Cannock secures funding for important second hockey pitch

Cannock Hockey Club has been awarded £169,834 from Sport England to build a second pitch in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.

The funding announcement follows the news that Cannock Hockey Club was selected as a potential training site for the London 2012 Olympics earlier this month.

David Linford, President of the Hockey Club said: "We are delighted to be selected as a potential hockey training facility for the visiting international hockey squads during the Olympics. It is testament to the high standards at Cannock and a real honour for everyone at the club.

“The new second pitch is an important addition to the club and means we will boast one of the country’s best hockey training facilities. Everyone at the club is extremely grateful for the support from Sport England and England Hockey.”

Steve Town, Regional Director, Sport England on congratulating the Club said: “Quality sports facilities are essential if we are going to attract people into hockey and provide talented players with the opportunities to reach their full potential in the sport.

Pictured: David Linford, President of Cannock Hockey Club and Mark Thornewill, Partnership Director at Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

This award, given by Sport England through England Hockey, to provide a new surface to one of the pitches will enable the club to continue its excellent work in increasing the numbers taking part in hockey and the development of talented players. I congratulate everyone at the club on securing this award that will enhance its already high standards of sports provision”.

The new pitch will be built using the same advanced turf which was used for the newly carpeted main pitch unveiled last Autumn.

The innovative surface is made from extremely durable polyethylene monofilament fibres which are similar to nylon blades but much softer with a wet feel. The pitch surface has been described as the hockey equivalent of Wimbledon’s grass.

Construction of the new second pitch is scheduled for summer and will be available for play at the start of the new season in September.

For more information contact:

Tom Grocott
Leader Communications
Tel: 01564 796 200
Email: tg@leader.co.uk

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