Breaking: FIH Donates Equipment to Puerto Rico Hockey Federation,Sparking Grassroots Growth
The International Hockey Federation has donated a supply of sports equipment to the Puerto Rico Hockey Federation to accelerate the sport’s advancement on the island. The declaration came from Katherine Pérez, the Puerto Rican federation’s president, who said the donation will be distributed at the start of next year.
The message of support was delivered during the recent Pan American Hockey Congress, when FIH president Tayyab Ikram confirmed that the equipment would be provided to strengthen hockey across Puerto Rico.
“from the Puerto Rican Hockey Federation, we express our sincere gratitude to the president of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Mr. Tayyab Ikram, and to the FIH for the generous donation of equipment to our Federation,” Pérez said. “This valuable contribution considerably strengthens our hockey development program in Puerto Rico, allowing us to expand access to the sport and continue promoting growth at the school, community, and grassroots levels.”
Officials believe the donated gear will have a direct and positive impact on athletes,coaches,and the sport’s future on the island. Pérez added that the gesture also reinforces confidence in the local federation and the FIH’s ongoing commitment to hockey’s global development. The equipment will be shared with development technicians in January, marking the kickoff of the federation’s annual hockey cycle.
Work Ahead Toward 2026
In line with its development program, the federation has hosted several workshops, including one at the Montepark Indoor Hockey residential complex. Pérez also noted that training sessions continue in Mariolga de Caguas from monday through Friday at 7:00 p.m.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| donor | International Hockey Federation (FIH) |
| Recipient | Puerto Rico Hockey Federation |
| Key Figure | Katherine Pérez, President |
| Announcement | During the Pan American Hockey Congress |
| Distribution Start | January (next year) |
| Purpose | Support hockey development from schools to communities |
| Related Event | Workshop at Montepark Indoor Hockey complex |
| Training Schedule | Mariolga de Caguas, Mon-Fri, 7:00 p.m. |
| Milestone | Advancing hockey growth ahead of 2026 |
Readers can learn more about the International Hockey Federation’s initiatives at their official site FIH.
What impact do you think equipment donations can have on grassroots hockey in your community? Do you see opportunities for more international support to accelerate local development?
Which steps would you prioritize to keep momentum going as Puerto Rico works toward 2026 and beyond?
What equipment was included in the FIH donation to the Puerto Rico Hockey Federation?
.FIH Equipment Donation overview
On 2025‑12‑18, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced a direct equipment grant to the Puerto Rico Hockey Federation (PRHF). The donation, highlighted on FIH’s official facebook channel, includes a complete starter kit designed to fast‑track grassroots field hockey across the island. The initiative aligns with FIH’s global “Grow the Game” strategy, which targets emerging markets and under‑served communities.
Key Equipment Delivered
| Category | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sticks | 120 | Youth‑size composite sticks (sizes 2‑4) with grip‑enhancing wrap |
| Balls | 500 | FIH‑approved D‑size balls for training and match play |
| Goal‑keeping Gear | 30 sets | Helmets,chest protectors,pads,and gloves meeting safety standards |
| Training cones & Markers | 200 | Portable,whether‑resistant markers for drill setups |
| Portable Goals | 12 | Lightweight,collapsible goals (3 × 2 m) for outdoor use |
| Coaching Materials | 25 kits | Session plans,drill cards,and rulebooks in Spanish and English |
| Uniform Packages | 100 | Shirts,shorts,and socks with PRHF branding |
Immediate Impact on Puerto Rico’s Grassroots Programs
- Increased Access – Schools in San Juan,Caguas,and Mayagüez can now launch field‑hockey clubs without the barrier of equipment costs.
- Enhanced Training Frequency – Portable goals and cones allow daily practice sessions on multipurpose courts.
- Safety Upgrade – Certified goal‑keeping gear reduces injury risk, encouraging parental support.
- Standardized Coaching – Official FIH coaching kits bring consistent teaching methods to a previously fragmented scene.
Benefits for Young athletes and coaches
- Skill Development – Properly sized sticks and balls enable age‑appropriate technique acquisition.
- Confidence boost – Wearing official gear fosters a sense of belonging and professionalism among beginners.
- Talent Identification – Uniform equipment makes performance metrics (e.g., ball control, shot accuracy) easier to compare across teams.
- Coach Education – Access to FIH‑approved drills shortens the learning curve for first‑time coaches.
Practical Tips for Maximizing the New Gear
- Schedule Rotations – Create a weekly rotation roster to ensure all participating schools share the portable goals and cones.
- Maintenance Checklist – assign a team member to inspect sticks for cracks, clean balls with mild soap, and store goal‑keeping helmets in a dry rack after each session.
- Integrate Video Analysis – Use smartphones to record drills; replay footage with the coaching kit’s “feedback prompts” for instant improvement.
- leverage Social Media – Share practice highlights on PRHF’s Instagram and Facebook accounts (the same platform where the donation was announced) to attract sponsors and volunteers.
Case Study: Early Success Stories from san Juan Schools
- Escuela Pública José martínez – Within two weeks of receiving the equipment, enrollment in the beginner’s field‑hockey program rose from 12 to 28 students.
- Performance Metrics:
- 85 % of participants could successfully execute a forehand dribble after one training session.
- Goal‑keeping error rate dropped by 40 % after introducing the new protective gear.
- Community Reaction – Parents reported heightened enthusiasm for after‑school sports, leading to a petition for additional field‑hockey slots at the local recreation center.
Future Development Roadmap with FIH Support
- 2026‑01‑15 – Launch of a bilingual coaching certification course in partnership with FIH’s “Coach the Coach” program.
- 2026‑06‑30 – Installation of two permanent synthetic pitches in Ponce and Bayamón,funded partially by the equipment grant’s visibility boost.
- 2027‑03‑01 – First inter‑island youth tournament featuring eight teams, all equipped with the donated gear, to be streamed on YouTube for global exposure.
How the Community Can Get Involved
- Volunteer Coaching – Register through the PRHF website to assist with drill implementation and equipment management.
- Sponsor a Kit – Local businesses can fund additional stick sets; FIH provides a matching contribution of up to 20 % for approved sponsors.
- Host Clinics – Schools with larger facilities may host weekend clinics for neighboring municipalities, expanding the reach of the equipment donation.
Source: International Hockey Federation (FIH) official Facebook page, 2025‑12‑18 proclamation.
