Jeff Parker, Regional Account Manager – Edwin Doran Sports Tours
Jeff is part of the Edwin Doran team and has spent the past eight years working in the UK school travel sector. Originally from Cape Town, Jeff combined his love of sport and travel by working with schools and clubs across Europe. A keen hockey player, golfer, and cyclist, Jeff brings his passion for sport, education, and outdoor adventure into every tour he helps to create.
When you think of world-class hockey, one country always rises to the top: the Netherlands. From the buzz of Amsterdam to the history of Utrecht and the sporting spirit of Rotterdam, Holland is the heartbeat of European hockey.
For schools looking for a short-haul tour that delivers both on and off the pitch, Holland offers it all: top-class facilities, competitive opposition, and easy travel that keeps costs and time manageable. With the EuroHockey League Finals in April 2026 and the Hockey World Cup in August 2026, there’s no better time to consider a sports tour to Holland – and Edwin Doran Sports Tours can make it happen.
Why choose Holland for your next school hockey tour?
Taking your team abroad isn’t just about fixtures. It’s about giving young players a chance to grow, to learn, and to be inspired. Holland makes that possible with:
• World-class facilities – Home to some of the biggest clubs in Europe, your students will train and play where the professionals do.
• Competitive opposition – Dutch clubs pride themselves on a fast, skilful game, providing the perfect challenge for UK sides.
• Easy travel – Short flights or even coach and ferry mean less time in transit, more time on the pitch.
• Culture and fun – From canal cruises in Amsterdam to the café-lined streets of Utrecht, your students will get more than just a hockey experience.
As one group leader told us after a recent trip:
“Edwin Doran’s planning of delivery of our Hockey Tour to the Netherlands was a smooth and enjoyable experience for all. All 30 of the team was able to get the best balance between sport, cultural enrichment of the local area and relaxing downtime, thanks to their impeccable planning. Thank you from the whole team.”
-REME Hockey
Spotlight: EuroHockey League Finals 2026
The EuroHockey League Finals bring the very best club teams in Europe together – and in April 2026, your school could be there.
Key Dates:
• Men’s Final 8: 2-6 April 2026
• Women’s Final 12: 1-6 April 2026
Sample Itinerary:
• Thurs 2 April – Travel
• Fri 3 April – Self-led training & Match 1
• Sat 4 April – Amsterdam river cruise & free time
• Sun 5 April – EuroHockey League Finals Day
• Mon 6 April – Professional coaching session & Match 2
• Tues 7 April – Depart
Where you can play: The Edwin Doran team can arrange well-matched fixtures with teams in the following cities: Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam.
Imagine your players training in the morning, watching Europe’s best in the afternoon, and heading home with a new level of motivation. That’s what the EuroHockey League Finals can bring.
Interested in tailoring your hockey tour to include the EuroHockey League Finals 2026? Start shaping your bespoke itinerary today
Spotlight: Hockey World Cup 2026
In August 2026, the men’s and women’s World Cups will be played side by side – in Amstelveen (Netherlands) and Wavre (Belgium).
With Edwin Doran Sports Tours you can be a part of the action with two incredible Hockey World Cup options. Whether you want to stay in the Netherlands or combine with a stay in Belgium, our team can tailor the hockey trip to your needs.
Single-Centre Utrecht Option:
Day 1 – Travel
Day 2 – Professional coaching session & Match 1
Day 3 – World Cup day
Day 4 – Free time in Amsterdam
Day 5 – Depart
Twin-Centre Utrecht + Antwerp Option:
This unique set-up allows your team to experience not just one iconic venue but two, while soaking up the atmosphere of the sport’s biggest stage.
Day 1 – Travel to Netherlands
Day 2 – Professional coaching session & Match 1
Day 3 – Amsterdam & World Cup
Day 4 – Travel to Belgium & Match 2
Day 5 – World Cup day
Day 6 – Depart
Want to inspire your team with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Hockey World Cup 2026?
How we support you
Planning a hockey tour abroad doesn’t need to feel daunting. That’s where we come in. At Edwin Doran Sports Tours, we’ve been delivering school sports tours for over 50 years, and we know what matters to Group Leaders:
- Confident: Every detail is planned and managed – travel, fixtures, accommodation, cultural experiences.
- Supported: Edwin Doran Sports Tours is with you every step of the way, from first conversation to the return journey.
- Empowered: You can give your students a once-in-a-lifetime experience without carrying the burden alone.
- Smart: Short-haul destinations like Holland keep costs manageable while maximising value.
As Sean Kraft, Edwin Doran Sports Tours Product Manager, says:
“Sport should be fun, but it should also inspire. That’s what these tours are about – fun, growth, and memories that last a lifetime.”
Whether it’s competing against Dutch clubs, soaking up the atmosphere of the EuroHockey League Finals, or experiencing the thrill of the Hockey World Cup, Holland offers a hockey tour like no other.
Ready to Inspire Your Team? Give your players the chance to be a part of the action in 2026 with a tailored hockey experience in Holland. Click to use our online enquiry form or call the Edwin Doran team on 020 3617 7983
Hockey
Netherlands
