By Rory McKee
MEN’S hockey clubs in Northern Ireland have rejected proposals for a revised league structure next season despite the governing body’s belief that it has ‘remained static for several years.’
Ulster Hockey consulted with clubs on the issue last summer and subsequently put forward the idea of moving towards a more open system below the Men’s Premier League.
It was proposed that the final standings in the Intermediate League in the 2024/25 season be used to inform the positioning of each team in the new structure, which, if agreed, would be implemented for the 2025/26 season. However at a meeting of clubs earlier this month, the clubs indicated a majority preference – by 10 votes to seven – to maintain the current structure going into next year.
The clubs advocated for sticking to the status quo in the best interests of club stability, but there is recognition that the depth of the men’s game has been in decline.
It was also agreed following the meeting that a working group would be established to undertake a ‘more robust and data driven approach’ to determining a future league structure.
Comber-based North Down Hockey Club’s 1st XI secured their Premier League status for next year with victory over promotion hopefuls NI Civil Service in an end of season play-off. Saintfield Men’s Hockey Club are members of the second-tier Intermediate League, with both clubs fielding teams in the various Junior leagues.
Ulster Hockey Chief Executive Marc Scott said: “Ulster Hockey is growing year on year, but this growth is predominantly in the women’s game and at junior and school levels for both girls and boys.”
“The men’s club game has remained static for several years following a significant decline over preceding decades,” he added.
“It is positive that Ulster Hockey is consulting with clubs in a collaborative and democratic manner and that the clubs are being given a platform to influence and agree a structure in the best interests of the sport.
“We are committed to working with clubs to develop a league structure which reinvigorates the men’s game in parallel to effective club development initiatives to ensure safe and sustainable clubs which are well connected to their communities.”
