The International Masters Hockey Association (IMHA) and the World Grand Masters Association (WGMA) have agreed to establish a new single body to govern and manage both masters and grand masters events.

It came after brokering led by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

This new vision for Masters hockey will "build upon the successes of the IMHA and WGMA and ensure that the principles and dedication which delivered that success are key components of its future strategies and structure", a statement said.

An interim transition management team will consult with members of all organisations to identify the appropriate priorities and next steps for the new organisation over the next four months.

It is hoped that a governing structure and draft constitution can be voted upon in August following respective Annual General Meetings of both the IMHA and WGMA.

A single entity could then be established late this year before becoming "fully constituted and operational" by late 2018. 

The main aims of the single entity are to "streamline resources, avoid duplication, increase efficiencies and rationalise communication channels to maximise the growth of Masters hockey and further improve the experiences of Masters athletes at all levels of the game".

At the moment, masters hockey is for over 40 and over 50 age groups while grand masters is for over 60s. 

“The FIH is delighted with the outcomes of the tri-party discussions which have led to this historic announcement," said the world governing body's chief executive Jason McCracken.

“The new single Masters hockey entity will harmonise its activities in-line with the main objectives of the FIH Hockey Revolution strategy. 

"We look forward to working with IMHA and WGMA to complete this work over the next 18 months to support the continued growth of Masters hockey.”

The next major international Masters and Grand Masters hockey events are due to take place later this year in the form of the IMHA European Masters Hockey Championships 2017 in Tilburg from August 11 to 19.

This will be followed by the Grand Masters European Cup in Glasgow between August 19 and 27.

“The IMHA has been working steadily towards this day and looks forward to continuing the progress which has been made in developing Masters hockey across the continents, in a much closer partnership with our colleagues at the FIH and WGMA," said IMHA President Glenn Paton.

WGMA counterpart Wim van Noortwijk added: “The rapid growth of Grand Masters hockey over the last 20 years is the result of enthusiastic pioneering work by a number of individuals who have voluntarily given their time and energy to develop a successful formula of competitive international hockey combined with an enjoyable holiday experience. 

"The Association is content with the progress that has been made in the many meetings and discussions which have led to this point and is confident that the proud traditions of the WGMA will not be lost in the new single entity."