<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=40LfYy_0viZnDG300" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=40LfYy_0viZnDG300" width="800" height="450" >The Odyssey Trust has announced a significant expansion of the Friendship Four and Friendship Series tournaments, with women's teams participating for the first time. Set to take place in Belfast, the Friendship Four returns in November 2025 and the inaugural women's Friendship Series occurs in January 2026. This marks a historic moment as teams from Boston University, Harvard University, Quinnipiac University, and the University of Minnesota Duluth compete in a Division One tournament outside North America. The events promote cultural exchange and solidify connections between Belfast and Boston in celebration of a decade of NCAA hockey in Belfast.<ul><li>Four men's teams will compete for the Belpot Trophy in November 2025.</li><li>The women's tournament will feature four teams for the first time in January 2026.</li></ul>State of Play<ul><li>The Friendship Four will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year with matches at The SSE Arena.</li><li>A new advisory board has been established to enhance relations with U.S. collegiate ice hockey programs.</li></ul>Looking forward, the continued participation of women's teams in the Friendship Series may pave the way for further growth and investment in women's ice hockey at the collegiate level, increasing visibility and opportunities for female athletes globally.Bottom LineThe inclusion of women's teams in the Friendship Series signifies a pivotal moment for gender representation in athletics, highlighting the importance of promoting equity and cultural exchange through sports, especially in an international context.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Bobcats to Compete in Inaugural Women’s Friendship Four in Belfast

The Odyssey Trust has announced a significant expansion of the Friendship Four and Friendship Series tournaments, with women's teams participating for the first time. Set to take place in Belfast, the Friendship Four returns in November 2025 and the inaugural women's Friendship Series occurs in January 2026. This marks a historic moment as teams from Boston University, Harvard University, Quinnipiac University, and the University of Minnesota Duluth compete in a Division One tournament outside North America. The events promote cultural exchange and solidify connections between Belfast and Boston in celebration of a decade of NCAA hockey in Belfast.