President’s Welcome & Opening Items
The President opened the meeting, welcoming new Board members and noting apologies, including one late arrival due to transport disruption.
Approval of the minutes
Minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved, with minor corrections related to Olympic qualifier typos.
President’s Update & FIH Update
Key governance matters were discussed, notably concerns regarding committee regulations and challenges in meeting gender‑balance requirements. Updates were provided regarding FIH structures, representation concerns, and anticipated changes to rule books in 2026. Financially, EuroHockey does not expect a profit in 2025 though consolidated results remain positive due to other entities within the group.
EuroHockey Committees 2025-2027
Proposed EuroHockey committees were discussed and approved by the board. The board agreed to review the process prior to the next cycle of selections.
Communications Report
The Communications team presented a summary of the data insights from the 2025 season. There was a significant increase in reach across both social media and broadcast channels due to additional investment in expert personnel at our two major events (EHL & EHC). The ongoing partnership with Magenta was reaffirmed. We are now entering a new cycle of broadcast contracts and will remain in close contact with the relevant National Associations. Media‑related digital infrastructure, including accreditation processes and website statistics, was reviewed with attention given to reduced web traffic due to dependencies on the TMS platform. A media officers’ course is planned for 2026.
“Fit for the Future” – Operations, Marketing, Digital, Commercial & Foundation
A presentation examined the organisational structure across EuroHockey, EHL and the EuroHockey Foundation, highlighting revenue flows, resource needs, and data‑driven decision making. The Board identified the priority of recruitment of a Sports Coordinator. A feasibility study for competition rebranding was approved (completion June 2026). The Foundation business plan received Board approval with acknowledgement of its role in absorbing some administrative pressure once it is established. Marketing and automation solutions were endorsed conceptually with decisions on new FTE positions dependent on a financial review.
Officials Update 2025
The Officials Committee reported challenges linked to delayed international calendars affecting appointments. The Board agreed to communicate formally with the FIH to push for earlier publication of calendars. The committee structure was refreshed including new leadership for appointments.
EHC 2027, 2029, 2031 Update
The Board reviewed organisational structures of the Championships, a new trophy design consideration, and branding concept for the 2027 EuroHockey Championships. The proposed new trophy was broadly supported with minor reservations.
Potential hosts and bidding developments for 2029 and 2031 editions were noted.
Finance Update
The Treasurer presented year-to-date financials for 2025 and forecast for the end of 2025.
The financial report indicated a positive net result as of 31 October 2025, although exchange‑rate effects temporarily produced negative variance. Depreciation remains significant until 2028, after which financial projections improve, particularly with new EHL cycles. Travel cost efficiency and revenue growth were emphasised as future priorities. Staff cost management and preparation for the next GA narrative, which should reflect the full group picture, were highlighted.
Coaching Update 2025
The coaching programme has been consolidated into a one‑year structure, though challenges remain in securing nominations. Women’s participation drop‑off after initial modules and language barriers were discussed. Leadership development efforts continue including youth‑to‑federation initiatives and potential volunteer programmes in Türkiye. The Board also acknowledged the need for stronger pathways encouraging women’s participation in decision‑making.
Learning and Leadership Update – Gizem Karaali
Gizem guided the board through her personal experience from Türkiye to the Youth Leadership Festival and finally to the EuroHockey board. Her development path led her to WSLA: A Platform for Leadership Growth. She ran the board through the challenges that women can face and how leadership can be shaped to develop the women leaders of the future.
TMS Update
The Board received a report on the Tournament Management System, including an offer from Altius to build an interface with the existing system. Costs and readiness for future proposal were reviewed and approved. The Board agreed in principle that when the FIH system is fully ready proven we will look to transfer over; it was noted, however, that this is a significant piece of work that should not be underestimated.
Competitions (Indoor & Outdoor) Reports
Outdoor competitions included updates on the coming season and that the EYOF was scheduled for Belgium in 2029 and that this could potentially host our U18 Championships. Issues relating to Great Britain team structures were discussed and will be followed up in as and when required.
The IOC announcement that youth teams from a Russian and Belarus would now be allowed to participate in IOC events was discussed and clarity defining “youth” will be sought from the FIH.
Minimum age regulations were also discussed for U16, U18 and U121
EHL Update
The board was updated on financials and the current status of EHL operations, looking back at last season and the KO16. The Director General also updated board members about the EHL FINALS status and debrief on topics that will be treated during the upcoming EHL board meeting.
Any Other Business
The meeting closed with appreciation for staff and congratulations to the new Board members.
The meeting concluded on Saturday, December 13th at 13:00 CET.
