Hockeyball Tournaments in the UK with Czech and Slovak Influence! How Do They Keep the Community Alive?

Czech and Slovak players in the UK are helping grow hockeyball's popularity by organizing tournaments. One of these events, the Maurice Ball Hockey Tournament, will take place on January 18–19. Additionally, the Tatry Cup is scheduled for its fifth edition this summer.

"Our Vision is to Organize International Tournaments to Showcase Hockeyball Across the UK"

Czech and Slovak hockeyball players are promoting the sport in the UK by hosting tournaments. One such event, the Maurice Ball Hockey Tournament, is set for mid-January.

"The idea of organizing hockeyball tournaments stems from the need to encourage competitiveness, showcase talent, and help young players integrate into the community," explains Maroš Sirník, the tournament's organizer.

These events don’t just bring together Czechs and Slovaks but also involve local players. "By creating leagues and associations, we've established structured competitions, and tournaments serve as platforms for amateur teams to compete for regional and even national titles. Our vision is to host an international tournament to promote hockeyball to a broader audience not only in the Czech Republic and Slovakia but also across the UK," adds Sirník.

Tournament Format and Venue:

The Maurice Ball Hockey Tournament will feature 10 teams—eight from the UK and two from Slovakia. The format involves two groups of five teams playing four-on-four with a goalie.

"After the group stage, the top four teams from each group will advance to a knockout phase, played as single-elimination matches. There will also be games for placement, ensuring every team fights for its final ranking," Sirník explains.

The event will be held at the Maurice Chandler Sports & Leisure Centre near Stoke-on-Trent. "This location in central England ensures easy access for participants and fans. The center boasts a modern hockeyball rink, locker rooms, spectator seating, food stalls, and other essential amenities," says Sirník.

Familiar hockeyball names will also participate, including former national players like Vladimír Luka from the Czech Republic and Branislav Štefan, Adam Kundrát, Matúš Cifranič, and Martin Dzupina from Slovakia. Fans can look forward to a penalty shootout contest featuring Slovak goalie Kundrát.

"Our Dream is to Host Similar Tournaments Across the UK"

Another major hockeyball event organized by Czechs and Slovaks in the UK is the Tatry Cup. This annual tournament began in 2021 and will celebrate its fifth edition this summer.

"The original idea was to create something that connects the Czech and Slovak community, giving us a chance to meet, play, and have fun together," explains Vladimír Paľko, the tournament's organizer.

The tournament has grown to include British and Canadian players, reflecting the sport's rising popularity in the UK. "For the fifth edition, we already have six English teams and six 'Czechoslovak' teams registered," Paľko shares.

The Tatry Cup has been held at two venues so far—Midlands Roller Arena in Lutterworth and Bench Buddy Arena in Rotherham. Since the third edition, the tournament has included cultural elements, featuring Slovak singer Pavol Drapák and media coverage from Slovakia's JOJ TV.

"Every year, we welcome players who have reached the pinnacle of this sport, including world champions," Paľko says. The tournament has also attracted Slovak first-league teams and Czech clubs, such as HBC Defekt Třebíz, which brought an entire bus of players and fans to one event.

Paľko's dream is to see tournaments like these held throughout the UK: "Our ultimate goal is to organize such events in every corner of the UK where our community is present," he concludes.