E.H.C. Grow the Game Exchange Program

As part of the IIHF’s Grow the Game Fund initiative, the EHC Alliance will facilitate player and coach exchanges between clubs in Europe’s top-tier nations and clubs in developing and emerging nations.

For the purposes of the program, a developing club is defined as one based in a nation ranked outside the top European nations in the IIHF men’s rankings (2025). The advanced clubs are from nations in the Top 10: Switzerland, Sweden, Czechia, Finland, Germany, Denmark, Slovakia, Latvia, Austria, and Norway.

What:

Coaching exchange programs in which coaches from developing clubs will join training sessions at larger clubs to assist, observe and learn advanced methods or vice versa, coaches from advanced clubs join a developing club’s operations for up to seven days.

In the Player Exchange Program, players from developing clubs practice alongside players from larger clubs to improve their skills and competitiveness—either by joining a club team for up to seven days, or by attending camps.

Who can apply:

Coaches wishing to participate must be working in a club environment.

Players must be between 13 and 15 years of age and playing in a club classified as developing (see above).

When:

Each program will be tailored according to the availability of coaches and players.

All exchanges require a club contact and official approval.

How:

In 2025–26, the EHC Alliance will identify existing partnerships in need of support. The Alliance will contribute 50 percent of the cost, up to €800 per person.

If you have any questions, please contact us at european@hockeyclubs.eu.