2025 has been a year of massive moments for Grays Hockey, from groundbreaking signings and record-breaking goals to the launch of game-changing equipment. As we look back on a packed calendar, here are our favourite highlights from the year.
1. Victor Wegnez Joins the Grays Family
We kicked off the year with a major statement of intent, welcoming Belgian Red Lion and Olympic Gold Medalist Victor Wegnez to the team. Known for his explosive pace and relentless work rate, Victor’s signing marks a new chapter as he gears up for the 2026 World Cup and beyond to LA 2028.
2. Celebrating IWD with Tess Howard
For International Women's Day, we sat down with Grays ambassador and GB star Tess Howard. In an inspiring feature, Tess discussed the "Accelerate Action" campaign, her motivation for driving change within the sport, and the delicate balancing act of elite athletics and academia.
3. New Partnerships: Inject Hockey & Nth Degree Performance
This year we expanded our network with some exciting collaborations. We teamed up with Inject Hockey to bring a fresh wave of content, vlogs, and challenges to the hockey community. Simultaneously, our partnership with Nth Degree Performance underscores our commitment to elite physical preparation and athletic development.
Read about Inject Hockey
Read about Nth Degree Performance
4. A Shared Vision with Wapping HC
We were incredibly proud to announce a flagship partnership with Wapping Hockey Club, one of London's most inclusive and community-focused clubs. This collaboration goes beyond just kit; it's about breaking down barriers to the sport. By supporting Wapping's mission - including their free-to-access junior sessions and "Back 2 Hockey" programs - we are committed to making hockey accessible to everyone, regardless of background.
Read more about this community-driven partnership
5. Launch of the 2025/26 Stick Collection
Innovation took centre stage with the launch of our new stick ranges. The standout arrival was the Dynabow+ (DB+), a new era for our classic profile offering a boost in power and an optimised Lower Backhand Zone. We also introduced the AeroCore (AC) range, shaking up the market with alternative technology for the modern player.
6. East Grinstead Teamwear Partnership
We were proud to announce a strategic partnership with historic club East Grinstead. As their official teamwear and equipment partner, we are not just supplying kit but supporting their outreach and development programmes to grow the game from the grassroots up.
7. The Euros: French Flair & Dutch Dominance
The European Championships in Mönchengladbach delivered drama by the bucketload. The French Men’s team were the surprise package of the tournament, reaching the semi-finals and achieving their best finish since the 1970s with thrilling wins over England and Poland. Meanwhile, the Dutch Women continued their supreme reign, overcoming a fierce German home crowd to secure back-to-back titles.
8. Struan Walker’s Hoofdklasse Heroics
Scottish striker Struan Walker has taken the Dutch Hoofdklasse by storm. In his debut season with Oranje Rood, he went viral with a blistering four-goal haul against Kampong and rocketed to the top of the goalscoring charts with 16 goals in just 12 games.
Read about his record-breaking season
9. Alyson Annan Named FIH Coach of the Year
We couldn't let the year pass without celebrating a massive achievement for a true Grays legend. Alyson Annan was named the FIH Coach of the Year following another stellar year guiding the Chinese women’s team. This is Annan’s sixth time receiving this award, extending her own record as the most decorated coach across both men’s and women’s categories. Alyson has the unique distinction of being the only former FIH Player of the Year (1998 & 2000) to also receive an FIH Coach of the Year award.
Grays Hockey were proud partners of China Hockey for 25 years culminating in their Olympic success in Paris, where they secured Silver medals.
Read more about FIH 2025 Awards
10. Junior World Cup
With more than 70 Grays players competing at the Junior World Cup it was Paul Glander and Ferdinand Steinebach of Germany and Trijntje Beljaars, Brechtje van Santbrink and Phileine Hazen of the Netherlands who achieved the ultimate success.
Chiara Ambrosini and Maxima Duportal (Argentina Women) and Josep Martin Gutes and Juan Prado (Spain Men) took home Silver and Felicia Theunissen (Belgium Women) won Bronze.
Bring on 2026!
If you thought 2025 was packed, get ready for 2026. The stage is set for a massive year, headlined undoubtedly by the FIH World Cup in Wavre and Amstelveen. With the tournament taking place in the heart of European hockey, we can’t wait to see our Grays ambassadors - including new signing Victor Wegnez - hunting for gold on home turf.
Off the pitch, our product team has been busy preparing the next wave of equipment innovations designed to give you the edge. And let’s not forget the business end of the domestic seasons; with the Hoofdklasse, English Premier Division, and EHL reaching their fever pitch, we are set for some thrilling conclusions come spring. Watch this space!
