Masters Hockey World Cup 2014

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This was the official site for offering information about the 2014 Masters Hockey World Cup.The 2nd FIH Master Hockey World Cup 2014 was an event that took place at Hockey Club Rotterdam, June 5-13 2014.
Content is from the site's 2013 -2014 archived pages and other outside sources.

 

Hockey Masters World Cup 2014 Nederland 40+

 

Welcome
Welcome to the 2nd FIH Masters Hockey World Cup, an event that takes place at the Hockey Club Rotterdam, the Netherlands, June 5 – 13 2014. The tournament is an official side event of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup, to be held in The Hague (May 31 – June 15 2014).

Competing in this tournament will be both women’s and men’s teams in age categories 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+ and 60+ (women only).

74 teams from 21 countries compete for the coveted title in the coming days. For the completion of the more than 260 games, all seven pitches of the Rotterdam club will be used until the final day on Friday 13 June.The participating teams come from Europe, America, Argentina, Germany and South Africa.

The FIH Masters Hockey World Cup 2014 is jointly organised by the International Masters Hockey Association, Hockey Club Rotterdam, and the Royal Dutch Hockey Association.

Participation
The Hockey is a tournament for national teams. Participating is only possible through the national masters organisations.

For more information please contact your national master organisation or email to Mrs. Sue Briggs, secretary of the International Masters Hockey Association.

Note: regarding the number of yet received entries we strongly recommend to make up your mind the sooner the better!

Rotterdam
The FIH Masters Hockey World Cup 2014 is supported by the City of Rotterdam. Rotterdam presents itself as ‘Your Sports City‘. Together with Rotterdam Topsport the City has a professional organisation to develop, stimulate and facilitate top sports in Rotterdam.

 

Organisation
The FIH Masters World Cup 2014 is jointly organised by the International Masters Hockey Association, Hockey Club Rotterdam and the Royal Dutch Hockey Association.

We like to introduce the members of the Organisation Committee:
Mr Jan Meurer  -  President
Mrs Gonnie van Dooren  -  Secretary
Mr Cees Sluyk  -  Tournament Director
Mrs Stella Bartlema  -  Umipre Manager
Mr Iwan Doyer  -  Facilities and Logistics
Mr Luc Beurskens  -  Communications
Mr Alexander Bakker  -  Press and Public Relations
Mr Maarten Borrie  -  Finance
Mr Arnout Verduin  -  Representative KNHB
For contact with the members kindly contact Mrs Gonnie van Dooren at info@hcrotterdam.com.

 

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My take: My cousin absolutely loves the European version of the game of hockey. That's field hockey to those of us who are Americans. It always makes me pause when he starts talking about this or that hockey player, since I immediately visualize some one on a pair of skates on ice all bulked up in heavy padding, not someone running on a field of grass or artificial turf wearing high socks, shorts and short sleeved or sleeveless shirts.

Needless to say the FIH Masters Hockey World Cup 2014 was a must watch tournament for him since he was about the same age as 40+ age players and identified with them. I know he would be out there playing if he hadn't blown out his knees while playing when he was much younger.

So while he was making plans for attending the FIH Masters Hockey World Cup 2014 in the Netherlands, here in NYC I was watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs which began in on April and eventually in June 2014. It was a disappointing season for us New Yorkers since the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Kings defeated our Eastern Conference champion New York Rangers four games to one to win their second championship in franchise history, marking the first time since 2007 that the championship series was determined in fewer than six games. This was New York's 11th appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals, and they were seeking their fifth Cup championship overall and their first one since 1994. The play offs had been insane. In the first round of the playoffs, the Rangers eliminated the Philadelphia Flyers in seven games. Then, in the second round against the Pittsburgh Penguins, New York overcame a 3–1 game deficit to win the series. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Rangers defeated the Montreal Canadiens in six games to capture their first Eastern Conference championship in 20 years. The Rangers won the last three games against the Penguins to advance, followed by winning the first two games in Montreal despite struggling there in the regular season. In the process, the Rangers became the first team ever to play two full seven-game series in the first two rounds of the playoffs and still reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

