ÖEHV and Hockey is Diver­sity train Austrian youth national teams

The first training session will take place with the U18 and U20 national teams in Kapfenberg, followed by a further session with the U16 squad in St. Pölten. The training sessions will be delivered by Hockey is Diversity, which campaigns internationally for diversity and inclusion in ice hockey.

“Our cooperation with the ÖEHV is exemplary of modern, values-based youth development in elite sport. The training sessions not only provide young players with guidance, but also promote team spirit, empathy and conviction on and off the ice,” explains Dr Martin Hyun, founder and CEO of Hockey is Diversity. “It is a strong signal that the federation is prepared not only to consider these issues, but to actively integrate them into youth development work.”

“Our national team players have a special responsibility – they represent Austria internationally and, through their behaviour and attitudes, also influence their home clubs. Through the training programme, we want to empower them to take responsibility and promote respectful coexistence. Following the successful training sessions with the women’s national teams last year, we are now continuing our collaboration with the men’s youth teams. My thanks go to Martin and the Hockey is Diversity team for their commitment and professional work with our athletes,” says Timo Gless, ÖEHV Integrity Officer.

Through this collaboration, the ÖEHV and Hockey is Diversity underline the importance of a respectful and discrimination-free environment in sport. The organisation raises athletes’ and coaches’ awareness of the social responsibility they bear as public role models – particularly in youth sport. Relevant training sessions have already taken place as part of coach education and continuing professional development, and will continue to form an integral part of the training programmes.

The training sessions are part of a long-term education programme and partnership implemented in close coordination with the ÖEHV.