10 months ago
Philippe Goldberg Appointed Soorma Hockey Club Head Coach
Soorma Hockey Club has hired Philippe Goldberg from Belgium as their new head coach for the upcoming hockey season.
He is an Olympian and used to coach the Belgium national teams.
Another Olympian, Ignacio Bergner from Argentina, will join as an analytical coach to help with game strategy.
The club's old coach, Jeroen Baart, will stay on as an advisor.
The club finished third last season and has kept most of its players.
They've also added new talent like Jeetpal and experienced player Akashdeep Singh.
The technical director is excited about the new coaches' expertise.
The team's first game is on January 4 against the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in Chennai.
The new coaching team hopes to lead Soorma Hockey Club to more wins with a blend of different international styles.
Philippe Goldberg, an Olympian from Belgium, has been appointed as the new Head Coach of Soorma Hockey Club's Men's Team.
Ignacio Ricardo Bergner, an Olympian from Argentina, joins as the Analytical Coach.
Former Head Coach Jeroen Baart will transition to an Advisor role.
Goldberg previously coached Belgium's U21 and senior national teams and played a role in their rise to global prominence.
Soorma Hockey Club will begin their 2026 Hockey India League campaign on January 4 against the defending champions, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, in Chennai.
- Who
- Philippe Goldberg (new Head Coach) and Ignacio Ricardo Bergner (Analytical Coach) appointed by Soorma Hockey Club, with Jeroen Baart moving to an Advisor role.
- What
- Philippe Goldberg has been appointed as the new Head Coach of Soorma Hockey Club's Men's Team for the upcoming Hero Hockey India League season.
- Where
- Soorma Hockey Club is based in India and will play its first match in Chennai.
- When
- The announcement was made ahead of the 2026 HIL season. The team's 2026 campaign begins on January 4.
- Why
- The club aims to enhance its performance and build a strategic framework for sustained success, leveraging Goldberg's expertise and Bergner's analytical insights.
New Coaching Philosophy
Continuity and Support
Team's Playing Style
New Coaching Philosophy
Philippe Goldberg aims to build a team with discipline, creativity, and sustained performance, encouraging a brand of hockey that is bold, intelligent, and unmistakably Soorma.
Continuity and Support
Jeroen Baart, the former head coach, transitions to an advisory role, continuing to contribute to team strategy and technical planning, ensuring a degree of continuity.
Coaching Approach
New Coaching Philosophy
Goldberg brings a focus on structured hockey teams that express themselves, aligning with the club's playing philosophy.
Continuity and Support
The club aims for a dynamic blend of European precision, South American flair, and Indian mentorship, suggesting a collaborative approach incorporating existing strengths.
Key facts
- New Head Coach
- Philippe Goldberg
- Analytical Coach
- Ignacio Ricardo Bergner
- Advisor Role
- Jeroen Baart
- Club
- Soorma Hockey Club
- League
- Hero Hockey India League (HIL)
- Team Captain
- Harmanpreet Singh
- First Match (2026)
- January 4 vs. Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers
- Opening Match Location
- Chennai
Timeline
Academies launched a youth hockey league.
Round Glass Academy leads the standings.
They secured victories over SAI Sonipat and SAI NCOE.
Soorma Hockey Club also made moves.
New coaches were appointed for the upcoming season.
Quotes
Arjun Halappa
Technical Director
“Philippe’s structured approach complements our playing philosophy, while Ignacio’s analytical depth will elevate our preparation and tactical execution.”
rediff.com
“a significant step”
rediff.com
Philippe Goldberg
Olympian Philippe Goldberg of Belgium, new Head Coach of the men's team
“Joining Soorma Hockey Club is an exciting opportunity to contribute to India’s evolving hockey landscape. My goal is to enhance the foundation already built, creating a framework that encourages discipline, creativity, and sustained performance.”
rediff.com
