Leinster Hockey Strategy 2023–2026
The Leinster Hockey Association is proud to launch its new three-year Strategic Plan for 2023–2026.
With over 40 hockey clubs and more than 270 competitions taking place year-round, this strategy sets out a clear and focused path to support the continued growth and development of hockey across the province.
A key priority within the strategy is increasing participation among boys and men in both clubs and schools. While hockey has seen significant success in attracting women and girls—making it one of the few team sports with more female than male players—this plan aims to expand opportunities for male players. This includes forming new teams, enhancing coaching access, and increasing officiating capacity across the region.
The strategy also outlines a broader commitment to growing the game at every level. This includes creating more accessible and inclusive competition formats, expanding development programmes, and introducing initiatives to encourage more people to try hockey and stay involved long-term.
Key focus areas include:
• Increasing the number of Development Officers
• Enhancing training pathways for umpires and match officials
• Growing the pool of qualified coaches to support players at all stages
Facility development is another major element of the plan. While many clubs and schools already benefit from excellent pitches and training environments, the goal is to improve access to quality facilities across the entire province. Leinster Hockey will conduct a comprehensive review of current infrastructure and develop a programme to support both the creation of new facilities and the upgrade of existing ones.
To support clubs in this area, Leinster Hockey will offer practical guidance, including advice on accessing grants and planning for long-term facility improvements—ensuring that every player has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, well-equipped environment.
Leinster Hockey are excited to see the strategic plan come to life:
Leinster Hockey Chairperson David Curran said: “I am thrilled to announce the new Leinster Hockey strategy that will run through 2023 to 2026. We have thought carefully to look at every aspect of Leinster Hockey to get more people involved in the game at both schools and club level. Focused growth around the number of schools who participate in hockey will continue to be a key priority as we also look to foster links between schools and clubs”
Fiona Walshe, Development Chair said: "We are proud that 70% of the Leinster hockey players play in women and girls’ competitions. Sport Ireland's latest research has shown that just 7% of girls aged 14-15 years meet the recommended physical activity levels and for this reason it is vital that we continue to make hockey a welcoming place for everyone and continue the activity that we are running to retain and grow the number of girls in the sport.
For more information, please contact:
David Higgins
Teneo
David.higgins@teneo.com
087 162 5597