It means the British company, which specialises in synthetic pitches, will now provide investment, educational support and expertise for hockey.

The aim of the FIH Hockey Academy is to provide education and resources for countries to be able to develop coaches, officials and managers.

This is from grassroots level right through to the international game.

Funding from the new two-year deal will help support the delivery of various Academy courses across the world.

Attendees on management courses will also be able to benefit from Notts Sport's resources and expert advice.

In return, the FIH will support Notts Sport in the hockey community, providing them with marketing and networking opportunities designed to create new business.

Both parties will consult on facility developments and innovations, with Notts Sport supporting the FIH's Quality Programme for Hockey Turf.

This aims to ensure that good quality fields are built for all levels of play.

"This partnership marks another important step for hockey's development as we make strides towards professionalising the sport across all levels," said FIH director of sport and development David Luckes.

"Notts Sport investment in the Academy will allow us to deliver exceptional programmes across the world. 

"Their experience will be of huge benefit to course attendees and our facilities department as we look to further develop the quality and standards of our playing environments as the sport continues to grow."

FIH's 10-year strategy - the Hockey Revolution - called for an increase in commercial partners.

Both parties began working together at a course in Ipoh in Malaysia last month.

"Notts Sport is excited in committing to supporting FIH in the development and promotion of hockey through this fantastic new partnership," said Notts Sport managing director Duncan Bennett.

"We are delighted to become a part of the FIH family and believe that our commitment to innovation and quality in a fast changing and ever evolving sport is a perfect synergy with the FIH and the Hockey Revolution. 

"As a result we aim to bring the benefits we have demonstrated for a number of years in the UK to hockey at all levels across the world."