The Growth of Hockey in Belgium, Falklands National Sports Facility Budget Increase, and Hockey Resurgence in Bulawayo

The Belgian hockey federation has implemented a plan and structure for the national teams, resulting in a budget increase from 1.6 million to 8 million over 20 years. The federation has also seen a significant growth in membership, from 12,000 to 60,000 in 25 years. The annual budget for a national team ranges from one to one and a half million euros, with the Red Lions and Red Panthers costing between two and three million euros per year. Player salaries are based on the number of selections. The federation receives subsidies from the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (COIB), Sport Vlaanderen, and Adeps, as well as sponsorship. In 2024, the federation will not have to worry about the expenses related to the Olympic Games, as they will be covered by the COIB [4b9b1df1].

Meanwhile, in the Falkland Islands, the government and the National Sports Council (NSC) have agreed to increase the budget for a national sports facility project. The project aims to develop a dedicated sports facility in the Falkland Islands, with an estimated cost of £6-£10 million. The NSC will be responsible for delivering the sports facility building and pitch, while the government will handle the necessary enabling infrastructure. The NSC has successfully fundraised from the private sector, with donations being used to purchase facilities and support enhancements to the new facility. The final delivery costs are expected to be near the lower end of the original cost estimate. The project is being managed by the NSC at no cost, with a shared information and shared risk contract strategy. The project has received substantial funding from MLAs and is expected to contribute to promoting a healthy lifestyle and supporting sports in the Falkland Islands [540ac978] [4b9b1df1].

In Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, hockey in state schools had disappeared, but Zimbabwe's Excel Academy embarked on a mission to revive hockey in state schools, with Hillside Primary being their prime target. A coaching clinic in November 2023 saw 200 first-timers participate, ranging from 7 to 11 years old. Cliff Kaseke, the Director of Hockey at Excel Academy, expressed his motivation to share the sport with all communities. The Hockey Association of Zimbabwe has been actively promoting hockey across the nation, and the recent participation of the U21 women's team in the 2023 FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup has fueled optimism for the next generation of players [bc015447].