Ice Hockey UK and the UK Ice Hockey Foundation launch NHL Street Hockey in Glasgow
Ice Hockey UK (IHUK), in partnership with the UK Ice Hockey Foundation (UKIHF), are excited to announce that NHL Street Hockey has officially launched in the United Kingdom with Glasgow becoming the first city to host the activity.
The first wave of the programme is being delivered by the UKIHF in collaboration with Glasgow Clan, who recently visited a number of schools across the city reaching almost 300 children to introduce the sport, Glasgow Clan’s ethos and NHL Street Hockey.
The Clan Academy, part of the Glasgow Clan Ice Futures charity, are now running a six-week after-school programme, with free street hockey sessions for children delivering a fun and inclusive access point for youth to learn and engage in the sport of ice hockey.
Clan Academy Chair, Kevin McCoskrie, said: “We’re proud to be the first City in the UK to see this go live.
“It’s great to see the enjoyment this brings to children who are trying the sport and having fun.
“It’s been very rewarding to see the positive impact this opportunity is delivering for young people in our community.”
UKIHF Head of Hockey Development, Kevin McLaughlin, said: “This initiative is a major step forward for the growth of the sport across the UK.
“Just as importantly, it gives children an exciting opportunity to get active while building social skills, leadership and collaboration – qualities that ice hockey brings out naturally.
“Many thanks to all in Glasgow for their commitment and partnership – it’s been a great place to launch the pilot and we look forward to working with the other cities in the coming months.”
The partnership between Ice Hockey UK and National Hockey League (NHL), to deliver a pilot programme of NHL Street Hockey activity across the United Kingdom, was announced in July 2025.
The initial phase will launch in six selected UK cities with the support of each local club – Belfast Giants, Cardiff Devils, Glasgow Clan, Guildford Flames, Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers – with plans for expansion beginning in 2026–2027.
The initiative, part of IHUK’s 2024–2030 Strategic Plan, will provide fun, accessible and inclusive opportunities for children to experience hockey and learn fundamental skills of the sport, fit for newcomers and hockey fans alike.
NHL Street Hockey, which has already made an impact globally by building stronger links between hockey and local communities, removes traditional barriers to entry by focusing on fun, friendship and fitness, with no ice rink required.
About NHL Street Hockey
NHL Street Hockey is the premier ball hockey experience created for communities outside of North America. NHL Street Hockey provides ball hockey equipment and instruction to communities around the world, delivering a fun and inclusive access point for youth to learn and engage in the sport of hockey. Since its formation in 2018, NHL Street Hockey has been introduced into physical education curriculums in Sweden, Finland, Czechia and China.