As clubs across the Netherlands look for new ways to keep hockey engaging and accessible, RKHV Union has embraced Hockey5s (H5S) as an exciting and flexible format. Introduced to the club about a year and a half ago, H5S has quickly grown from a one-time experiment to a popular and recurring part of Union’s hockey culture. We spoke with Jasper from RKHV Union to understand how this small-sided format is being used, received, and positioned for the future.
Growing Popularity on the Club Grounds
At RKHV Union, H5S is steadily becoming a well-established part of club life. “We started about a year and a half ago with the first set, thanks to a subsidy,” explains Jasper from Union. “Since then, we’ve organized a few tournaments. It’s a fun and accessible game format, and what we’ve noticed most is that it’s not too difficult to play.” The positive experiences led the club to purchase a second set, which has expanded usage. “We now use H5S weekly in training sessions,” Jasper says. “It’s really starting to establish itself as a regular feature at our club.”
Positive Reception Across Age Groups
The format has resonated with a wide audience. “H5S is fast, accessible, and allows for lots of ball contact. It’s perfect for recreational players and enjoyable for parents to watch,” Jasper notes. Especially among beginners and younger players, the dynamic gameplay and frequent ball touches make it an engaging way to experience hockey. While select players still prioritize traditional field hockey, recreational groups are embracing H5S enthusiastically. Parents of U12 girls in particular have shown excitement, noting that the matches are more entertaining to watch—thanks in part to the fast pace and familiarity with indoor hockey dynamics.
Practical Implementation & Logistics
H5S is used weekly during regular training sessions across all age groups. “It rotates each week so that different teams get to use it,” Jasper explains. Recreational teams benefit most, as the small-sided games are more intense and require fewer players, making them ideal for end-of-session match play. Top-level teams join occasionally, but the format sees the most value with broader participation. Storage is handled efficiently: “Our first set came with FIKAGEAR trolleys, and we built a second trolley ourselves to save costs,” Jasper adds.
Flexible Use Through the Year
Union sees a rise in H5S activity during the indoor hockey season—around January and February—when players welcome the chance to play outdoors again. “During the indoor season, teams love the chance to play outdoors with H5S. It’s a refreshing option,” says Jasper. Spring and autumn also prove to be key moments for extra H5S events, particularly following the summer break.
Looking to the Future
While H5S has not yet led to a significant increase in membership, it is a valuable addition to the club’s offerings. “We see H5S as a simple yet meaningful addition, especially for events and tournaments,” Jasper emphasizes.The club also has bigger ambitions for the future: “Our ultimate goal is to have the fields set up permanently, so they can be used virtually 24/7. This would make organizing tournaments even more accessible, as we wouldn’t have to rely on setting up and dismantling the fields each time.”
De Koninklijke Nederlandse Hockey Bond en FIKAGEAR kondigen met trots een samenwerking aan voor de groei van Hockey 5S in Nederland. Met deze innovatieve en
