The Royal Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB) and FIKAGEAR are proud to announce a collaboration to drive the growth of Hockey 5S (H5S) in the Netherlands. As an innovative and fast-paced variation of field hockey, H5S presents significant opportunities for the Dutch hockey community. To support its expansion, KNHB is joining forces with FIKAGEAR—a Dutch company and the global market leader in H5S materials.
Hockey 5S: A Dynamic Game for the Next Generation
Boukje Smeets, Sports Innovator at KNHB, describes H5S as an exciting and accessible format designed for young players aged 16 to 24. Combining speed, action, and entertainment, H5S perfectly aligns with the interests of this target group. With short, intense matches and tournament-style play, it serves as a dynamic addition to traditional field hockey.
In 2025, KNHB will introduce the Rabo City League, hosting tournaments in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Utrecht. These events will give young players the chance to experience this new and exciting format. Additionally, the Rabo Club Tour will travel across the country, making H5S easily accessible to local clubs.
Innovative FIKAGEAR Equipment
To support the expansion of H5S in the Netherlands, KNHB has partnered with FIKAGEAR, which offers two high-quality, FIH-approved boarding systems:
- T25: A robust steel boarding system designed for permanent H5S pitches.
- G25: A lightweight, mobile composite variant that is easy to assemble, making it ideal for flexible use and tournament play.
FIKAGEAR’s materials are built for durability, ease of use, and maximum playability. Both boarding systems meet FIH standards for ball bounce and player safety, ensuring a fast, dynamic, and safe gameplay experience. The mobile composite system also enables H5S to be played anywhere, from sports parks to urban spaces and event venues.
Arnoud Fiolet, Partner at FIKAGEAR:
“The rise of H5S is unstoppable. Both nationally and internationally, we see countless reasons to embrace this format. FIKAGEAR has been involved since the early days of its reintroduction five years ago and was also the first FIH partner. As a Dutch company, we take great pride in welcoming KNHB as a federation partner. Working together to elevate field hockey and secure its future is a truly exciting opportunity.”
The Future of H5S
KNHB and FIKAGEAR expect H5S to expand rapidly in the coming years. The Rabo Club Tour and Rabo City League will continue to grow in 2026, and during the 2026 Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, H5S will take center stage.
KNHB is excited about this collaboration and looks forward to a future where, alongside traditional field hockey, H5S is widely played across the Netherlands using FIKAGEAR’s cutting-edge equipment.
About FIKAGEAR
Founded in 2017 and based in Valkenswaard, FIKAGEAR is a proud partner of the FIH, EuroHockey, KNHB, and multiple national hockey federations, including those in Belgium, France, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Malta, the USA, Denmark, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Chile. FIKAGEAR’s mission is to grow field hockey worldwide by providing high-quality, affordable equipment.
