EuroHockey celebrated the graduation of Umpire Development Programme (UDP) Group 16 last week, marking the latest milestone in the development of the next generation of international umpires.
The group completed their journey in Barcelona, where they officially graduated during a special dinner attended by EuroHockey Board members, their mentors, and officials committee chair Magda Nazaret as well as UDP group 17 (pictured above).
The graduating class includes:
| Ana Ortega | ESP |
| Alia Korth | GER |
| Sarah Craig | IRL |
| Paula Sławińska | POL |
| Lucien Vanderborght | BEL |
| Berry van Bentum | NED |
| Amar Chudasama | ENG |
| Aleš Větrovský | CZE |
They were guided and supported throughout their development by mentors Gabriele Schmitz (GER) and Pierre-Philippe Van Besien (BEL).
Over the past year, the group has taken part in an intensive learning journey — beginning with at Der Club an der Alster in Hamburg (Easter 2024), followed by EHL KO16 in Surbiton, a practical experience at the EuroHockey Club Trophy tournament at Lisnagarvey last Easter, and finally, their concluding seminar in Barcelona, held alongside the EHL KO16.
The final weekend featured a series of sessions led by top EuroHockey officials and coaches, including Sandra Adell, whose talk on an umpire’s perspective of the EuroHockey Championships was particularly inspiring.
The programme also included insights from the highly-decorated master coach Max Caldas, discussions on video umpiring, aerial play, and mentorship sessions to prepare the umpires for the next step in their careers.
The graduation dinner on Saturday evening was a fitting conclusion to a year of growth, learning, and connection — celebrating not only the achievement of each participant but also the spirit of community that defines EuroHockey officiating.
What is the UDP?
The EuroHockey Umpires Development Programme (UDP) is an initiative designed to identify and nurture talented young umpires from across Europe.
Through a series of seminars, practical experiences, and mentoring, participants gain the technical knowledge, confidence, and international exposure needed to progress along the EuroHockey and FIH pathways.
Now in its 16th edition, the UDP continues to strengthen the foundation of European officiating — ensuring that the next generation of umpires are not only highly skilled but also connected through shared experiences and friendships forged on and off the field.
