Hockey club nets grant for goals

HOCKEY goals shot at Prince of Wales Park will be even sharper to watch following a recent financial contribution from Ballarat Connected Communities.

Sports club, Hockey Ballarat, has received $3000 from the grants organisation, and club president Cristin Ruyg said they’re grateful for the money, which will cover a new set of goals for their pitch.

“Our goals are currently not fit-for-purpose and are becoming increasingly unsafe,” she said.

“The provision of new goals, alongside future pitch upgrade works supported by City of Ballarat, will ensure that we can continue providing a safe playing surface and positive experience to all our users.

“The association looks forward to the upgraded pitch and goals in 2024.”

Hockey Ballarat’s winter competition is at capacity, and the pitch and goals need to be up-to-standard.

The club is a not-for-profit run by volunteers and Ruyg said financial support from the community like this keeps them operational.

“In a cost-of-living crisis, it is our priority to keep our member fees and associated costs as low as possible, and this funding means we can not only do that but also divert our resources to projects like umpire development, school initiatives and junior programs that have a direct impact on the wellbeing of our members and the wider community,” she said.

“We currently have 500 registered members within our association, as we return to pre-pandemic numbers.

“During our peak, the Prince of Wales Park facility has upwards of 800 users per week, with usage occurring from 5pm to 9 pm every weekday, and from 8am till 6pm on weekends.”