Playing on new turf

Cheers of excitement constantly resounded as parents, pupils and educators applauded the opening of Northcliff High School’s new state-of-the-art astro turf on 13 February.

The school’s principal Walter Essex-Clark started off by mentioning that it is a blessing to have the kind of hockey complex that meets the pupil’s needs.

“Hockey is a big sport in the school and we pride ourselves in it,” said Essex-Clark.

“This is the state-of-the-art facility that compares with the best in the world and it is something to be proud of,” he said

Deputy principal Andrew Wilkins also said it has been the school’s dream to have their own astro turf.

“We have been using facilities such as the Ranburg and UJ’s astro turf, but now we have our own world-class hockey complex. This means we are reducing travel costs and hours for the parents and our students will now be encouraged to participate,” he said.

Wilkins also added that the field is expected to last for 10 years or more.

“We want the pupils to enjoy and from here on we are looking to see a lot of strength in terms of our hockey.”

The 60 000 sq m astro turf cost the school R9 million to install.

To celebrate the turf, old hockey players from the school gave the current hockey players a run for their money during a friendly game.

“This is a good exercise for our current players because there are a lot of provincial and national players among our old players,” said Essex-Clark.