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Masters reception evening with Grange Hotels

The EuroHockey Masters Championships will run alongside the Unibet EuroHockey Championships and are supported by Grange Hotels.

In conjunction with the Masters competitions we’re also offering all players and officials across all age groups and teams an opportunity to join together for a reception at the stunning Grange St Pauls Hotel on the evening of Sunday 23 August.

We’d be delighted to see as many players there as possible, and feel free to bring friends and family, everyone is welcome to attend!

The evening is exceptional value – a cost of £25 includes:

– Welcome drink

– Bowl food including dessert

– Transport from all 3 Masters tournament venues

– Live Band

– Live coverage of the Unibet EuroHockey Championships fixture that evening – ENG v NED

Book your places by completing the booking form below before the 8th August. Demand is

high and places will be secured on a first serve basis with capacity of up to 1000.

There are also some great deals on accommodation at the Grange St. Paul’s Hotel linked to the evening. Why not arrive early and treat yourself to a spa session, or stay on after the party and enjoy more sport in our themed sports bar!

Masters and Grange Hotels Hockey Reception Flyer

Reception booking form 2015

Hockey Partnership Rates masters flyer

For further information contact [email protected].

For more information about Grange Hotels visit www.grangehotels.com

Scotland's Nikki Lloyd during their Investec London Cup game at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, Queen Elizabeth Park, Stratford, east London, 12th July 2014.

Scotland squad selected for Unibet EuroHockey Championships

Scotland Senior Women’s Head Coach Gordon Shepherd has named his squad of players for the EuroHockey Nations Championship in London from 21-30 August.

Commenting on his squad selection, Shepherd said:

“Naming the squad for the European Championships now will allow the players to work together and really gel as a squad in the lead up to the competition over the next four weeks. As a group of coaches, we’ve been really happy with the players and how they have trained recently. It feels like the right time to select the squad.

“We have three players who will be playing their first international tournament but equally we have a number of players with a lot of experience at this level. I’m delighted for the players who have been selected.”

Scotland have been drawn against England, Germany and Italy in the continent’s top flight competition and the squad will be aiming to retain their place in the tournament by finishing in the top six places.

Continuing their preparations for facing Europe’s best hockey playing nations, the Scots will feature in a round-robin 3 Nations tournament including Germany and Spain in Hamburg on 30 & 31 July, before flying directly to Madrid for a warm-weather training camp and three further international matches against Spain on 4, 6 & 7 August.

“Both Germany and Spain recently competed in the World League semi-final so the games will be difficult”, added Shepherd.

However, they will be ideal preparation for the players to get right up to speed ahead of the Europeans and when we return from Madrid we expect to be competing and performing at the same level as these nations.”

Scotland Senior Women: Amy Brodie, Leigh Fawcett, captain (both Grove Menzieshill), Fiona Bruce, Ali Howie, Susan McGilveray, Nicki Skrastin (all Clydesdale Western), Louise Campbell, Nikki Cochrane, Becky Merchant (all Edinburgh University), Vikki Bunce, Becky Ward (both Dundee Wanderers), Aileen Davis (Clifton), Amy Gibson (Slough), Nikki Kidd (Mannheimer), Nikki Lloyd (Canterbury), Emily Maguire (Reading), Kareena Marshall (Western Wildcats), Sarah Robertson (Holcombe)

 

BHUBANESWAR (India) -  Hero Champions Trophy hockey men. match place 7-8. England  vs Belgium. John-John Dohmen of Belgium. Photo Koen Suyk

Red Lions Coach Delmee names his squad

Belgium Head Coach Jeroen Delmée has announced his selection for the Unibet EuroHockey Championships to be held in London in August.

Dorian Thiery misses out following his shoulder injury during the World League, in Brasschaat, but perhaps the biggest surprise are the absences of Thomas Briels and Simon Gougnard. Racing’s Gougnard joins Amaury Keusters (Herakles) as a reserve whilst Max Plennevaux (Leopold) and Arnaud Flamand (Waterloo Ducks) are also not included.

The Red Lions compete in the Ergo Masters in Hamburg, a four nations tournament in which they will face Germany, England and Spain from July 30 to August 2, before heading to London for the competition that starts on 21 August.

