EVZ Women’s NXT
The EVZ is taking the next step in its Women & Girls program and launching «EVZ Women’s NXT», a new initiative to support talented junior female athletes.
The EVZ organization is pleased to announce the next milestone in its systematic efforts to promote women’s and girls’ hockey, which were launched in January 2023. In line with the strategy, which aims to promote women’s hockey both “top-down” (EVZ Women’s Team) and “bottom-up” (Girls’ Hockey School and Girls’ Youth Teams), the new “EVZ Women’s NXT” program will be launched for the 2026–27 season.
This program is a training concept unique to Swiss sports that enables young female hockey players to achieve the optimal balance between sports and their careers. Players in the “EVZ Women’s NXT” program focus on their academic studies in the morning, while training sessions and games take place in the afternoons and on weekends. This approach actively promotes the pursuit of a dual career in competitive sports. The project manager will be former EVZ player Nadine Zürcher (née Hofstetter), who retired from active play at the end of the 2025–26 season.
«With EVZ Women’s NXT, we’re creating a clear path forward for talented female players within the club. The goal is to provide targeted support to girls as they progress, to nurture them individually, and to guide them step by step toward the next level.»
Nadine Zürcher, Project Manager EVZ Women’s NXT
With its new development program, EVZ is strengthening the connection between its young players and the EVZ Women’s Team. As part of the “EVZ Women’s NXT” program, ambitious junior players receive tailored support and are gradually introduced to the first team. Training sessions with the first team give them the opportunity to develop their skills and, through strong performances, earn a spot on the roster for games in the PostFinance Women’s League.
The partnership with the SWHL B-Team Sursee will continue. The junior women’s team will continue to play certain games against Sursee in the future and help strengthen the Central Switzerland region.
APPLICATION
Would you like to participate in the EVZ Women's NXT training program? If so, please submit an initial application now. We'll be happy to contact you after reviewing your information.
FAQ APPLICATION
What happens to my application after I submit it?
The submitted documents will be reviewed by the athletic department. We will then contact you personally.
When does the EVZ Women's NXT program start?
The program begins each May to prepare for the new season. We are currently looking for players for the program's start in May 2027.
Is it still possible to apply if I don't want to pursue a high school or vocational education alongside playing hockey?
Sports training can only take place in conjunction with academic and vocational training, as our training program is specifically tailored to these needs.
What training programs are available through the EVZ Women's NXT program?
The EVZ Women’s NXT program is not tied to any specific educational path. It supports the optimal balance between competitive sports and education. Depending on individual circumstances, various educational paths can be pursued, such as:
- Vocational apprenticeship (EFZ or EBA)
- Sports apprenticeship
- High school/middle school
- Vocational secondary school (FMS)
- Commercial secondary school (HMS)
- Other academic or vocational training paths by individual arrangement
The appropriate form of education is selected in collaboration with the athletes and their support network to ensure that sports and education can be optimally combined.
