Balls will be fizzing along the new surface when the highly anticipated Artificial Grass Pitch at Yeovil Recreation Centre officially opens on Saturday 21 September.
Everyone is invited to celebrate the occasion and there will be the opportunity to take part in ‘taster sessions’ including Rush Hockey and Junior Hockey before the ribbon is cut at 10.30am.
The opening is the culmination of the £817,000 project which has been led by South Somerset District Council. A successful funding application to England Hockey Board alongside developer funding from Barratt Homes and capital funding from SSDC have all made the project possible.
The district council has worked closely with Yeovil and Sherborne Hockey Club, which is now based at the new pitch. Keith Walters, Chairman, said, “This is a fantastic facility and definitely one of the best pitches in the South West”.
“The Club has already seen an increase in numbers of people participating in their sessions, with the club’s matches and training sessions attracting a lot of interest from those passing by. I am delighted to see many schools and the Somerset Hockey Association beginning to use the pitch, with Yeovil College also kick starting their training and planning their fixtures. Free coaching sessions are now available for schools and our next taster session already has just over 100 young people lined up and ready to play.”
Steve Joel, Assistant Director for Health and Well-Being at the district council, said “We are delighted to complete the construction phase for this exciting project. A great deal of work has gone on behind the scenes for many months to ensure the build went smoothly. Yeovil will now benefit from having one of the finest artificial grass hockey pitches in Somerset”.
Alex Teasdale, National Manager Clubs and Facilities at England Hockey Board, said “We are delighted that this new facility is open and look forward to seeing Yeovil and Sherborne Hockey Club return to Yeovil. Not only is the pitch great news for the hockey club, it will be great news for the sport in general as it will be fully utilised for grassroots hockey development.”
Councillor Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at South Somerset District Council commented, “The Artificial Grass Pitch will be a true community facility which South Somerset can be proud of. During the daytime the pitch is available for use by local schools and Yeovil College, whilst also being available for a range of other sports. Enhancing facility provision with facilities such as this can only help to drive up participation and performance levels in community sport.”
To discuss booking options, availability and to make a booking visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk/agpbookings or call the Facility Booking Line on 01935 462616.