Squad in full:
Gauthier Boccard (Waterloo Ducks),
Tom Boon (Racing),
Cédric Charlier (Racing),
Mathew Cobbaert (Dragons),
Tanguy Cosyns (Daring),
Alex de Paeuw (Waterloo Ducks),
Felix Denayer (Dragons),
Sébastien Dockier (Den Bosch),
John-John Dohmen (Waterloo Ducks),
Jeremy Gucassoff (Racing),
Alexander Hendrickx (Dragons),
Loïck Luypaert (Braxgata),
Emmanuel Stockbroekx (Dragons),
Jérôme Truyens (Racing),
Vincent Vanasch (Oranje Zwart),
Florent van Aubel (Dragons),
Arthur Van Doren (Dragons)
Elliot Van Strydonck (Léopold).

Reserves : Amaury Keusters (Herakles)
Simon Gougnard (Racing).

TriFinance EuroHockey Championship 2013

Caldas names Dutch squad for Unibet EuroHockey Championships 2015.

Netherlands Head Coach Max Caldas has announced the squad to compete in the Unibet EuroHockey Championships 2015 in London.

From the training group Martijn Havenga, Pepin Luijkx, Diede van Puffelen and goalkeeper Sam van der Ven were not selected whilst Jelle Galema and Floris van der Linden have been named as reserves and will continue to train with the squad right up until the tournament begins.

Seve van Ass H.C. Rotterdam
Sander Baart M.H.C. Oranje-Zwart
Billy Bakker Amsterdam H.& B.C.
Pirmin Blaak (GK) H.C. Rotterdam
Thierry Brinkman S.V. Kampong
Jeroen Hertzberger H.C. Rotterdam
Rogier Hofman H.C. Bloemendaal
Robert van der Horst M.H.C. Oranje-Zwart
Constantijn Jonker S.V. Kampong
Robbert Kemperman S.V. Kampong
Mirco Pruyser Amsterdam H.& B.C.
Glenn Schuurman H.C. Bloemendaal
Jaap Stockmann (GK) H.C. Bloemendaal
Hidde Turkstra H.C. Rotterdam
Valentin Verga Amsterdam H.& B.C.
Bob de Voogd M.H.C. Oranje-Zwart
Mink van der Weerden M.H.C. Oranje-Zwart
Sander de Wijn S.V. Kampong


Reserves
Jelle Galema  M.H.C. Oranje-Zwart
Floris van der Linden  H.G.C.

The Unibet EuroHockey Championships take place from 21 to August 30 in London, England. Netherlands are in group A along with England, Spain and Russia. You can still buy tickets from www.eurohockey2015.co.uk/tickets.

during the Nations Cup match between Great Britain and Germany at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on April 14, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee)

Don’t miss out this summer!

On average, 93% of fans who attended recent England Hockey events at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre rated their overall experience as either excellent or good, and it’s easy to understand why. Read on to find out what our fans have been saying and make sure you’re not missing out when the Unibet EuroHockey Championships are in town this summer!

On the pitch
Whether it’s Florian Fuchs tearing through the opposition’s defence, Alex Danson’s pin point accuracy in front of goal or Mink van der Weerden powering home a drag flick, you know you’re in for a treat when watching an international hockey match. Power, pace, precision and goals are just a few things fans can expect when enjoying this action packed sport….and the Unibet EuroHockey Championships 2015 will be no different! Here’s what two fans had to say about the high quality hockey they recently watched:

“Brilliant day. I was lucky enough to be on the front row and I witnessed some top quality hockey, played competitively but in good spirit.”

“It was a brilliant afternoon of stunning hockey. We will come again.”
NEW DELHI - Hock World League  Final Men 07 ENG v GER (Pool A)  foto:  Florian Fuchs. FFU PRESS AGENCY COPYRIGHT FRANK UIJLENBROEK

Electric atmosphere
With the stadium seating capacity being extended to accommodate nearly 5000 fans at the Unibet EuroHockey Championships, the atmosphere is set to be buzzing, as these spectators found when watching Great Britain vs. Australia last month:

“It was a pleasure to attend and the atmosphere was amazing. Thoroughly worth the travelling and I would definitely go again!”

