mentor newer colleagues and share insights “from top to bottom”.



For Christian – a participant in the course who was also recently elected to the EuroHockey board – he hailed the value of the weekend, saying: “The TD Conference is above all about exchange and shared experience.



“It helps us to align our approaches across Europe and to give new TDs guidance and confidence for their roles. Even the experienced ones gain new insights from the broad range of topics covered — the time really flew by thanks to the open discussions and the strong sense of community.”



As with all EuroHockey Institute events, the TD Conference was supported by a EuroHockey committee — in this case, the EuroHockey Officials Committee.



The EuroHockey Institute extends its gratitude to the committee, and especially to Sonja-Annabell Schwede, for their invaluable support in organising and delivering this year’s TD Conference.



For Sonja’s part, she extended her gratitude to the EuroHockey staff Cameron Findler and Gráinne Corry for all their preparation work before and during the event to make it run smoothly.



She added: &#8220;My thanks go to all the speakers who prepared their presentations with such passion and gave us all valuable input. The most valuable aspect of such a TD group is the opportunity to meet and share experiences and learnings.



“We had developed a common goal to become more aligned within our tasks as TDs. We were able to achieve this in some sessions, while in others we realised that we would have to make individual decisions.



“We had a great atmosphere and lively participation from all attendees, which enabled us to make the event a success together.“

Technical Delegates gather for EuroHockey TD Conference in Brussels

Norway’s hockey community continues to make impressive strides in its development journey — fuelled by the EuroHockey Solidarity Grant programme. 



After focusing previous grants on umpiring (2023) and coaching (2024), the Norwegian Hockey Federation turned its attention this year to club development, with a particular emphasis on volunteer engagement and building stronger organisational structures.



Recognising the critical role of volunteers in sustaining the sport, EuroHockey recommended that Norway collaborate with the Royal Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB), who have successfully supported similar projects with other National Associations.



The timing aligned perfectly: Norway had also applied for an Erasmus Mobility grant to enable club and youth leaders to visit the Netherlands to observe best practice in action.



A Collaborative Learning Weekend



This collaboration culminated in a memorable weekend during Norway’s outdoor championship event in Oslo, when KNHB experts Eline van Zinnicq Bergmann and Sascha van den Wall Bake travelled north to deliver two days of interactive workshops.



Thirteen representatives from seven clubs attended, including delegates from Bergen and Trondheim, two emerging hockey regions beyond Oslo’s traditional base.



The workshops addressed one of Norwegian hockey’s biggest challenges: over-reliance on a handful of volunteers. Many clubs currently depend on one or two individuals to manage the bulk of their activities, a model that can easily lead to burnout.



Eline and Sascha shared how Dutch clubs have evolved their volunteer structures, spreading tasks more evenly and embedding appreciation and community at the heart of club culture.



The sessions prompted lively discussion and concrete ideas that participants began implementing immediately.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="701" src="https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_4019-scaled-e1762949931642-1024x701.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-6759" srcset="https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_4019-scaled-e1762949931642-1024x701.jpeg 1024w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_4019-scaled-e1762949931642-300x205.jpeg 300w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_4019-scaled-e1762949931642-768x526.jpeg 768w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_4019-scaled-e1762949931642-1536x1051.jpeg 1536w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_4019-scaled-e1762949931642-1x1.jpeg 1w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_4019-scaled-e1762949931642-200x137.jpeg 200w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_4019-scaled-e1762949931642-500x342.jpeg 500w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_4019-scaled-e1762949931642.jpeg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



** The KNHB contingent presenting in one of the workshops



Michaela Schmidt from Trondheim reflected: “The workshop provided us with new perspectives and approaches to managing our club.



“As a very small club with around 30 members — many of whom are temporary — a lot of the management falls on just a few people.



“After the workshop, we decided to look more closely at how tasks are distributed and how short-term members might also contribute, even in small ways. It reminded us of the importance of showing appreciation to every volunteer and supporter.”



For others, the impact was felt even more directly.



Fahad Kayani, youth leader and U16 coach at Furuset Landhockeyklubb, said: “The course with the KNHB in Oslo and the field trip to the Netherlands were an eye-opener in how we can involve volunteers in hockey. At our club, we did not have involvement from parents.



