AstroTurf set to grow Ekurhuleni hockey

The sport of hockey in Ekurhuleni is set for major improvement, with the news that construction of the much-anticipated Easterns AstroTurf is set to get underway.

The AstroTurf is set to be the first artificial surface hockey pitch in the region.

In a press release sent to the City Times, last week, the Eastern Gauteng Hockey Association (EGHA) confirmed that the South African National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) has approved a grant for the establishment of an artificial surface hockey pitch.

The EGHA stated that once the award was made and an initial funding payment was made the association established a task team to undertake the implementation of the project.

“This team investigated the suitable sites that could be available and following lengthy discussion with the Ekurhuleni Sports Department and other council departments, the council has agreed to lease an area adjacent to the Benoni Northerns Swimming Pool and the Benoni Northerns Sports Club to the provincial hockey association for the project.

“Platinum Sport Consulting were engaged as specialised consultants for the implementation of the project and, again, following lengthy negotiations with suitable contractors, the awarding of the contract for the construction and implantation of the project has been achieved.”

It was further stated in the press release that construction will begin shortly and will be completed once the balance of funds from Lotto is received.

“This is a major milestone for the hockey fraternity in Ekurhuleni,” the EGHA stated.

“It will enable clubs, schools and development structures to play on an artificial surface locally, instead of having to travel to surrounding facilities to participate on such surfaces.’

• Shaun Taylor, chairman of the Benoni Northerns hockey section, said the decision to construct the AstroTurf at the club can only be beneficial to junior and senior hockey at both Northerns and in Ekurhuleni in general.

“The development of players and their hockey skills will improve ten-fold,” he said.

“It will attract a lot more players to the sport and we hope that we will not lose as many players to Southern Gauteng, because we will now be able to be more competitive with an AstroTurf on our doorstep.”

He added that players have to travel great distances to practice and play on AstroTurf and will now reduce their transport expenses.

• The City Times will keep a close eye on the progress of the AstroTurf project when construction commences.