The FIH Pro League was one of the key attractions for taking the job as CEO of the International Hockey Federation. This new competition instantly captured my imagination. As far as I’m aware, this is the first time, in any sport, that international teams will play in a home and away global league. There’s so much that is exciting and challenging about that.
The establishment of this pioneering new international League in such a short space of time, only three years, is very much down to the backing of the participating National Associations. Believe me, to put a six-month league into an existing calendar is really difficult and needs a lot of collaboration and support from the athletes, clubs and national leagues. This is a real testament to everyone’s good will and commitment to grow the game.
When I came in to the organisation, the FIH Pro League was very much in the latter stages of planning. I took this opportunity to take a step back and really understand it. I thought it was important to find out how people view it, are they supporting it? You must take the time to get a clear view of every angle in order to develop a solid strategy for success.
What’s clear is that everyone connected to this new competition is really excited to get started! And it’s not just those competing - everyone I have spoken to sees the positives in the FIH Pro League - broadcasters, partners and various other stakeholders linked to our sport. Let’s face it, hockey will be regularly and permanently on television, with the best nations playing each other in front of packed stadiums across the world. That has to be good for the game!
Don’t get me wrong, we have faced several challenges in recent months, but, from my professional experience, I am extremely confident in this new League. Is it going generate big income at the start? The answer is no. We will have to work hand in hand with the participating countries to offer maximum attraction to all of our stakeholders. We have already learned some important lessons and will learn more during the first season, but we will use these to refine our strategy to drive future success.
Amongst all the glamour of the FIH Pro League, I also think its crucial that we do not lose sight of the other 126 National Federations involved in our sport. Whilst we work diligently to ensure hockey is promoted across all levels of the game, the FIH Pro League gives us an opportunity to fuel unprecedented growth never seen before. Like with many other sports who we compete with, what’s consistent is that they all have an elite level competition that fuels development. You just have to look at my previous employer, FIFA, to see the possibilities that the World Cups have created for the game.
There are big challenges ahead. Aside from the logistics of initiating a global home and away league, there are all the other opportunities that are presenting themselves at all levels of the game. This means it is difficult to set priorities or take the time to evaluate the steps we need to take. But I have been impressed by the commitment and passion shown by all those involved in the game and I am looking forward to the challenge of leading the FIH through this period of growth and development.
