Luxembourg might be a small European state in terms of size – it is the 179th largest country in the world and has a population of 563,000 – but it is certainly aiming to punch above its weight when it comes to hockey development.
Lee Godfrey, of the Luxembourg Hockey Federation, explains that, while hockey is not a sport that is traditionally played in schools in Luxembourg, getting more young people involved in the sport, either through schools or clubs, is a top priority of the Federation in the next few months.
The Federation has just made a giant step forward in hockey provision with the opening of a new artificial pitch in the Cessange area, which lies at the southerly end of Luxembourg City.
Considerable support for the pitch was provided by the city, which Godfrey admits is: "A huge investment for which hockey has not had to pay."
The new pitch will be available for schools and clubs to use and, although Luxembourg does not have a national team at the moment, an exciting initiative with local embassies means the pitch will definitely be seeing some international action.
“We are hosting a Nations Cup, which will cater for both adult and youth players,” says Godfrey. “We do not have the final list but expect at least the Austrian, Belgium, Netherlands, British, German and French embassies to participate. We will have a mixed adult event on the Saturday and a youth tournament on the Sunday.”
Austrian, Belgian, Dutch, British, German, Spanish and French players have shown a desire to take part in the event and, if it goes well this year, then it will become an annual event.
Additionally, the Federation has partnered with two international players – ex Argentinian player and coach Adel Fuentes and the young Spanish star Ignacio Mesones. Fuentes will be offering strategic guidance and coaching advice while Mesones will be employed as a hands-on coach to work with the numerous youngsters who are interested in taking up the sport.
There are also plans for these two experienced hockey players to use their contacts and knowledge to attract international matches to the country, as a way of inspiring people to get involved.
Already the work is paying off. The Federation has been working with the international school in Luxembourg, St Georges, and a number of pupils have already joined in club sessions at the new pitch.
One of Mesones’ main roles will be running coaching clinics for both young players and aspiring coaches. Not only will the youngsters receive coaching from a top player, but the coaches will receive hands-on, practical coaching tips.
This initiative, which will help develop a sustainable hockey structure for the future, is supported by the European Hockey Federation. The clinics will start their work in earnest in 2016, as the hockey scene has moved indoors for the next two months. Lee is hopeful that between 30-40 players will attend each session.
For more information about hockey in Luxembourg, click here.
Photo:Hockey Club Luxembourg
