Leinster Hockey Statement: Player Movements between Clubs
August 14, 2026
Player Movement Between Clubs – August 2026
Leinster Hockey is aware of an increase in players moving between clubs, particularly junior players who are playing, or aspiring to play, representative hockey. We are also aware of concerns that coaches or club officials may, in some instances, be encouraging or facilitating such moves.
While we recognise that players and families will make decisions based on their individual circumstances, Leinster Hockey believes the long-term health of our sport depends on strong, sustainable clubs providing quality opportunities for players at all levels.
Our clubs invest considerable time and resources in introducing young people to hockey and supporting their development. Leinster Hockey's development and provincial programmes complement this work by providing players from all clubs with additional opportunities to develop and participate in representative hockey.
Leinster Hockey wishes to be clear that no representative coach or official will encourage or advise a junior player to change clubs on the basis that doing so would improve their prospects of representative selection or progression. Representative opportunities should be based on a player's ability, potential, commitment and performance – not the club for which they play.
We encourage players and parents considering a club move to discuss the options available with their existing club. We also encourage coaches and officials to support the development and retention of players within their clubs.
Junior players or parents seeking advice, or clubs seeking support in developing and retaining players, are encouraged to contact Leinster Hockey or our Development Officers.