Did I say insane!! During the final game against the Penguins, I had a crew of hockey friends over and we got a bit boisterous at the end resulting in spilled beer and pizza in the living room on one of the Persian rugs my parents gave to me when they moved into an assisted living facility near my sister in Maryland. Hart Heritage Estates became their new home as they would say. Honestly, it didn't seem like "home" to me, since it really was just a large room, albeit quite lovely with a great view of its 6.5 acres of park-like grounds. But my parents who had both become quite feeble Hart Heritage was perfect with its with a supportive senior living community. Social activities, a large community living area and barber and beauty salons offered my parents activities and independence. But I digress. Back to the play offs and the RUG ACCIDENT as my wife refers to the spilled food and drink.

I should have rolled the rugs up as my wife had suggested, but I didn't. So the next morning I was tasked with searching for carpet cleaning NYC with free estimate. Luckily I found the perfect local carpet cleaning company after only two phone calls. My Home Carpet Cleaning NYC not only cleaned carpets, but their specialty was repairing and cleaning Persian / Oriental carpets. My wife was dubious, but the company's rep came and assured us they could clean the stains from the carpet and also suggested that we get the rug Scotch Guarded so future spills would be easier to clean up, she relented. When they brought back the cleaned carpet she became a cheerleader for them. I don't know how many friends she has recommended My Home Carpet Cleaning NYC to. I joke and say she should be getting a commission.

Well as you know, the Rangers ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Kings. Bummer. On the other hand, the mens 40+ team my cousin rooted for won their matches and went home with a trophy. I always say, "There is next year...."

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Team photo's made on last day of FIH Masters Hockey World Cup 2014.

 

Location

The FIH Masters World Cup 2014 will be hosted by Hockey Club Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Hockey Club Rotterdam is situated at the north side of the city. The club’s facility consists of seven artificial pitches (three water bases, four sand based), a clubhouse with a bar and restaurant and a stadium (approximately 3,500 seats).

In recent years Hockey Club Rotterdam hosted several toplevel events: Junior World Cup Championship 2005, Champions Trophy (men) 2001 and 2008, Euro Hockey League (5 events) and most recently the Hockey World League Semi-Finals 2013 (men and women). You can watch the club tour as it was presented for the Hockey World League Semi Finals in June 2013.

Directions to HC Rotterdam
By car
From the north
Motorway A13 (The Hague-Rotterdam), exit 11 Berkel en Rodenrijs/Rotterdam The Hague Airport (N209). Follow direction Berkel en Rodenrijs. After roundabout first way to the right.
From the south
Motorway A16 towards Ring Rotterdam. Follow A20 Ring Noord direction The Hague. Exit 14 Rotterdam Centrum/Schiebroek/Hillegersberg, direction N471. At the roundabout turn right in the direction Berschenhoek/Berkel en Rodenrijs (N209). Then take the first right.
From the east
Motorway A12 (Utrecht-The Hague). At Gouda take the  A20 in the direction of Rotterdam. Exit 14. Rotterdam Centrum/Schiebroek/Hillegersberg, direction N471. At the roundabout turn right in the direction Bergschenhoek/Berkel en Rodenrijs (N209). Then take the first right.
Parking
Hockey Club Rotterdam has a large parking facility.

By plane
Hockey Club Rotterdam is located close to  Rotterdam The Hague Airport. The airport offers connecting flights with/from many European cities. The airport is connected to the main hubs of Lufthansa (Munich) and British Airways (London-Heathrow).

By train
Rotterdam Central Station is one of the main railway stations in the Netherlands, and is also connected to the Amsterdam-Paris rapid train link. Check your own railway company for the best connections.
Access to HC Rotterdam by public transport is possible.
Public transport in Rotterdam
The city of Rotterdam has an extended light railway system (‘tram’). Two lines will bring you close to Hockey Club Rotterdam. Some bus lines will also makes stops close to the club facilities.
From Rotterdam Central Station
Lightrail 4, direction Molenlaan. From this terminal it will be a 10-15 minutes walk (left via Molenlaan – Ankie Verbeek-Ohrlaan).
Lightrail 25, direction Schiebroek. Get out at the Larikslaan stop, from here it will be a 10-15 minutes walk: Larikslaan – Kastanjesingel – Hazelaarweg.
From station Rotterdam-Noord
Bus 35, direction Rotterdam-Alexander. Get off at stop Plevierlaan (Molenlaan/Grindweg) from here it will be a 10 minutes walk via Ankie Verbeek-Ohrlaan
RandstadRail
RandstadRail is the light railway link between the main railway stations of Rotterdam and The Hague. Station Meijersplein (also P+R) is the closest station to Hockey Club Rotterdam.

