'Hockey is under threat from loss of pitches'

Hockey clubs in West Sussex say they are fearing for the sport's future due to plans to replace all weather astro turfs with a modern 3G turf.

Chichester Hockey Club, whose men's team play in the country's third division, said plans to replace a pitch at Chichester College would threaten the future of hockey in the city.

While Southwick Hockey Club, which play at Steyning Grammar School's grounds, said they could be without a home ground due to plans to upgrade the school's facilities, which include removing the all weather pitch they play on.

Steyning Grammar School said it is planning a redevelopment which is funded by the government. Chichester College was approached for comment.

Hockey teams need a sand-based astro and cannot use 3G pitches due to the length of the plastic turf and rubber crumb which affects the ball and is a safety issue for players.

Tom Brixey, acting chair and director of junior hockey for Chichester Hockey Club, told BBC Radio Sussex the challenge for clubs was funding and not enough available pitches.

He said: "My worry would be hockey in Chichester is under threat, and hockey across the country is under the threat. It feels like a shrinking thing, rather than [having] an ability to grow.

"We need people to work with us to build a future for hockey in Chichester and further afield. It's not a crisis right now, it will be again in three years."

Brixey said if there was not a new hockey pitch in the city in the next three years, the club, which is celebrating 125 years this year, would have to cut some of its hockey teams.

The hockey club's junior programme is played mostly at Chichester High School but the school's pitch is in need of urgent repair or replacement which would need investment, according to Chichester District Council.

Chichester College is looking to upgrade its astro to a modern 3G pitch.

Chichester District Council said: "We recognise the importance of Chichester Hockey Club and the role it plays in our local community and are doing everything we can to support them, including facilitating conversations with other partners to find a solution."

Southwick Hockey Club, founded in 1929, plays seven miles outside of Southwick at its home ground at Steyning Grammar School.

Club member Jon Dawes said it will be the third time the club has moved due to pitches being upgraded into 3G pitches, which are mostly used for football and rugby.

He added: "To lose the continuation of a hockey club would be diabolical. Just because the schools are looking to go to football only.

"There aren't any other facilities we can find locally that will support us. Two clubs use this pitch and would be homeless. All the other school pitches are currently used, there isn't capacity."

Aidan Timmons, headteacher at Steyning Grammar School, said the Department for Education is funding a major investment into the school which will "enhance the educational provision for generations".

The first phase of works would require replacing outdoor areas, including the pitch, which the school said is at the end of its life, and replacing them with new buildings.

He said they are planning a modern 3G pitch for the school and community, but funding a new sand-based pitch would not be possible financially.

Horsham District Council said it is considering the proposal, but will look at all representations and consultation responses in the decision making process.

Sport England a public body responsible for growing grassroots sport and increasing physical activity across England, objected to the plans at Steyning Grammar School, where Southwick and South Downs hockey clubs play.

A spokesperson said: "The loss of the facility will displace these two clubs and likely put their futures at risk given the lack of a suitable alternative."

Chichester College's plans were submitted on 23 March, while Steyning Grammar School's plans were submitted on 23 February.

Both clubs have started separate petitions which have garnered a combined 3,500 signatures.

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