Rein Van Eijk Upbeat About Coaching Belgium Hockey Eves
Belgium women’s hockey is riding a wave of ‘consistent progress’ – the national side marked its maiden Olympic semifinal appearance at Paris in 2024 – clearly building on their runners-up finish at the 2023 EuroHockey Championships at Monchengladbach. The international performances of the Red Lions represent a ‘significant leap’ when one takes into consideration the fact that Belgium hockey eves did not even qualify for the last two Olympic preceding the Paris edition.
Read Mixed Bag for Mark Hager’s Debut Tourney as Kookaburras Coach
The Red Lions would be building on the good run orchestrated under ace Dutch coach Raoul Ehren, who has quit his job in September 2024 to take up the role of the Netherlands women hockey team chief coach. Like their men counterparts, Belgium women’s hockey have been slowly but steadily clambering up the performance ladder. But with Raoul Ehren Belgium chapter over, there is a great deal of excitement and expectations as former Germany men’s team assistant coach & Tamil Nadu Dragons chief coach Rein Van Eijk takes charge of the Belgium hockey eves at the start of the 2024-25 Pro League.
Read China’s Tan Jinzhuang – Exciting Prospect for the Future!
The Red Lions featured in the Hangzhou leg of the Pro League in December and put it across Olympic silver medallists China 4-1 (2-2) and 2-1 respectively – they had lost to England 1-2 in the first leg but hammered them 8-2 in the second leg. The Santiago del Estero leg of the 2024-25 Pro League would be Rein’s first international assignment as Belgium eves chief coach – where the Red Lions would be up against world number 2 and hosts Argentina as well as 5th ranked Australia.
Read Know Who Are the Top Men Hockey Club Champions Across the Globe
The red brigade are overflowing with talent with the likes of Emma Puvrez as well as drag-flicking exponents Stephanie Vanden Borre and Vanessa Blockmans calling the shots in the deep defence. The midfield responsibility is shouldered by Michelle Struijk, Alix Gerniers (both were co-captains in the Hangzhou leg) and Judith Vandermeiren with star striker Charlotte Englebert expected to provide the forwardline firepower alongside two talented young forwards in Noa Schreurs and Justine Rasir. “I’m really excited about this opportunity to coach the Red Lions. The stage and phase of the program is in a very good situation and the next steps that we want to make is obviously to settle more in the top five of the world and challenge the other nations,” says Rein in an exclusive interview with Hockey Passion.
Read Statistical Snapshot – 2024-25 Men Pro League (As It Happens)
The 36-year-old Dutchman is keen to build on the good work of Raoul Ehren. “It’s big shoes to fill for sure and our objective is to go beyond our 4th place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics and win medals in major competitions as well as build a sustainable, successful program with the girls. Europe is very difficult because the first place has been traditionally been taken by the Dutch team. It’s a very high and steep mountain to climb. I’m looking forward to the challenge,” he outlines his plans.
Read Statistical Snapshot – 2024-25 Women Pro League (As It Happens)
The former Germany women’s team assistant coach is bubbling with excitement at the prospect of working with some of talented players in the world. “Belgium eves have some exciting talents – the likes of Charlotte Englebert, Anne Ballegehein, Alix Gerniers, Stephanie Vanden Borre, Emily White are really of the top draw, says Rein, who feels that the success of the Belgium men’s team rubbed off on the women’s team. “The success of Belgium men’s team has made the sport more popular in the country. You can see the growth in the membership numbers of hockey clubs. I believe there is a 300 or 400% membership growth. Obviously, the level is going to get higher as well if you have more players to pick from.”
Belgium hockey eves would make a robust under Rein Van Eijk in the Santiago del Estero leg of the 2024-25 Pro League.
