The EuroHockey U21 Championships 2026 were officially opened on Thursday at the brand new Tarongers hockey field in Valencia ahead of the competition which begins on Sunday.
The event featured speeches by Luis Cervera, Director General of Sports for the Valencian Regional Government; Jesús Gracia, President of the Valencian Community Hockey Federation; José Ricardo Vila, Head of Elite Sports Services; and Carlos Viard, Events Coordinator for the Valencian Community Hockey Federation.
Also present were Javier Perea and Sonia de Ignacio-Sinó, Team Managers for the Spanish Under-21 national teams, and Ivet Martí, captain of the women’s team. Carles Bauxali was also in attendance, representing the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation.
** For further information on the pitch opening, click here
This continental competition will feature 16 national teams representing 11 countries, who will test their skills on the Valencian turf.
The brand new pitch will feature 24 of the games which will be broadcast live on EuroHockeyTV.
Speaking about the “new house, new challenges and the same enthusiasm”, Jesús Gracia welcomed the assembled audience.
“This is the sixth time we’ve hosted this European Championship in Valencia, but it will be the first time it’s held at this new venue, the Tarongers field, which boasts brand-new changing rooms, stands, offices, recording towers, and more.
“This facility aims to become one of the best hockey venues in all of Europe,” said Garcia.
“We want to thank EuroHockey and the Royal Spanish Hockey Federation for their trust, as well as the General Directorate of Sports and the Municipal Sports Foundation, for supporting these competitions.
“Our aim is to improve the facilities and the sporting level of our athletes. We also thank the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation for their support of our sporting events and our athletes.”
Carlos Viard added: “I want to acknowledge the work of the entire team. We’re inaugurating a brand-new pitch which has significant implications for organising large-scale events of this kind.
“Moving this international event to this new pitch has been a major challenge for the entire FHCV team. I want to thank everyone on the team who made it possible to organize this competition under the best possible conditions,” stated the FHCV events coordinator.
The Tarongers field has undergone a complete renovation, with new stands, changing rooms, and offices, transforming it into one of the leading venues for field hockey events across the continent.
Tickets on sale: Buy tickets for EUROHOCKEY U21 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEN’S AND WOMEN’S VALENCIA on July 26, 2026 at Enterticket
More information about the event: EuroHockey U21 Championship Valencia 2026 – FHCV – Valencian Community Hockey Federation
The EuroHockey U21 Championships 2026 is organised by the Valencian Community Hockey Federation in collaboration with the Royal Spanish Hockey Federation, has the support of the Valencian Government, the Valencia Provincial Council Municipal Sports Foundation and Visit Valencia.
** 24 EuroHockey U21 Championship matches from Pitch 1 in Valencia will be broadcast live on www.eurohockeytv.org with an €8.99 event pass (Click the graphic for more information)
