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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n
Growing Popularity on<\/strong> the Club Grounds<\/strong><\/p>\n\n At RKHV Union, H5S is steadily becoming a well-established part of club life. \u201cWe started about a year and a half ago with the first set, thanks to a subsidy,\u201d explains Jasper from Union. \u201cSince then, we\u2019ve organized a few tournaments. It\u2019s a fun and accessible game format, and what we\u2019ve noticed most is that it\u2019s not too difficult to play.\u201d The positive experiences led the club to purchase a second set, which has expanded usage. \u201cWe now use H5S weekly in training sessions,\u201d Jasper says. \u201cIt\u2019s really starting to establish itself as a regular feature at our club.\u201d<\/p>\n\n Positive Reception Across Age Groups<\/strong><\/p>\n\n The format has resonated with a wide audience. \u201cH5S is fast, accessible, and allows for lots of ball contact. It\u2019s perfect for recreational players and enjoyable for parents to watch,\u201d 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\u2014thanks in part to the fast pace and familiarity with indoor hockey dynamics.<\/p>\n\n Practical Implementation & Logistics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n H5S is used weekly during regular training sessions across all age groups. \u201cIt rotates each week so that different teams get to use it,\u201d 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: \u201cOur first set came with FIKAGEAR trolleys, and we built a second trolley ourselves to save costs,\u201d Jasper adds.<\/p>\n\n Flexible Use Through the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Union sees a rise in H5S activity during the indoor hockey season\u2014around January and February\u2014when players welcome the chance to play outdoors again. \u201cDuring the indoor season, teams love the chance to play outdoors with H5S. It\u2019s a refreshing option,\u201d says Jasper. Spring and autumn also prove to be key moments for extra H5S events, particularly following the summer break.<\/p>\n\n Looking to the Future<\/strong><\/p>\n\n While H5S has not yet led to a significant increase in membership, it is a valuable addition to the club\u2019s offerings. \u201cWe see H5S as a simple yet meaningful addition, especially for events and tournaments,\u201d Jasper emphasizes.The club also has bigger ambitions for the future: \u201cOur 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\u2019t have to rely on setting up and dismantling the fields each time.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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\u2019s hockey […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1183,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5946","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n