 

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More Background On MastersHockeyWorldCup2014.com

 

MastersHockeyWorldCup2014.com was the official website for the 2nd FIH Masters Hockey World Cup, hosted at Hockey Club Rotterdam in the Netherlands from June 5–13, 2014. The site served as the central source of schedules, logistics, organizational details, and event updates for one of the largest gatherings of veteran field hockey players in the world.

Running parallel to the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague, the Masters event celebrated the enduring athleticism and camaraderie of players aged 40 and above — proving that competitive hockey continues well beyond professional retirement.

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History and Origins

The FIH Masters Hockey World Cup concept emerged in response to the growing popularity of veteran-level competition worldwide. The inaugural Masters World Cup was held in 2012 in Canterbury, England, attracting strong participation and setting the stage for future tournaments.

By 2014, the event had gained international prominence. Rotterdam’s hosting marked a major milestone — it was the second official Masters Hockey World Cup sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The Netherlands, known as one of the world’s field hockey powerhouses, was an ideal setting: a country with deep hockey traditions, top-tier facilities, and an enthusiastic base of players and fans.

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Organizers and Structure

The 2014 tournament was jointly organized by:

• International Masters Hockey Association (IMHA)

• Hockey Club Rotterdam (HC Rotterdam)

• Royal Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB)

The official organizing committee included:

• Jan Meurer – President

• Gonnie van Dooren – Secretary

• Cees Sluyk – Tournament Director

• Stella Bartlema – Umpire Manager

• Iwan Doyer – Facilities & Logistics

• Luc Beurskens – Communications

• Alexander Bakker – Press & Public Relations

• Maarten Borrie – Finance

• Arnout Verduin – KNHB Representative

This mix of Dutch national hockey leadership and international coordination ensured that the event met both global FIH standards and local operational excellence.

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The Venue: Hockey Club Rotterdam

The Masters World Cup 2014 was staged at Hockey Club Rotterdam, one of Europe’s premier hockey complexes. Situated in northern Rotterdam, the facility features:

• Seven artificial pitches (three water-based, four sand-based)

• A stadium with capacity for 3,500 spectators

• A modern clubhouse with bar and restaurant

• Extensive parking and easy access to Rotterdam The Hague Airport

The club had already hosted multiple top-tier tournaments, including:

• Champions Trophy (2001, 2008)

• Junior World Cup (2005)

• Euro Hockey League events

• Hockey World League Semi-Finals (2013)

These experiences made HC Rotterdam a natural choice for an event that blended competition, hospitality, and global visibility.

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Tournament Overview

The 2014 FIH Masters Hockey World Cup brought together 74 national teams from 21 countries. Over 260 matches were played during the nine-day competition. Both men’s and women’s teams competed in the following age brackets:

• Men: 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+

• Women: 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+, 60+

Players represented every continent — Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania — with strong contingents from England, Germany, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and the Netherlands.

Each age group crowned its own world champion, recognizing the dedication and skill of athletes who had often been national-level players in their prime.

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The Connection to the Rabobank Hockey World Cup

The Masters tournament was more than a standalone competition — it was an official side event to the Rabobank Hockey World Cup held simultaneously in The Hague.

This synergy meant that both tournaments shared media attention, visiting audiences, and infrastructure. Players from the Masters event could attend the professional matches, while visitors in The Hague often traveled to Rotterdam to watch their countries’ veterans compete.

This dual celebration of hockey — at elite and masters levels — emphasized the sport’s inclusivity and lifelong appeal.

