EuroHockey has unveiled its new Inclusion Charter at the 2025 General Assembly — a comprehensive framework to embed sustainability, equity and diversity into every aspect of the sport.

EuroHockey President Marcos Hofmann said: “The Inclusion Charter is a call to action for our entire hockey community. It is about embedding fairness, respect, and sustainability into everything we do, so that hockey reflects the diversity of the society we serve.”

Board Member and Co-Chair of the EDI Panel, Cathelijne Rockall, added: “This is about challenging the status quo, sharing responsibility, and ensuring inclusion is a lived reality across European hockey.”

This is a holistic approach; it’s about challenging the status quo, sharing responsibility, and ensuring inclusion is a lived reality across European hockey.”

Current England international Darcy Bourne has been part of the panel that helped produce this Charter. “There is so much to be done, but for me the key word in our mission is growth,” she said. 

“We appreciate the work will look different for each of the 42 members in Europe. We’re all at different starting points, we’re all in different environments, so the work will be different.

“But the ultimate aim is to unite and align all countries in our mission to grow our sport and ultimately to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in European hockey.”

Cathelijne Rockall and Darcy Bourne talk about the Inclusion Charter at the General Assembly. Picture: Bart Scheulderman/World Sport Pics

This operational Charter builds on years of commitment to inclusion, guided by expert consultation and benchmarked against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international best practice from the IOC, FIH, and European Union.

The Charter provides clear guidance for how national associations can apply its principles in daily operations. This includes:

• Leadership forums that build diversity in governance and decision-making
• Safeguarding policies to protect the welfare of all participants
• Inclusive coaching systems to grow opportunities at all level
• Environmental projects such as the EuroHockey Forest to offset travel emissions
• Case studies and success stories showcasing real-world impact, including the Equally Amazing campaign and the Executive Leadership Forum
  

Looking ahead, future objectives include:

• The full roll-out of the EuroHockey Foundation to support social and health-based hockey initiatives
• Expanding walking hockey and inclusive competitions
• Increasing diversity in coaching and leadership pathways
• Enhancing contributions to climate action projects

EuroHockey will measure its progress using internationally recognised indicators, ensuring that initiatives remain aligned with global standards and deliver real change. This benchmarking draws from:

• IOC sustainable sports event standards
• Safe Sport International safeguarding principles
• EU policy on social inclusion in sport
• FIH Global Charter “People” pillar
• UN SDG targets

** Read the full EuroHockey Inclusion Charter by clicking the image below