“Hockey’s equivalent of the Champions League” is coming to Surbiton Hockey Club next year.

The Women’s EuroHockey Club Cup will be hosted at Sugden Road from May 17 to May 20, 2018, with the chance for people to see Olympic champions and international players perform just weeks before the Women’s World Cup.

Since Team GB’s heroic gold medal-winning Rio Olympic Games, hockey has exploded in popularity, and it is hoped people from the area will come and see the fast and exciting games.

Four-time English champions Surbiton Ladies 1s will line up alongside representatives from European powerhouses Netherlands and Germany, as well as top sides from Spain, Ireland and Belarus.

With improving European performances over the last three seasons, the Surbiton side, which includes several Rio 2016 gold medallists and some of Great Britain’s most exciting international talent, hopes a large home crowd will help them take the next step towards European glory this season.

A spokeswoman for the club said: “The wider club is excited to bring such a prestigious hockey event to the local community. With over 1250 members, a thriving junior section and a vibrant social atmosphere, new faces are always welcome on both the pitch and the sidelines.”

More details will be available in early 2018.