“Really enjoyable day with a great atmosphere.”

Supporters from across Europe are set to come and cheer on their favourite nation and we’re expecting a sea of orange as the Netherlands take on Spain in the first clash of the tournament. As the players take to the stage Het Wilhelmus and La Marcha Real will be sung as the tension builds, set for an explosive start.

A perfect day for all the family
As well as all the action on the pitch, there will be plenty to enjoy off it if when visiting Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. If you’re coming to the Championships to enjoy a family day out, there’s plenty to do around the stadium. If the children have been inspired by what they’ve seen on the pitch, they can try their hand at hockey and there will even be an opportunity to meet the players.

“We had a brilliant day, the children were interviewed by the MC, mascots were great and we appreciated all of the players taking the time to sign autographs and pose for photos. My children have gone to their summer training tonight very inspired! We will come again for sure.”

“The whole experience was very positive for both my children and me. The facility was excellent, the catering outlets were very good and it was very easy to book tickets.”

“A fantastic day with incredible, inspiring hockey! Good ticket prices and it was lovely to meet the players afterwards and feel like they had time for the kids.”

GB players sign autographs after the GB vs Aus test match

More than just hockey…
In between the hockey action you will be also be able to treat yourself to food and drink from across the continent, with a vast selection to choose from at our different catering outlets. From Belgian Waffles to Bratwurst sausages to pints of Guinness, there will be something on offer to please everyone!

Equally, if you’re after some new kit ahead of the start of the season there will be plenty of hockey merchandise available to test out and buy from various retailers. With less than a month to go until this fantastic event is underway, we hope you’re looking forward to coming. And if you haven’t already purchased your ticket, then what are you waiting for!

From recent spectator feedback, 85% of our fans said they would definitely or be very likely to attend an England Hockey event again – “a great day with the kids, good ticket prices and a win for Great Britain. The venue is great and I look forward to going back this summer!”

We look forward to welcoming you! If you haven’t done so already, click here to buy your tickets to Unibet EuroHockey Championships 2015.

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Taking charge in London

As London prepares to host the Unibet EuroHockey Championships in August, we talk to the two people charged with making the men’s and women’s competitions run smoothly. Christian Deckenbrock of Germany will be Tournament Director for the Men’s Championships and Magda Przybyiska of Poland will be ruling the roost at the women’s event.

For Christian, who has been officiating at international events since 2005, this will be the highlight of his career as a hockey official so far. He was Tournament Director at the Youth Olympic Games in 2010 and again at the 2014 Champions Challenge and he has a wealth of experience through his club – Rot-Weiss Köln, but the enthusiasm bubbles as he talks about the forthcoming event. “To be TD in London is a great honour as well an interesting challenge,” he says. “We are fortunate to have a strong team with a wealth of knowledge and experience.”

Magda’s has been gaining experience as a judge at international events and she has also worked as a technical official and a tournament director at a more local level since 2000. She says: “The greatest events I have been to are the outdoor and indoor World Cups, Euro Championship and Olympic Qualifiers. But every tournament is special and I enjoy every single one very much, not only because I played hockey myself for a long time but also it is such a special thing to be involved in these moments in hockey’s history.”

Great Britain v Germany

Both Christian and Magda admit to falling into officiating. Magda, who has played and umpired hockey since school days, was called in as a replacement when a hockey tournament was held in her home town. Christian was considering a future in international umpiring and had not considered officiating when he was asked to step in and officiate at the Euro Nations 2005 in Leipzig. “In the beginning I was unsure if this was the right path for me,” he said. “Acting as technical officials means we spend quite a few weeks during the year preparing for and working at tournaments. But in retrospect, both Magda and myself are very grateful that we have chosen this path. There is a fantastic hockey family and it is always great to meet friends and new faces from all over the world at an event.”

For those unsure of the role of a tournament director, it is all about overseeing the smooth running of the event and ensuring the players are given every chance to perform to their best. This means the TD must work closely with the local organisers, the teams, the officials, the umpires and umpires managers, the TV and media people, and the medical personnel. There is also a disciplinary role – the TD must enforce the Code of Conduct when necessary.

