The EuroHockey Club Trophy I returns again as one of the most fiercely competitive tiers in European club hockey. This annual event, a vital rung just below the Euro Hockey League, has consistently delivered high-quality action, memorable performances, and a clear glimpse at the rising powerhouses of the women’s club game.
Since its relaunch post-COVID, the Trophy I has become a proving ground for ambitious clubs from across the continent. With potential promotion (dependent on ranking points) to the elite EHL competition on the line, every match in this tournament carries extra weight, with national pride, European rankings, and club legacies all at stake
Recent History – A Tournament of Emerging Dynasties:
After the cancellation of the 2020 edition due to the pandemic, Gantoise HC of Belgium claimed the title in Lille in 2021, edging Spain’s Sanse Complutense in a thrilling final. That year also saw the rise of clubs like Braxgata and East Grinstead, the latter becoming a recurring presence at the business end of the Trophy.
The 2024 edition in Hamburg, Germany, saw a shift in power as Surbiton HC from England claimed their first Trophy I crown, breaking the Belgian streak by overcoming Dragons in a compelling final.
Our hosts HC 1972 Rakovník (Czechia):
As hosts of this year’s EuroHockey Club Trophy I, HC 1972 Rakovník will proudly fly the Czech flag on home soil, looking to make a mark in front of their local fans. A well-established name in Czech women’s hockey, Rakovník brings both history and heart into the competition.
With two national outdoor championship titles and multiple silver-medal finishes to their name, Rakovník has long been a force in domestic hockey. Now, they’ll be eager to translate that success to the European stage.
The team boasts a talented core, including several national representatives: Anna Vorlová, a key figure in both the Czech senior outdoor and indoor squads, brings pace, creativity, and experience at international level. Veronika Přibíková, a rising star with caps for the Czech U21 and senior national teams, is known for her tenacity and all-round play.
Iva Hudečková, the team captain, provides invaluable leadership and consistency, having been a pillar of the squad for many seasons.
Captain Hudečková is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge but remains optimistic about what lies ahead: “Even though participating in Trophy I will be very challenging for us, I believe that this hockey experience will be useful for us and will move us forward.”
With the support of the home crowd and a squad eager to test themselves against Europe’s best, HC 1972 Rakovník will be hoping to turn local pride into memorable performances.
Watsonians (Scotland)
“Watsonians come into the tournament on a high, fresh from lifting their fourth straight Scottish league title last weekend, following a nail-biting finish to the regular domestic season. A 2-0 victory away at Western Wildcats was enough to see them overhaul rivals Clydesdale Western (who host Trophy II), as the Edinburgh side clawed back an 8-point deficit in the final three games to retain their title and guarantee a European spot for next season.
Having won gold at the Club Challenge I on their European debut two seasons ago, Watsonians then finished 5th at the Trophy I in Hamburg last year, and 15 of the squad that played in Germany will feature again in Czechia. The panel includes a number of past & present Scottish internationals, including Sarah Jamieson, who captained her country at the recent Nations Cup event in Chile, as well goalkeeper Lucy Camlin, Katherine Holdgate, Emily Dark and Ellie Wilson. Dark and Wilson already have fond memories of Rakovnik, having been part of the Scotland side (which also featured head coach Keith Smith, assistant coach Bill Robson and physio Harriet Bascombe) that won the U18 European Championships II in 2017.”.
HC Rotweiss Wettingen (Switzerland)
Founded in 1928, HC Rotweiss Wettingen is one of Switzerland’s most successful field hockey clubs. The women’s team has clinched the Swiss field championship multiple times, with recent titles in 2022, 2023, and 2024, qualifying them for the Trophy I!
Hampstead & Westminster (England)
Based in London, Hampstead & Westminster Hockey Club is one of the UK’s largest hockey clubs, fielding 11 men’s teams, 8 women’s teams, and 28 junior teams.
The women’s first team competes in the Women’s England Hockey League Premier Division and has been a strong contender in recent seasons. In the 2024–25 season, they are currently leading the league with 11 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss.
Notably, they secured third place in the 2023 Women’s EuroHockey Club Trophy, so a real contender here in Rakovnik.
Loreto HC (Ireland)
Loreto arrives in Rakovník as back-to-back Irish league champions, boasting momentum and belief. Head coach Paul Fitzpatrick emphasizes the club’s pride in international competition: “Tournaments like this are always talked about for a long time and help build the community within the club.”
The Dublin-based club features a youthful squad ranging from 17 to 26 years old. Several players have previous European experience, while others are set to make their continental debut. With strong domestic form and passionate support behind them, Loreto aim to enjoy their hockey and gain valuable experience at this level.
SG Amsicora ASD (Italy)
Amsicora, from Cagliari, is one of Italy’s most storied clubs, with nine national titles to their name. Several of their players bring international experience: Ukrainian-born Maryna Kilkho and Maryna Vynohradova have represented Ukraine and Italy, respectively, while Agustina Fiorelli has appeared in the EuroHockey5s format.
Many in the current squad have previous European club competition experience, and the team has invested heavily in preparation for both domestic and European campaigns. They are determined to make a strong showing in Rakovník.
Cambrai HC (France)
Cambrai HC enters the Trophy I fresh from back-to-back national titles on grass in 2023 and 2024. Coached by a former Olympic goalkeeper from Belgium’s 2008 squad, the team blends youth and elite experience. Standout player Mickaela Lahlah (23), a homegrown talent, featured at the 2024 Paris Olympics, while several of her teammates are part of the French U18 setup. The club has played recent European tournaments in Turkey and Austria, and the Rakovník edition offers another opportunity to challenge themselves on the international stage.
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