“Straight after the course, we set up a meeting with all the parents to show them how they can engage in their kids’ sport. It was received very positively — we even played a match with parents against the kids!



“For an upcoming friendly tournament in Sweden, two parents will now travel with us as guides.” For the KNHB experts, the experience was equally rewarding.



Eline van Zinnicq Bergmann, Senior Strategy &amp; Policy Officer at KNHB, said: “It was impressive, informative, and motivating to observe how much can be accomplished with determination and a positive mindset, even where hockey is not yet a mainstream sport.





“While the number of players and facilities differ, Dutch and Norwegian clubs share many of the same challenges. Learning about the Norwegian context reminded us of the value of community and flexibility — we didn’t just share our knowledge, we also took away valuable lessons ourselves.”



The programme will conclude later this year with a series of digital sessions to reflect on progress, share updates from each club, and provide final guidance from the KNHB. Strengthening Scandinavian Connections



Beyond the Solidarity Grant, Norway has made regional collaboration a key pillar of its development strategy. In recent years, the Norwegian hockey has prioritised building stronger Scandinavian ties, ensuring that clubs across the Nordics and Baltics are connected through shared activities, friendly tournaments, and ongoing dialogue.



One standout example is the growing partnership with Sweden. Initially, this involved friendly exchanges between Oslo-based clubs and Valhalla HC from Gothenburg, only a three-hour drive away.



But the collaboration quickly deepened thanks to regular conversations between Sebastian Vonen Skaugvoll (Norwegian Hockey Federation) and Colin Ingram (Swedish Hockey Federation).



With Norway’s first water-based pitch opening in late 2024, the timing was ideal to expand competitive opportunities. Sweden joined the Norwegian U16 league, fielding a mixed team drawn from players across the country.



Over two weekends in Oslo, the Swedish side not only competed but went on to win the league title. Sebastian Vonen Skaugvoll explained: “In Norway, we often see the same three clubs playing each other repeatedly, which isn’t always exciting for the kids.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="543" src="https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_3844-scaled-e1762950420572-1024x543.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-6758" srcset="https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_3844-scaled-e1762950420572-1024x543.jpeg 1024w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_3844-scaled-e1762950420572-300x159.jpeg 300w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_3844-scaled-e1762950420572-768x407.jpeg 768w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_3844-scaled-e1762950420572-1536x814.jpeg 1536w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_3844-scaled-e1762950420572-2048x1086.jpeg 2048w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_3844-scaled-e1762950420572-1x1.jpeg 1w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_3844-scaled-e1762950420572-200x106.jpeg 200w, https://admin.eurohockey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_3844-scaled-e1762950420572-500x265.jpeg 500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



** Players from Lunds LKH Nayan and Valhalla HC forming part of the Swedish contingent to compete in the Norway



“By inviting Sweden, we wanted to make the league bigger, more diverse and more fun — keeping players motivated and giving them a sense of international connection. It’s also about building a culture of collaboration in Scandinavia. I see many opportunities to replicate this for other age groups and formats.”



Colin Ingram added: “This initiative has been a fantastic example of how two small hockey nations can work together to give their young players new experiences. The enthusiasm shown by everyone involved has been inspiring, and it’s only the start of what we can achieve by joining forces.”



The momentum has already continued. Sweden’s Mesaicos HC women’s team travelled to Oslo for friendly matches in preparation for their EuroHockey Club Challenge in Copenhagen, while Partille HC is set to join the U14 indoor league this winter.

Building Stronger Clubs and Stronger Connections: Norway’s Solidarity Grant in Action

This month’s guest is Stefan Blöcher, former German international and EuroHockey Hall of Famer.



From his early days as a driven young player to one of the great playing careers and then on to coaching roles which have taken him across the world, Stefan shares his philosophy on motivation, growth, and the unifying power of sport.



He reflects on how hockey has connected him with people from every culture and background, proving that sport truly is a common language.



Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, as he reflects on how hockey has connected him with people from every culture and background, proving that sport truly is a common language.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe title="Spotify Embed: Live Your Dream: Stefan Blöcher on the Global Language of Sport" style="border-radius: 12px" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5PvfzBzMuMQUarqQm34S7D?si=QrDhd7ZdQTC8i2GqgGh2_g&amp;utm_source=oembed"></iframe>
</div></figure>

Category: Institute News