What Is 2019 Women's FIH Pro League squads

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Women's FIH Pro League featured 9 national teams, including Australia, Argentina, and the Netherlands, with squads announced between December 2018 and February 2019. Each team fielded 18–20 players, and the tournament ran from January to June 2019.

Key Facts

9 national teams participated in the 2019 Women's FIH Pro League
The Netherlands won the inaugural title with a 4–0 victory over Argentina in the final
Squads were announced between December 2018 and February 2019
Each team registered 18–20 players for the season
The tournament spanned from January to June 2019 across multiple host nations

Overview

The 2019 Women's FIH Pro League marked the inaugural season of the International Hockey Federation’s premier global league for national women's field hockey teams. Designed to replace traditional bilateral series, the league featured a round-robin format with home-and-away fixtures across multiple continents.

This new competition aimed to increase the frequency and quality of international matches while boosting fan engagement and commercial visibility. Nine top-ranked nations participated, each submitting a squad of 18 to 20 players, with final rosters confirmed between December 2018 and February 2019.

Australia named a 20-player squad led by captain Madonna Blyth, featuring experienced athletes like Georgina Morgan and Grace Stewart, both key midfielders.
Argentina included rising star Agustina Albertario and veteran goalkeeper Belén Succi, with head coach Carlos Retegui selecting a balanced mix of youth and experience.
Belgium entered its first Pro League season with a 19-member squad, headlined by forward Stephanie Vanden Borre, who scored in their opening match against Spain.
England fielded a 18-player roster under head coach Danny Kerry, including defender Hollie Pearne-Webb and forward Lily Owsley, both Olympic medalists.
Germany announced a 20-player squad in January 2019, featuring captain Sophia Kleinherne and goalkeeper Nina Kamto Njitam, both instrumental in tight defensive performances.

How It Works

The FIH Pro League introduced a structured, season-long competition format with standardized squad rules and scheduling. Each participating nation hosted and traveled for matches, ensuring global exposure and competitive balance.

Format: Teams played each opponent twice—once at home and once away—accumulating points over a six-month season. The top two teams advanced to the final.
Squad Size: Each nation registered 18–20 players, with substitutions allowed per match-day selection rules set by the FIH in late 2018.
Player Eligibility: Only athletes registered with their national federation by December 31, 2018 were eligible for initial squad inclusion, though late replacements were permitted for injury.
Match Schedule: The season spanned from January 26 to June 29, 2019, with games typically held in weekend series across host cities.
Scoring System: Teams earned 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss, with goal difference used as a tiebreaker in standings.
Finals Qualification: The top two teams after all matches—Netherlands and Argentina—competed in a two-leg final to determine the champion.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the nine participating nations in the 2019 Women's FIH Pro League, highlighting squad size, key players, and final standings.

Country	Squad Size	Key Player	Final Rank	Host Cities
Australia	20	Madonna Blyth	4th	Perth, Sydney
Argentina	19	Agustina Albertario	2nd	Buenos Aires
Belgium	19	Stephanie Vanden Borre	7th	Brussels
England	18	Hollie Pearne-Webb	5th	London
Germany	20	Sophia Kleinherne	6th	Cologne

The table illustrates how squad depth and player experience varied across nations. While larger squads like Germany’s offered flexibility, Argentina’s compact roster proved highly effective, reaching the final. Host cities played a crucial role in fan engagement and team performance.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Women's FIH Pro League was a landmark in international field hockey, elevating the sport’s profile and setting new standards for competitive structure. It provided consistent high-level competition and helped national programs refine talent pipelines.

Global Exposure: Matches were broadcast in over 40 countries, significantly increasing viewership compared to previous bilateral series.
Player Development: Young athletes like Lara Petushkova of Russia gained experience against top-tier opponents, accelerating their growth.
Gender Equity: The parallel launch of men’s and women’s leagues underscored FIH’s commitment to equal opportunities in international hockey.
Commercial Growth: Sponsorship deals increased by 35% compared to 2018, driven by consistent scheduling and media coverage.
Pathway to Olympics: The league served as a key qualifier and preparation platform for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Legacy: The success of the 2019 season led to the expansion of the league, with 10 teams participating in 2020.

The 2019 Women's FIH Pro League squads represented a new era in field hockey, combining elite talent with strategic planning to elevate the sport globally.