Junior hockey in Belgium refers to the amateur hockey leagues organized for kids and young adults. The first reference to junior hockey in Belgium dates all the way back to 1913-14, when a U18 competition, known as 'Scolaires (School Championship), was contested. U23 is the oldest current classification of Belgian junior hockey. As with most other European countries, the majority pf Belgian junior squads operate under the umbrella of a senior club of the same name. For instance, the HYC Herentals youth teams are part of the HYC organization, which includes the senior team.