Lara is the EuroHockey Large Club of the Year 2025, recognising its incredible focus on equality and inclusivity across its entire membership.
The club is based in Wavre, Belgium, and prides itself on seeing generations, genders, and abilities develop side by side with equal importance.
They do so with 1,000 members with an almost perfect gender balance with club president Samantha Maillard saying: “We are a proud community where everyone finds a home”.
She adds: “LARA is a dynamic, inclusive ecosystem shaping hockey’s future with integrity, passion, and community impact.
“All teams, elite or recreational, benefit from the same coaching standards, and our indoor programme ensures continuous skill development throughout the year.”
A standout initiative that illustrates their purpose is the Tournoi de Crocos – the club’s mascot is a crocodile – which takes place at the end of May/beginning of June, welcoming over 600 players from different clubs.
They run this tournament in conjunction with Make-a-Wish, an organisation who make dreams come true for children suffering from serious illness. Last year, they raised over €5,000 for Make-a-Wish.
On the Saturday of the event, a Hockey ID tournament and adult tournament co-exist on the same day, showcasing their inclusive spirit and there have been occasion of Hockey ID players joining a men’s team over the course of the tournament.
Beyond this, in recent years, the club’s youth academy has been reorganised to offer clearer pathways, stronger coaching support, and enhanced educational oversight, helping young players grow in technique, confidence, and values.
They have put in place an Ethics Committee to promotes trust, transparency, fair play, and responsible behaviour, supported by parent fair-play ambassadors.
Supporting this, they have an Umpires Unit to mentor young officials, guiding them in a constructive and encouraging environment.
Gender equality is part of our DNA. Female athletes choose the matchwear in which they feel most comfortable, and free menstrual products are available in their club facilities, an initiative with a real wellbeing impact for women and girls.
To foster cultural exchanges, they give back to their city, last year organising a “Hockey2School” day for Wavre students. This initiative – led initially by the Belgian federation – sees Lara welcome local schools invited to play in a tournament on a school day. Around 200 10-year-old children take part in this each year.
In addition, Lara is committed to elevating the visibility of hockey and they are a partner club supporting events at the recently inaugurated Belfius Hockey Arena, mobilising their community for major events.
They secured over 1,000 World Cup tickets for members and families, ensuring strong local presence during this milestone moment for Belgian hockey.