In her day job, Magda is a teacher. She says the two roles are complementary, adding, “I am a mother, too and that is also beneficial in terms of showing respect and love at the same time, to be equally calm and assertive but fair, which I think is absolutely related to being a tournament director of a sport event or a director in any way.”

Christian’s background is in law, again a subject that he feels is beneficial to his role as TD. “To have a legal background can be advantageous when acting as a TD, especially when you have to deal with regulations and disciplinary matters. I also think that communication and coaching skills that I have developed through my officiating are helpful in my `day job` as well as in a tournament.”

Investec London Cup 2014.

Both Christian and Magda feel that London and the Unibet EuroHockey Championships have all the ingredients for a great tournament. “To make a great tournament,” says Magda, “First of all you need skilful hockey, thrilling games and exciting goals combined with sportsmanship and good umpiring. When then the matches are played in front of a big crowd and are presented in a nice matter throughout the world everything is perfect.”

“After having visited London 2012,” adds Christian,  “I have no doubt that all participants will remember this event forever.”

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One month to go: Who are the teams to beat?

With one month to go until the opening games of the Unibet EuroHockey Championships it’s time to take a look at the form of the competing teams as they aim to peak at the right time to capture the glittering trophy in London this August. Having already looked at the women’s contenders, it is now the turn of the men.

Reigning champions Germany fired a warning shot to anyone with the idea of taking the trophy from them with some scintillating hockey in the World League Semi Finals. Markus Weise’s side ran riot in the pool stages plundering 21 goals in four games, including a 9-0 hammering of Canada. They saw off Korea and then European rivals the Netherlands in the semi finals before a superb 4-1 win over the hosts, Argentina sealed top spot for the Olympic Champions. Their quality is evident in all areas of the pitch, but particularly eye-catching were the displays of Christopher Ruhr and Florian Fuchs who mustered 11 goals between them including some breathtaking solo efforts. Germany will mean business.

The Netherlands recovered from the disappointment of the defeat to Germany to blitz Canada 6-0 to take third place at the World League in Rosario. Mink Van Der Weerden served a reminder of his prowess from penalty corners by helping himself to five goals whilst Billy Bakker netted four times. The Dutch last won this title in 2007, when it was last held in England. They will be out for a repeat of that this time around.

Belgium, runners up in 2013 will also fancy their chances off the back of a sterling World League tournament in their own back yard.  Having survived a scare against France to win their quarter final 5-4 they swept aside India before pushing World No1 Australia to the limit, eventually losing out to a Chris Ciriello strike on the final whistle. With Captain John-John Dohmen named player of the tournament and Florent Van Aubel continuing to find the net with regularity they will be raring to go in an attempt to go one better than last time out.

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An all-English Great Britain squad came up short against Australia in their semi-final clash in Antwerp but with Olympic Qualification assured they turned on the style to demolish India in the 3rd/4th place playoff. Undoubtedly they will be buoyed by the home crowd but also the memory of their golden 2009 campaign where they were crowned champions. With six of that winning squad still around the group, including skipper Barry Middleton and talisman Ashley Jackson, Bobby Crutchley’s side will be keen to put on a good show at home to pick up some silverware.

Spain started slowly in Rosario, losing four out of the first five matches before a shootout win over Korea was followed by a superb 3-1 win over New Zealand to snatch fifth place and the possibility of Olympic qualification. Pau Quemada showed his value to the squad, scoring six times, almost half of Spain’s total for the tournament.

Ireland matched Spain’s fifth place finish in the Antwerp World League tournament. The World No14 matched higher ranked sides such as Great Britain and Belgium, losing narrowly to the hosts having removed their goalkeeper in search of a winner. Although they were defeated by Australia they finished strong beating Pakistan and Malaysia to take fifth place. Davey Harte was named goalkeeper of the tournament whilst Alan Sothern and Peter Caruth caught the eye with some splendid goals.

ANTWERP - Hockey World League Semi Final W & M 06 GBR v IRL (Pool B) foto: ireland linup. FFU PRESS AGENCY COPYRIGHT FRANK UIJLENBROEK

 

France Captain Tom Genestet expressed his disappointment at his side’s seventh place finish at the World league in Antwerp but France must take their positives from the tournament. After a heavy defeat to Australia they recovered to take a point from Pakistan and a win against Poland before eventually overcoming Pakistan in the 7th-8th play off with goals from Hugo Genestet and Simon Brisac.  Survival must surely be the aim for France this August but having run Belgium very close in the quarter finals at the World League, an upset or two might not be beyond them.

