Sunshine, sea breeze, and fierce competition await in Alanya, Türkiye, as the EuroHockey Club Challenge I (Women) 2025 brings together seven ambitious clubs for a thrilling week of European action.
Split into two pools—three teams in Pool A and four in Pool B —each side arrives with their own story, united by a shared goal: to earn promotion and leave their mark on the European stage.
Alanya Stars Hokey SK, Türkiye:
As the host team, Alanya Stars Hokey SK (known as Metpak Alanya Stars!) brings a blend of local talent and experienced players. Notably, several team members, including Meryem Aydın and Sinem Yalçın, have previous experience with Gaziantep Polisgücü SK, a club known for its strong performances in European competitions. The team is coached by Kazım Koca and managed by Sadullah Hira.
Europa FC Hockey Club, Gibraltar:
This tournament represents a landmark moment for Europa FC, marking their first ever appearance in EuroHockey Challenge I—a major milestone for women’s hockey in Gibraltar. The team enters the event full of belief, having dominated their domestic league, winning five consecutive titles and currently sitting top of the standings with a healthy goal difference. They recently added the 2024/25 Women’s Domestic Cup to their collection, underlining their national dominance.
Led by captain Louise Flower and vice-captain Ashley Garcia, Europa’s squad is a blend of experience and heartfelt comebacks. Dubbed the “comeback girls,” several team members returned to the sport after years away, reigniting their love for hockey under the guidance of head coach Christian Zammit and team manager Gareth Flower. Anchoring the defence is a family affair—the three Garcia sisters line up together in a European competition, a rare and special storyline.
“It’s always exciting to play in EuroHockey competitions. Representing our country at this level is an honour,” says coach Zammit.
UKS Swarek Swarzędz, Poland:
Youthful and determined, UKS Swarek Swarzędz travel to Alanya as a team in development but with clear aspirations. While they haven’t yet claimed a national outdoor championship in Poland, they are a rising force in the Polish senior league, currently holding third place in the standings.
In preparation for their Challenge I campaign, the squad ramped up their commitment with extra sparring matches, targeted fitness work, and video analysis to address recent mistakes. Players to keep an eye on include Marta Czujewicz, Maria Drozda, Julia Kucharska, Jagoda Arciszewska, and Patrycja Kosińska—a group with technical skill and growing maturity.
Their coach keeps it simple but powerful:
“If it hurts, it grows.”
HC Luxembourg, Luxembourg:
With a squad as diverse as it is determined, HC Luxembourg brings a unique dynamic to this year’s tournament. As the only hockey club in the country, they jokingly say they always top the national rankings—but make no mistake, their competitive spirit is serious. Playing in the Belgian league system, they’ve climbed from regional leagues into national-level hockey, sharpening their edge through regular high-level competition.
This squad includes veterans making their fifth European club appearance alongside newcomers like Diane Krüger, Geraldine Berre, and Danielle Holper, who all earned their first Luxembourg senior caps in the past year. With at least nine different nationalities and six languages spoken among the team, HC Luxembourg is truly international, bonded by a shared love of hockey.
Currently performing well in their spring league campaign, they are taking it “one match at a time,” with hopes of topping the standings by June—and perhaps finishing their European run with similar success.
Cardiff and Met, Wales:
Cardiff & Met, representing Wales, is known for its competitive spirit and consistent performances in domestic leagues. While specific player details are not provided, the team is expected to bring a strong lineup aiming for top positions in the tournament.
IFK SumDPU, Ukraine:
Representing Ukraine, IFK SumDPU features a roster with a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents. Captain Sofiia Kalynychenko leads the team, which includes players like Viktoriia Mazurkevych and Kateryna Oliinyk, both of whom have prior international experience. The team is coached by Olena Svystiur.
Grupo Desportivo do Viso, Portugal:
Hailing from Portugal, Grupo Desportivo do Viso completes the lineup! Viso combines experienced players with fresh talent. Captain Ana Nogueira leads the team, which includes players like Daiana Ponce and Valentina Reinoso. The team is coached by Rui Ferreira.
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