It all started in 2008. Gaétan Derenne envisioned a corporate hockey initiative when he sensed that some of his friends might be able to form field hockey teams within their respective companies.
The idea was launched.
What an atmosphere lived on that day !
In 15 years, the Hockey Corporate become a major and appreciated hockey event. Let’s discover the story.
Inspired by the format of summer tournaments, Gaétan Derenne proposed a unique structure: co-ed teams of 7 players would face off in matches lasting 30 minutes, with multiple teams competing over a 4-hour period. His idea quickly evolved, leading to the foundation of what is now Hockey Corporate, offering companies a dynamic way to engage through sport.
Gaétan Derenne’s innovative concept gained traction when the Ixelles Hockey Club, led by President Daniel Jourde, offered its facilities to host the tournament. The event quickly grew, attracting 10 teams—half competitive, half playing for fun. A novel approach was introduced: subscription fees were invoiced directly to the companies via the Ixelles Hockey Club. The first corporate teams were ready to face off in a single evening, launching what would become Hockey Corporate, a tournament that blends competition with camaraderie in the corporate world.
In 2009, the first edition of Hockey Corporate exceeded expectations. Teams arrived well-prepared, sporting creative gear and enthusiastic supporters. A strong team spirit emerged as Flemish, Walloon, and international colleagues united, transcending work roles to become friends on the field. This unexpected success marked the birth of the Hockey Corporate concept.
In 2010, the tournament grew rapidly through word of mouth. Corporate teams flocked to participate, and matches were strategically scheduled to heighten competition. Photos and catering also became integral to the tournament’s expanding appeal.
In 2011, Hockey Corporate evolved into a formal association, offering three different skill levels (beginners – fun – experts) and increased professionalism. Due to construction at Ixelles, the tournament relocated, and the Hockey Corporate Association was officially established with the legal expertise of Gregory Uyttenhove, a top Belgian referee. This new entity streamlined operations, allowing the tournament to take place at various clubs and centralize team registrations. Thanks to the strong reputation built over previous editions, 52 teams participated across four evenings, with all previous teams returning.
Year after year, the tournament expanded and gained a strong reputation, becoming a “must-do” event. Participation grew from 52 to 80, then 108, ultimately reaching 197 teams by the end of 2019. As the event matured, competitions were organized by sector, including Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Finance, Banking, Real Estate, and Construction. Hockey Corporate became the prime venue for networking with suppliers and competitors.
The pandemic halted activities in 2020 and 2021. However, in 2022, Hockey Corporate made a remarkable comeback, relaunching in just two months with 148 participating teams. The following years saw 185 and 179 teams respectively, proving the event’s resilience and enduring appeal.
Broadcast your brand with Belgium’s most fast-growing field hockey tournaments organizer.
Sponsoring manager : Mr. Gaétan Derenne
