The EuroHockey Group has secured €529,000 in European funding across four successful Erasmus+ Sport applications, which will strengthen the sport, supporting communities and driving positive social change across Europe.
The funding will support key strategic priorities, including the establishment of the EuroHockey Foundation, continued digital transformation, enhanced athlete welfare and safeguarding and increased gender equality in sport governance.
Investing in hockey’s social impact through the EuroHockey Foundation
The largest award, €400,000, will support the creation and development of the EuroHockey Foundation, with EuroHockey acting as the lead federation partner.
The Foundation has been established to address growing inequalities in access to safe, inclusive and stimulating environments where children and vulnerable adults can play, develop and thrive.
Across Europe, many individuals, particularly those from disadvantaged and minority communities, continue to face barriers to participation in sport.
Aligned with the European Union’s recognition of sport as a powerful tool for social inclusion, personal development and active citizenship, the Foundation aims to harness the power of field hockey to create lasting social impact.
Its vision is to empower individuals and communities through hockey. Through strategic partnerships and innovative programmes, the Foundation will use sport to foster inclusion, equality and positive social change.
Sport Data Compass to accelerate digital transformation
A further €75,000 has been secured through participation in the Sport Data Compass (SDC) project, led by the Spanish hockey federation (RFEH).
The initiative will strengthen the strategic capacity of sports organisations through the responsible use of data and artificial intelligence.
By combining advanced analytics, digital learning, mentoring and knowledge sharing, the project will help federations and clubs improve governance, efficiency and their social and environmental impact.
Working alongside partners from Spain, France, Czechia and the University of Valencia, EuroHockey will help ensure the project’s scalability and transferability across Europe for its member national associations.
The programme directly supports EuroHockey’s ongoing digital transformation ambitions while contributing to more resilient and sustainable sport organisations.
Supporting young athletes beyond the field of play
The ATHLETE 2.0 project has secured €39,000 for EuroHockey’s participation through the EuroHockey Foundation.
Led by the European Observatoire of Sport and Employment (EOSE), the project focuses on equipping young athletes aged 14 to 18 with the essential life skills needed to succeed both during and after their sporting careers.
Recognising that elite youth pathways often focus heavily on technical and physical development, ATHLETE 2.0 will introduce structured learning related to decision-making, integrity, career planning, education, wellbeing and financial literacy.
The project will develop a European competency framework, training modules and practical learning tools, empowering coaches and athlete development staff to integrate life skills education into everyday sporting environments.
It will make a significant contribution to athlete welfare, safeguarding and dual-career development.
Driving gender equality through LEAD4HER
The fourth successful application, LEAD4HER, will provide €15,000 in funding for the EuroHockey Foundation through a partnership led by the European Squash Federation.
The project aims to tackle the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership and decision-making positions across sport governance.
Through research, mentoring, digital learning and organisational support, LEAD4HER will create clearer pathways for women to access and succeed in governance roles.
It will pair experienced leaders with emerging female leaders and help federations develop gender equality roadmaps. The project aims to create lasting organisational change and more inclusive governance structures across European sport.
A significant achievement for the EuroHockey Group
Together, these four projects represent a major investment in the future of hockey. The combined funding will enable EuroHockey and the EuroHockey Foundation to expand their impact beyond the field of play and creating opportunities for communities across Europe.
Angus Kirkland, Director General of EuroHockey, said: “Securing over half a million euros in funding across four strategic projects is a tremendous achievement for the EuroHockey Group.
“These projects will help us strengthen our Foundation, embrace innovation, support the holistic development of athletes, and create more inclusive leadership pathways.
“They also reinforce our belief that hockey can be a powerful force for positive social change across Europe.”
| Project | Strategic Focus | Funding |
| EuroHockey Foundation | Social impact, inclusion and community development | €400,000 |
| Sport Data Compass | Digital transformation and organisational development | €75,000 |
| ATHLETE 2.0 | Athlete welfare, safeguarding and life skills | €39,000 |
| LEAD4HER | Gender equality and leadership | €15,000 |
| Total | €529,000 |
** The EuroHockey Group is the umbrella term which covers EuroHockey, the EuroHockey Foundation and the Euro Hockey League with the purpose of driving the growth, development and impact of hockey across Europe.