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Goals and Spirit of the Event

The IMHA’s mission for the Masters World Cup extended beyond medals. The goals included:

• Promoting lifelong participation in hockey

• Fostering international friendship and cultural exchange

• Encouraging healthy aging through sport

• Creating pathways for former elite players to remain active

In interviews, IMHA officials emphasized that Masters athletes bring both competitiveness and community. Dutch chairman Henk Vogels famously remarked, “These veterans play because they are top-class players. If you like hockey, you don’t stop when you reach a certain age.”

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Cultural and Social Significance

Masters hockey carries a special kind of prestige. Many participants are former international stars — Olympians, World Cup players, or domestic champions — who have continued playing for decades. The 2014 event highlighted this continuity, celebrating not only skill but the shared history of global hockey culture.

For Rotterdam, hosting the tournament reinforced the city’s branding as “Your Sports City.” Supported by Rotterdam Topsport, the municipality saw the event as a showcase of its modern facilities, hospitality, and sporting spirit. Local media covered both the games and the social festivities, underscoring Rotterdam’s cosmopolitan appeal.

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Player and Fan Experience

For participants, the site MastersHockeyWorldCup2014.com was indispensable. It offered travel guidance, schedules, and updates, but also provided reassurance: contact information for officials, advice for teams arriving from abroad, and connections to local accommodations.

Travel logistics were carefully detailed:

• By air: via Rotterdam The Hague Airport, linked to London-Heathrow and Munich.

• By train: connections through Rotterdam Central to Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris.

• By tram: light rail lines 4 and 25, plus bus 35 for direct access to the venue.

Spectators enjoyed the lively atmosphere — a combination of world-class competition, social events, and evening gatherings that blended sport with international friendship.

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Press and Media Coverage

The event received broad exposure through FIH.ch, EnglandHockey.co.uk, and European sports press. Coverage emphasized:

• The record participation numbers

• The professionalism of organization

• The festive yet competitive atmosphere

In England, the Masters and Grand Masters events were seen as extensions of the national program, with heavy representation in multiple age groups. Australia, Argentina, and Germany also celebrated medal wins, reinforcing the international balance of the sport.

The Netherlands’ own teams were strong contenders across all divisions, fueled by deep club culture and home support.

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Reviews and Public Reception

Among athletes and visitors, feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants praised the meticulous organization, quality of facilities, and sense of community.

Teams appreciated the efficient scheduling and volunteer support — hallmarks of Dutch sports management. Many described the experience as “the perfect blend of competition and friendship.”

In post-event reports, the IMHA and KNHB both recognized Rotterdam’s contribution to raising the bar for Masters hockey worldwide.

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Popularity and Legacy

The 2014 Masters World Cup significantly boosted the visibility of veteran hockey. It demonstrated that Masters-level international tournaments could match the scale, professionalism, and excitement of elite competitions.

Following the success of Rotterdam, subsequent Masters World Cups — including Canberra (2016) and Terrassa, Spain (2018) — built upon its model.

Even years later, archived versions of MastersHockeyWorldCup2014.com continue to serve as a reference for organizers and players preparing for future editions. The Rotterdam event is remembered for setting a new benchmark in both participation and presentation.

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Insights and Examples

One enduring aspect of the 2014 event was its intergenerational dynamic. Players in their 40s competed with the same drive as those in their 20s — many balancing careers and families while keeping elite fitness levels.

Anecdotes circulated of teams from opposite hemispheres bonding over post-match dinners, local sightseeing, and shared hockey history. The event became as much about networking and nostalgia as about trophies.

HC Rotterdam’s bar and terrace became informal meeting points where players swapped national pins, discussed training regimens, and even arranged future friendly matches.

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MastersHockeyWorldCup2014.com did more than just announce fixtures and results — it became a digital reflection of a vibrant, global community. Through its clear presentation, human focus, and organizational transparency, the website successfully embodied the values of Masters hockey: respect, competition, and friendship across generations.

The 2014 FIH Masters Hockey World Cup in Rotterdam remains a model event — both for its sporting achievements and its inclusive spirit. It showcased how passion for the game transcends age and geography, uniting players who continue to prove that, in hockey, there is truly no such thing as retirement.