A Look at Hockey Club Luxembourg

In the latest article in a series of articles about sports clubs in Luxembourg, Chronicle.lu had the opportunity to speak with Sports Director Federico Tanuscio from the Luxembourg Hockey Club.

The focus of this series is on sports which are less often covered in the news, yet have strong links with the international community in the Grand Duchy. Some are already well-established; others are relatively new.

Chronicle.lu: Why and when was your sports club established?

Federico Tanuscio: Luxembourg Hockey Club was founded in 1976, offering fitness and fun to players, parents and stakeholders around the field hockey pitch. Our club offers high-quality hockey experience to all levels of players of all ages. Our club was founded to bring the sport of hockey to Luxembourg and create a community around that. We are the first and at the moment still the only field hockey club in Luxembourg. This may not remain the case for very long, as the sport is gaining much popularity in neighbouring countries and this is really showing in Luxembourg as well.

Chronicle.lu: What are some of the links your club has with the international community in Luxembourg?

Federico Tanuscio: Luxembourg Hockey Club plays a pivotal role in fostering a strong link between the international community and the locals. Our club is incredibly rich in nationalities, and it is a pleasure hearing both the younger and the older speak in a whole range of languages during our activities. On top of aiming at providing high-quality hockey experiences to our players, our club further focuses on the more human side of the sport and aims at being a dynamic hub where players from diverse backgrounds come together, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries through a common sport. This focus allows our members to develop lasting friendships and connections in Luxembourg whilst sharing a passion for the sport and its key values such as respect and inclusivity.

Chronicle.lu: What activities, coaching and training programmes, etc. does your club offer and who is your main target audience or age group? Do you offer different levels for beginners and experienced athletes?

Federico Tanuscio: Within Luxembourg Hockey Club, a comprehensive approach to player development is evident through tailored training programmes designed to cater to every age group and skill level. We offer initiation training to players from four years old but also ensure that those entering the sport at a later stage learn the ropes swiftly. Our club further offers hockey to adults in the form of leisure training for beginners, a corporate league for intermediate players and competitive adult teams playing at high levels locally and internationally.

The club ensures that each player receives targeted coaching to enhance their abilities and understanding of the game. We do this through our academy programme, whereby the more experienced trainers train our younger trainers to mentor and guide the junior teams. The emphasis is thereby put on both technical proficiency and soft skills such as teamwork and sportsmanship.

Chronicle.lu: What are your club's main goals and objectives, both in terms of sports and community involvement (e.g. volunteering, outreach programmes/initiatives to promote sports and fitness)?

Federico Tanuscio: Luxembourg Hockey Club has steadfastly pursued a goal of continuous improvement across all categories, and the transformative changes witnessed over the past two years are a testament to this unwavering commitment. Being an open community welcoming more and more members, the club is highly reliant on the invaluable contribution of numerous volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time and expertise to the club. Their involvement fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, creating an ecosystem around the pitch where players, parents, supporters and stakeholders feel welcome.

Chronicle.lu: What are some of the benefits of playing this particular sport?

Federico Tanuscio: The values and principles inherent in hockey are truly brilliant, catering to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Hockey fosters a sense of unity within families, enlarges networks and teaches us skills and values our players can reap the benefit of for the rest of their lives. The sport instils discipline, teamwork and resilience, imparting valuable life lessons that extend beyond the pitch. For the youth, hockey becomes a platform for personal development, teaching skills like perseverance and sportsmanship. Families find common ground in the shared passion for the game, creating bonds that strengthen through the highs and lows of competition. Emphasis on fair play and mutual respect transcends generations, making it a sport where grandparents, parents and children can all find common ground.

Chronicle.lu: In what events, tournaments or competitions is your club participating this year?

Federico Tanuscio: The Luxembourg Hockey Club is gearing up for an action-packed 2024 with an array of exciting features. We expect our youth teams to continue performing very strongly in the Belgian competition whilst keeping up the fund by playing a number of friendlies and tournaments against local clubs such as Arlon, Trier and Nancy. Our youth teams will further participate in international tournaments in Georgia and Poland.

For our adults, we are looking forward to the second half of our Corporate League to see which of our sponsored teams will take home the trophy at the end of the season. After a very strong first half of the season, our first women's team is looking forward to the second half of their season and will give it [their] all to have a chance of promotion to the Belgian 2nd National Competition. Most excitingly, our first men's and first women's teams are preparing to clash against top international teams at the Euro Hockey Challenges in Gibraltar and Poland. Our men's team will be looking for retaliation after having lost last year's European final against Turkey.

The upcoming year promises to be a thrilling journey for the Luxembourg Hockey Club and its teams, offering opportunities for growth, development and the chance to leave an indelible mark on the local and international hockey scene.

Chronicle.lu: How can someone interested in joining your club become a member? Are there any membership fees or other requirements?
Federico Tanuscio: Luxembourg Hockey Club welcomes individuals of all ages and skill levels to join our vibrant community. From beginners eager to learn the fundamentals to seasoned experts, we offer diverse teams that cater to everyone's passions and ambitions. Whether you're looking to develop your skills, stay active or simply enjoy the camaraderie of the sport, there's a place for you in our inclusive environment. For detailed information about member fees and the benefits of joining our club, please visit our website www.hockey.lu or send an email to info@hockey.lu.