Russia did not qualify for the World League Semi Finals but gave some indicitation of their abiltieis in the previous round in March. A strong pool stage took in wins over Canada, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA before they were eventually overcome in the semi finals on shootout by Austria. Canada exacted revenge for their pool stage defeat with a 4-1 win over Russia in the 3rd/4th place match. Igor Siniagin showed his eye for goal with five strikes in the tournament, ensuring he will be a man to keep an eye on this summer.

Will Germany continue their run and retain their title? Can the home crowd get England back to the glories of 2009? Who will be the surprise package and who will collect the medals? Find out this August as world class international hockey returns to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

If you’re an England fan, it’s worth knowing you can guarantee seeing England on the Semi-Finals day – they’ll play in session two, so get your tickets to see them battling to make the Final!

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Grange Hotels announced as Official Partner of the EuroHockey Masters Championships 2015

Grange Hotels, provider of luxury hotel accommodation and events services is to become an Official Partner of the EuroHockey Masters Championships to be hosted in London between 22 and 28 August 2015.

Over 90 international Masters teams from 12 nations will take part in the EuroHockey Masters Championships which will be hosted at St Albans, Southgate and Old Loughtonians Hockey Clubs. Around 1,600 participants will take part in 228 matches across eight age groups ranging from over 40 to over 75 years. England Hockey and the European Hockey Federation are delivering the event in partnership with the IMHA and the WGMA, with 15 European Masters Cup titles at stake.

Deb Wilkes, Chair of the EuroHockey Masters Championships Working Group welcomed the news, commenting: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Grange Hotels to help us to provide a great welcome and service for so many international Masters teams. With the experience that Grange Hotels has from hosting the International Hockey Federation (FIH) during the London Olympic Games, and so many other sporting teams at their hotels, our Masters players are sure to have a great experience both on and off the pitch in London”.

Tony Matharu, Managing Director of Grange Hotels, London’s leading independent hotel group said: “Grange Hotels are delighted once again to be supporting hockey – this time International Masters hockey. Both London and Grange Hotels previously demonstrated the warm welcome, excellent organisation and first-rate hospitality extended to hockey players, spectators and officials during the London Olympics Games 2012. We hope that all those associated with the Euro Hockey Masters 2015 will personally witness this again on the pitch and off it.”

On 24 August three Masters matches will be staged at hockey’s Olympic legacy facility Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on a day being dubbed “Masters Monday”, during the Unibet EuroHockey Championships 2015 which is being held at the venue between 21 to 30 August.

Sally Munday, Chief Executive of England Hockey – the event host – added: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming so many Masters teams to London and giving centre stage to these role models and matches. Inspiring more people to play hockey and stay active for longer supports our participation objectives through this event, and Masters players set a fantastic example to anyone considering playing sport as they get older. There’s sure to be real passion and pride in evidence at the EuroHockey Masters Championships and we thank Grange Hotels for their support”.

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One month to go: Who’s in form?

With one month to go until the opening games of the Unibet EuroHockey Championships we take a check on the competing teams and how they’re shaping up for the battle to become Europe’s top team. Here’s a roundup of the recent form of the women’s teams.

In the women’s competition, World Champions the Netherlands have an air of invincibility about them, as shown by their dominant display in the World League in Antwerp. Having rattled in 25 goals in four games in the pool stage they moved on to the final with a 7-0 win over India and a 5-1 demolition of world No2 Australia before beating a stubborn Korea in the final. Captain Maartje Paumen chipped in with nine goals, closely followed by the outstanding Lidewij Welten with eight. They will take some stopping on this evidence.

Investec London Cup 2012

 

Another side who showed supreme form at the World League semi-finals was Great Britain. Whilst they revert back to their individual nations for the Unibet EuroHockey Championships, the majority of Danny Kerry’s side who won seven from seven in Valencia are likely to represent England this summer. Sophie Bray and Alex Danson showed their obvious goal threat scoring nine between them whilst goalkeeper Maddie Hinch had an outstanding tournament and was a big reason behind their mean defence, who conceded just twice in seven games.

