The EuroHockey Executive Board met on September 27th online where they discussed the latest updates in Competitions, Communications and Commercial, Development and Strategy, Finance and Governance.
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The President, Marcos Hofmann opened the meeting by thanking all the members for their presence. He acknowledged the challenge of not being able to meet in person but expressed optimism for future engagements and looked back fondly on our face-to-face meeting in Istanbul where they were able to spend a food amount of time together.
Board members who attended various EuroHockey events shared their experiences, highlighting both the emotions and memorable moments felt during these tournaments. Walter Kapounek mentioned the surprising results and the strong TV appearance, particularly in the EuroHockey qualifier final in Austria.
Inez Cooper emphasised the incredible support from local volunteers, while Peter Elders shared touching moments, such as his visit to Lithuania and witnessing the enthusiasm of children trying new sports.
Angus Kirkland reflected on the logistical challenges but praised the teamwork and dedication shown by all involved.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes from the meeting held on 14th – 15th June 2024 in Istanbul were approved without amendments.
Competitions
EHC 2025 Update
Angus Kirkland provided an update on the preparations for the EuroHockey Championship 2025. The next meeting with the DHB team is scheduled for 28th November 2024.
EHC 2027 Bid Decision
Walter and Inez presented the bid to host the EHC 2027. The board discussed the bid and approved the award to England Hockey. The announcement about the host for EuroHockey Championships 2027 was made this week.
EHL KO16 Preparations
Peter Elders and Angus Kirkland provided updates on the ongoing preparations for the EHL KO16. Discussions with various parties are underway regarding the securing of a host for the Easter FINAL8/12 next year and beyond. Angus will keep the board informed of developments.
Competitions Indoor Update
Walter Kapounek provided updates on the 2025 and 2026 indoor seasons. The board discussed maintaining the current schedule for indoor competitions and awarded hosts for EuroHockey Indoor Championships 2026.
Competitions Outdoor Update (WK)
Walter Kapounek discussed updates on outdoor competitions, including awarding hosts for various championships. The issue of Russia and Belarus’s participation was raised as a challenge that may need to be addressed in the future.
Decision: RUS/BLR are suspended from participation in outdoor U18 events 2025 and EuroHockey Championships 2025. The board discussed the ongoing challenge regarding Ukraine’s commitment to paying long overdue invoices.
Summer Hockey Competitions
Marcos Hofmann reported on the successful organisation of 15 tournaments held in 11 venues during July and August. He acknowledged the organisational stress but emphasised that learning from these events would be valuable for future tournaments.
Communications and Commercial report
EHTV Season Pass Update
Angus and Inez provided updates on the EHTV season pass. Angus highlighted the technical challenges of moving the database of contacts and communicating and delivering the agreed benefits.
Communications Panel Update
Cathelijne Rockall shared about the panels recent meeting where they reviewed the output plans outlined by the staff. The panel will feedback their advice in due course.
Development and strategy
Investment in High Performance
Significant investments were made in various countries to boost high-performance hockey:
Dublin: A new pitch with permanent seating is being added to a major sports campus in Dublin.
Oslo: A new water-based pitch was inaugurated, aimed at encouraging youth from socially deprived areas to participate in sports.
Development Grants
Marcos Hofmann congratulated Tom Pedersen-Smith and Cameron Findler for successfully securing EU grants to support development projects. He emphasised the importance of strategic bidding in these processes.
Foundation for Development
Marcos Hofmann outlined a plan to make the development program self-sustainable, proposing the creation of a foundation that would separate development funding from competition-related finances. The board agreed to move forward with the plans. More information will follow in due course.
Finance report
2023 Updated Audited Accounts for Approval
Levi Van Havere presented the audited accounts for 2023. He highlighted the financial challenges faced during the year. The board engaged in a discussion on ways to increase revenue streams for future financial sustainability. The audited accounts for 2023 were reviewed and approved by the board.
Year to Date August 2024
Levi also presented the financial performance up to August 2024. He provided a detailed report on the current budget status.
Governance
EuroHockey General Assembly Updates
Marcos Hofmann and Angus Kirkland provided updates on EuroHockey’s representation at the FIH Congress, along with preparations for the upcoming General Assembly in November 2024.
EuroHockey Statutes
Angus Kirkland updated the board that he and Inez Cooper had worked with Tim Ollerenshaw to draft changes in the statutes as requested by the board, which will be presented to the General Assembly 2024.
The meeting concluded at 15:00 CET.
