In the wake of March’s EuroHockey Institute Executive Forum, several national associations are now converting their pledges into action to boost the sport in their countries.

As part of the forum, each participant is asked to “make a pledge” they will commit to, using the inspiration from the event to power future development.

Two months on, representatives from Slovakia, Bulgaria, Sweden and Wales give an update on how their pledges are being realised.

** Slovakia **

Slovakia’s Natália Fondrková (pictured above) pledged to “make field hockey in Slovakia widely recognised and clearly understood — so that no one will ever need to ask ‘what is field hockey?’ again.

“Through strategic, consistent, and creative campaigns, I will build a strong public image of our sport, one that reflects its energy, values, and future potential.”

To this end, her national association are now actively working on a strategic marketing and communication plan for the 2025/26 season, with a clear focus on long-term brand positioning and visibility.

They have finalised the preparatory phase for launching a new Slovak field hockey podcast, aimed at building greater public awareness and bringing the stories of players, coaches, and community to a wider audience.

It comes in tandem with systematically enhancing the digital presence of individual clubs — ensuring that each one becomes easily discoverable, visually recognisable, and competitive within the broader sports landscape in Slovakia.

Additionally, Matej Boho recently had a meeting with the Slovak Sports Support Fund and introduced the vision for the development of Slovak field hockey. The initial response was very positive. 

** Bulgaria **

Bulgaria’s Dimitri Dubuisson has been active with numerous youth-based initiatives, including a three-hour demonstration for kids day in Sofia, next to the biggest boulevard in the city.
 There, they installed a street hockey field and were able to showcase the sport to more than 100 children and parents.
 
At the event, Bulgarian high-jump Olympic medalist Mirela Demireva (Rio 2016) even tried the sport. The event was such a success that the city is asked to repeat it again twice this month with again a great success. In total more than 160 children tried hockey and some of them joined already trainings in clubs! 
 
Dubuisson is hopeful the event can be repeated next year cities like Plovdiv, Varna and Harmanli. 

** Sweden **

Sweden’s Paula Martins de Oliveira says she got straight to work after the Executive Forum on her return to Stockholm.

She explains: “We haven’t had a president for field hockey within Sweden for a year because nobody really wanted to take that role. After getting to know more how things have worked since I rejoined the association in May last year, we really needed someone to lead this ship.

“So that Monday evening I decided to step up and become the president of Swedish field hockey. It still feels a bit strange to be honest but, at the same time, exciting despite all the challenges.”

She explains the sport will need a level of consistency over several years to allow it to rebuild with the ambition to set up a number of bases with an emphasis on being more inclusive in their work.

Those bases could form the potential for a new strategic plan as they look to try and get into position to be one of the next phase of Solidarity through Great Governance projects.

** Wales **

Hoci Cymru’s Paul Whapham says a range of initiatives have progressed since the forum. It has included a pathway manager joining their youth group following a forum conversation with Jamilon Mülders.

They have launched research into their international training camps to understand if they are maximising the opportunities for young athletes. Three regional performance hubs have also been introduced to develop those who sit underneath the Under-18 or 21 squads. 

From a coach development perspective, they have committed in their operational plan to develop female coaches and expose them to elite environments and understand the barriers.

This will come alongside some female-only courses and increase engagement in young female ambassadors.

From a participation perspective, they plan to launch Flyerz Hockey (Hockey ID) by developing capacity at clubs in the west to kick start opportunities.  The long-term aim is to have a Wales ID team.