Germany secured Olympic Qualification with third place in Valencia. It was a typically stubborn campaign from the reigning European Champions who needed two shootouts to take the third spot, the second of these a nerve jangling affair to see off World No3 Argentina. Jamilon Mulders’ team might not have hit top gear just yet, but on this evidence they will not give up their crown without a fight.

The World League semi finals were a case of what might have been for the two host nations, Belgium and Spain. Spain produced some outstanding performances, gaining a draw against Argentina and win over China, to show they are well on their way back to former glories but then they suffered the heartbreak of a shootout loss to Germany to scupper their medal hopes. They ended up sixth after a 3-1 defeat to the USA. Belgium suffered consecutive shootout defeats to Korea and Japan leaving them to snatch seventh place with a 4-2 win over Italy. Both will surely be keen to turn the “nearly” games into results in London.

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That 4-2 loss to Belgium condemned Italy to an eighth place finish in Antwerp. The Azzurri will have been buoyed by a 4-0 win over France in the pool stages and in Valentina Braconi, who scored twice in the tournament; they have an exciting up and coming talent. Survival will surely be their aim in August.

Poland took ninth place at the same tournament after enduring some heavy losses to the likes of New Zealand and Australia. The performances of Captain Marlena Rybacha, the goals of Amelia Katerla and Natalia Wisniewska as well as a 5-1 win against the French will give them something to build on as they too look to avoid the drop.

Scotland were not involved in the World League tournaments but have been in plenty of action over the last couple of months. In June they had the better of a test series against Wales, before smashing 18 goals in three games against the Czech Republic with Nikki Lloyd, Vikki Bunce and Kareena Marshall proving particularly prolific.

Who will carry their good form into London? Who will spring a surprise? Who will take the honours? We don’t have to wait long to find out. One month to go!

If you’re an England fan, it’s worth knowing you can guarantee seeing England on the Semi-Finals day – they’ll play in session two, so get your tickets to see them battling to make the Final!

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Rabobank becomes Partner of the Unibet EuroHockey Championships 2015

England Hockey and the European Hockey Federation are delighted to announce that Dutch Financial Services Company, Rabobank, has become a Partner of the Unibet EuroHockey Championships 2015, which will be staged in London on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park between 21 and 30 August.

Rabobank’s sponsorship will help England Hockey deliver a world-class event experience for spectators, athletes and volunteers and particularly create an friendly environment for Dutch fans visiting the event.     With 8.8m customers in 40 different countries, Rabobank is a leading financial services provider with activities in banking, asset management, leasing, insurance and real estate. With 2 million members in the Netherlands, Rabobank continues to be a committed supporter of hockey in the Netherlands and recently was the title sponsor of the successful Hockey World Cup in The Hague.

The Unibet EuroHockey Championships 2015 comprises 40 matches over 10 days at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, with the men’s and women’s Champions crowned over the weekend of 29 and 30 August. It promises to be a fiercely contested tournament with Germany looking to defend both titles.

The demand to watch the international stars in action back on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has been high and as a result England Hockey made the decision to expand the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre stadium, with additional tickets now on sale and selling quickly. Aside from breathtaking sport, spectators will enjoy a great, family day out with all that Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the event’s Hockey FanZone has to offer. Those unable to enjoy the event in person, it will be able to watch the coverage on TV including free to air broadcast in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.

Chair of the Unibet EuroHockey Championships 2015 Stakeholder Board, Andy Tapley, said “following our recent announcement of a Title Sponsor, it is fantastic to see another well known brand join the event. Rabobank has been the number one commercial supporter of Dutch hockey and it is fitting that they will be part of an event, where the talented Dutch teams will no doubt provide great entertainment.”

Marijke Fleuren, President of the European Hockey Federation said: “I am happy that Rabobank will join England Hockey and ourselves in the Unibet EuroHockey Championships. Once again it is a clear signal of how valuable our brand is. We wish them a very warm welcome.”

Tickets for the event are still available, with the Finals again nearing sell-out following the expansion of Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. www.eurohockey2015.co.uk/tickets