Pirates hockey needs help
GREENSIDE – Schools are approached to help fund a new hockey pitch at the Pirates Rugby Club.
Pirates Rugby Club in Greenside is enlisting the help of surrounding schools to replace their hockey field.
The turf is about 14 years old and has been condemned by the South African Hockey Association. An average artificial grass hockey field normally has a lifespan of around 10 years. The hockey section of the club has been forced to relocate practices and games, resulting in a loss of revenue.
The current hockey field is a sand-based turf. It has been in frequent use long past its expected lifespan and has become dangerous due to tears and lumps. When the club fits a new field it will be water-based. The field will be more player-friendly and enjoy a longer lifespan.
A new hockey pitch will cost up to R7 million This is more than the club is able to afford. To answer this problem, schools in the area such as De La Salle Holy Cross College, The Ridge School and Laerskool Jan Celliers have been approached to help fund the project. In return, the schools will be allocated times to use the field.
Les Lambert, a member of the committee formed to address this issue, said negotiations with the schools look promising. “We’re hoping to get the new field up and running by May or June next year before the beginning of the hockey season,” he said. “The committee is very excited, as is the club. A new field will attract new players in every section.”
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