IHUK has taken the decision that it will no longer organise the East Area indoor hockey competitions for the 2026/27 season.

IHUK has worked with East Hockey to organise and deliver the East Area indoor competitions under the previous agreement since the 2021/2022 season. Following the conclusion of that agreement, discussions took place regarding arrangements for the 2026/27 season and the possibility of continuing the partnership.

However, the proposed arrangements for the new agreement differed from the basis on which IHUK has previously delivered the competitions and from the operating model IHUK currently uses with other Area partners, and it has not been possible to reach an agreed position within the available timescale.

IHUK has always been keen to continue supporting the East Area competitions, but it is important that any arrangement provides a clear, sustainable and workable framework for the organisation and delivery of the events. After careful consideration of the proposed arrangements, IHUK has therefore concluded that it is not in a position to continue with the competitions under the terms available for the coming season.

What happens next?

The East Area competitions will now be a matter for East Hockey, who will determine the arrangements for the 2026/27 season.

Any teams interested in participating in the East Area indoor competitions should contact East Hockey directly for further information and to register their interest.

IHUK remains committed to supporting the development of indoor hockey across the country through our own events and competitions, as well as working with hockey organisations and partners to create opportunities for players, clubs and officials.

We would like to thank East Hockey for the opportunity to organise the competitions over recent seasons and for the relationship we have built during that time. We wish East Hockey and all participating teams every success with the 2026/27 season.