2026 European GC Club League

by James Death [Admin] [^]
30th December 2025 (GC)

The 2026 European GC Club League has a new expanded format. Teams will now be split between Championship and Qualifying Heats, keeping the highest and lowest ranked teams apart.

The winners of the Championship Heats will contest the Finals Weekend at Carrickmines (Ireland) on 9-11th October. The winners of the Qualifying Heats gain entry into the 2027 Championship Heats.

The event is targeted at club players across Europe, giving everyone the opportunity to travel abroad and play competitive croquet. A team of four players is needed to take part, the only commitment is to participate in a single weekend Heat, except for the winners of the Championship Heats who will also contest the Grand Final. Full details and the dates and venues of the Heats can be found in the rules document.

In 2025, 45 teams participated. Whilst there were many players with a DGrade over 2000, 6 of the teams had an Average DGrade of less than 1600. The competition provides the opportunity for teams of all standards to travel and play in other countries and against players of other nationalities. This year heats will be held in Czechia, England, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Spain and for the first time in Greece and Scotland.

Information was sent to club secretaries this week and further information is available on the Croquet Europe website.

Debbie Lines inducted to WCF Hall of Fame

Debbie Lines, Womens Association Croquet World Champion (Photo: Ian Lines)

The World Croquet Federation has inducted Debbie Lines to the WCF 'Hall of Fame'.

This recognises a remarkable croquet career spanning more than forty years. Debbie began playing croquet at the age of six and quickly rose through the ranks and was hugely influential in being the first woman in the modern era to show that women could compete at the highest level. She has many domestic tournament successes; international highlights include reaching the quarter finals of the open Association Croquet World Championship and winning the Women's Association Croquet World Championship.

From 2021 to 2025, Debbie was the WCF Secretary General in a time of many international challenges and has guided the organisation expertly with her knowledge and experience. This has included helping to organise multiple world championships, bringing the European Croquet Federation into the WCF as the European Regional Committee.

The full citation can be found on the WCF webite: worldcroquet.org/debbie-lines

Congratulations Debbie!

Mark 'Sooty' Suter 26/07/69 - 18/12/25

Our dear friend, international player and past colleague, Mark Suter, sadly passed away yesterday evening with his family by his side, and with their permission we share this message.

Mark has been a huge part of the Croquet Family since starting to play in the UK at the age of 11, in South Africa and Ireland, and internationally, including twice for Great Britain in the Solomon Trophy against the USA. Mark is remembered not only for his wonderful performances as a croquet player, but for his kind and supportive heart.

His kindness has continued through to the end as Mark chose to be a donor, and will be giving some people who need it most a wonderful Christmas present, and possibly a Christmas they may not have had otherwise with their family and friends.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mark at this difficult time. We remember with fondness his compassion and love for the sport that he proudly represented for his country, and the matches he enjoyed with his friends on roll-up day.

Croquet England Office Festive Period Closure Dates

by James Death [Admin] [^]
17th December 2025 (CqE Official News)

The Croquet England Office will close at 1pm on Wednesday December 24th and reopen at 9am Monday 29th December. We will also be closed on New Year's Day but reopen on Friday 2nd January as normal.

Croquet England would like to wish you all Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Availability now open for England v Spain GC Test

by Chris Clarke at Bowdon [^]
14th December 2025 (CqE Official News)

The availability webpage now has the GC Test between England and Spain 19-21 June listed. The closing date is 1st Feb.

Chris Clarke
Chair of GC Selectors