The education body of the International Hockey Federation, FIH Academy, has teamed up with RSI Sports Group-owned Fikagear brand as an official partner. This partnership is all about getting high-quality training and practical resources into hockey communities anywhere and everywhere. Formally announced on 25 June 2025, the agreement reflects a new dawn in the access and delivery of hockey training and education opportunities for players, coaches, umpires, officials, event managers and administrators.
About the FIH Academy
The FIH Academy exists to educate and develop hockey people at all levels. It provides six program areas—athletes, coaches, umpires, officials, events, and executives—and delivers online and face-to-face world-class courses. The courses finish with a qualification recognized by national associations. With the support of elite coaches, the Academy is working to make the most current methods and best practices accessible to anyone affiliated with hockey, regardless of where they reside.
About RSI Sports Group and Fikagear
RSI Sports Group is a worldwide leader in the sport infrastructure and sport performance equipment space. Through its Fikagear brand, the company provides sustainable hockey products, including portable hockey5s boards, coaching aids, and training gear to assist players in developing from the grassroots to elite level. Fikagear is popular for using durable, green-friendly material, and for their reliable support to hockey bodies located across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Key Partnership Details
As part of this collaboration, Fikagear will collaborate with the FIH Academy to assist in education across all six program areas. The brand will provide equipment for practical workshops. It will also help finance referee scholarships and other activities such as coaching clinics, umpire seminars, and executive forums. The partnership will formally kick off this month with FIH Academy events and regional development activities on different continents.
FIH President’s View
“We are delighted to welcome RSI Sports Group and Fikagear as our FIH Academy Partner. Their passion for innovation and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our values. This partnership will help us empower our National Association members, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to grow hockey in their communities,” said FIH President Tayyab Ikram.
RSI Sports Group’s Perspective
Arnoud Fiolet, Managing Partner of RSI Sports Group (Fikagear), added: “We are proud to partner with the FIH Academy to support the global growth of hockey through education and innovation. With FIKAGEAR, our mission is to empower athletes and coaches with smart, sustainable solutions that enhance learning and performance. This partnership is a natural fit, and we’re excited to contribute to the development of hockey communities worldwide.”
My Take on the FIH Academy & Fikagear Partnership
I believe that this collaboration is going to make hockey education practical and hands-on for all. I understand how the combination of course content and real equipment can immediately enhance skills. Having good equipment at teaching events reduces barriers for up-and-coming referees and coaches. I hope that this model will motivate more brands to invest in sports education and build stronger support systems around hockey throughout the world.
Looking Ahead
With structured classes and the proper tools to follow through, this partnership is building a strong foundation for the future of hockey. If national associations take up these programs, then players and officials can gain confidence and expertise much faster. This will bode for a more skilled, inspired, and unified global hockey community.
To find out more or sign up for FIH Academy courses, go to academy.fih.hockey. You can find the next programs and some local opportunities.
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Sources:
- www.fih.hockey/academy/news/fih-academy-announces-new-education-development-partnership
- www.rsisportsgroup.com
- www.fikagear.com
All images are AI-generated
