Cathelijne Rockall and Miquel Cunill are among those being celebrated on International Volunteer Day as those who help make our sport what it is as the global community recognises their importance in life.
From grassroots programs to elite international tournaments, volunteers form the foundation of hockey.
They are the coaches introducing children to the joy of the game, the umpires ensuring fair play, the event organisers orchestrating seamless tournaments, and the mentors shaping the next generation of leaders.
In many parts of the world, hockey’s very existence relies on the passion and selflessness of these individuals. Their commitment not only helps the sport flourish but also strengthens communities, teaching values of teamwork, resilience, and inclusivity.
This International Volunteer Day, the global hockey community comes together to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, fostering the growth of our beloved sport.
To honour these hard-working and committed people, FIH is presenting an FIH International Volunteer Day award, recognising the invaluable contribution of each nominee.
All the recipients of the award have been nominated by their continental federation.
To this end, EuroHockey nominated Miquel Cunill of Spain and Cathelijne Rockall of France for the award.
Miquel was the host with the most for the incredible EuroHockey Under-21 Championships this summer at Atlètic Terrassa.
He led a team of 130 local volunteers for one of the major highlights of the European summer with 10 days and 40 games showcasing some of the best rising talents from the continent.
The club welcomed thousands of visitors to the event, including a spectacular sold out finals day in the Spanish sunshine.
Rockall (pictured centre in white in featured image) is nominated for her phenomenal work on the Paris Olympics side events.
She played a key part in the French Federation’s efforts – in conjunction with the FIH – who brought hockey alive for 25,000 visitors to the Yves-de-Manoir Stadium.
The main focus was a high octane sports initiation zone with 100 sticks and balls and mountains of energy that greeted visitors to the Olympic hockey venue for 15 days in a row.
It included masterclasses from Olympians, autograph signings, interacting with new and old fans, giving all a chance to give the sport a try and inspire a new audience with Cathelijne a central piece from the French host’s team.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram said of the awards: “Today, as the global hockey community celebrates International Volunteer Day, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who make hockey more than just a sport – it’s a movement.
“Their efforts ignite passion, build bridges across cultures, and create lasting legacies.
“On behalf of FIH and in my personal name, I’d like to thank every volunteer for their tireless work, boundless energy, and unwavering belief in the power of hockey. They are the heartbeat of our sport, and we celebrate them not just today, but every day.”
