We can be proud of the way the FIH is striving to increase the professionalism within our sport. Its corporate vision outlined in its 10 year Hockey Revolution Strategy has one of its aims to make hockey a global game that inspires the next generation. In the last five years we have witnessed how hockey has been introduced to countries Africa, Oceania region, South American and more through this global development approach. Hockey organisations, businesses and individuals are working to make this happen and their efforts are not always brought to the attention of hockey players in general.
An example of one great initiative that is supporting hockey growth in countries where there is a need for help is that of the European Hockey Federation’s (EHF) ‘Give and Get Programme’. Under the programme, clubs are encouraged to give their old turfs to National Associations who are unable to afford a new field but have a strong demand for hockey. In the past six years, eight turfs have been taken up and delivered to a new home, with three of them already providing a surface for international competition.
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EHF Education and Development Manager Norman Hughes (middle) with Rutger Schuijffel, Friedemann Söll from Polytan (photo EHF)
In a recent FIH news article EHF Education and Development Manager Norman Hughes explains how the programme works: “We work with the richer, more developed National Associations such as England, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany to identify pitches which are being replaced but have at least five years of life left in them. Developing nations send us their requests and we priorities those nations that we think will benefit most. For those clubs that donate pitches, there is pleasure in knowing that their old pitch is helping others less fortunate.”
There are no set criteria for a successful application but Hughes says that the decision will fall in favour of the poorest nations and the number of players the field could introduce to the game. He also explained how historical hockey participation can play a part. “If a nation used to have a strong hockey heritage but when the pitches changed from grass to artificial turf they got left behind, then we will look carefully at helping those nations,” he says, pointing to the examples of many eastern European nations.
The cost of lifting and moving the field is met through a joint financial effort between the EHF and the receiving national federation. EHF assists with the lifting costs while the national federation pays for the trucks to transport the carpet. Hughes says the transport costs can reach upwards of Euro €15,000 (approx. AUD$30,000), so it is not a light undertaking. For Hughes, the programme is essential for developing nations. He explains that creating the surface for a pitch is one of the first steps up the ladder to increased participation and improved performance at all levels of the game. FIH global supplier Polytan lends its support also to the programme.
Croatian Hockey Federation benefits from ‘Get and Give Programme”
Once the carpet is laid, the onus is then on the club, the town, the state or the federation to get people playing the sport. So far, three of the eight pitches – in Croatia, Lithuania and Slovenia – have hosted internationals – for the development manager, this is a huge success and one he hopes will inspire others to ‘Give and Get’.
In this context wouldn’t it be a great initiative to implement in the southern hemisphere also.
The criteria the EHF use for the ‘Give and Get Programme’ are;
Donating club/Nation must contact EHF with the following specifications:
a. Location of pitch
b. Age of pitch
c. Total length and width of carpeted area
d. Type (sand dressed/water) and condition of pitch. It is not worthwhile to move sand-filled pitches as the carpet distorts when lifting.
e. Make of pitch
f. Whether the pitch has sewn in lines or painted lines. Painted lines are better as this gives greater flexibility when relaying the carpet
g. Photos showing the whole area and close ups of the worst worn areas help Nations wanting carpets to decide if they wish to take the carpet
Receiving Nation must show they are prepared to receive the carpet. This means:
a. Photos of venue where the carpet will be used
b. Proof that they are prepared to fund the transport costs of such a carpet. This can vary from between Euro 5,000 and Euro 15,000 depending on the distances involved
c. Letter from the National Hockey Federation confirming they wish to take the carpet ideally supported with a letter from the receiving city or the NOC.
Source: adapted FIH news and EHF
