The EuroHockey Institute Podcast

Creating Memories, Not Moments: Minke Booij

This month’s guest is Minke Booij; a Dutch and Den Bosch icon, an Olympic, World Cup and European champion, and a culture leader on and off the field. She reflects on the true essence of team sport. Minke shares how success isn’t built on individual moments, but on the lasting memories created together. She highlights the importance of building strong relationships, involving everyone, and fostering a culture where every player feels part of the journey.

Think Slow, Act Fast: Andy Halliday on Leading with Empathy in Elite Sport

This month, we sit down with Andy Halliday, former Team Manager for England and Great Britain’s men’s Olympic hockey teams. From an unexpected start inspired by a radio ad to a storied career in elite sport, Andy shares how his time in the police shaped his leadership style. He dives into the importance of building environments where athletes feel safe, understood, and ready to perform, emphasising the power of empathy, preparation, and thinking slow to act fast. Now a coach, commentator, and charity advocate, Andy’s story is as multifaceted as the sport he loves.

Playing with Passion and Purpose : Federico Tanuscio

The well-travelled Federico Tanuscio joins the podcast to share stories from his unforgettable journey with the Argentine national team. From thrilling matches to the joy-filled spirit of Argentinian culture, Federico - who is currently Luxembourg director of hockey - reflects on how playing hockey with Los Leones wasn’t just about sport; it was about community, passion, and embracing life with a smile.

From Cold Emails to Captaincy: Marlena Rybacha’s Trailblazing Hockey Journey.

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Marlena Rybacha, the trailblazing captain of Poland’s national field hockey teams. Marlena shares how her determination led her to the Netherlands, Marlena’s perseverance earned her a spot on the team, marking the beginning of her influential presence in European hockey en route, eventually, to Indoor World Cup gold. Join us as Marlena discusses the challenges she faced, the cultural transitions she navigated, and how her experiences have shaped her both as an athlete and as a person.

Beating the Odds: Matthew Bell’s remarkable story.

In this months episode, former Irish hockey player Matthew Bell shares how hockey became his lifeline after a devastating brain cancer diagnosis in 2019. From early symptoms to a remarkable recovery, he reflects on resilience, the power of sport, and the support that helped him through.You can purchase his book here; https://excaliburpress.co.uk/product/second-chances-by-matthew-bell/