THE region\u2019s field hockey players could be in for a significant boost if the Coalition win government later this month.<\/p>\n
With player numbers increasing over the last few years, the only public field in the city can no longer handle all the use and that has Hockey Ballarat seeking a second facility.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s resulted in a $1.8 million pledge from the Liberal and National parties to build a new pitch.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that Ballarat have 388 registered players and 33 teams which means with only one pitch they are absolutely at capacity,\u201d said Liberal candidate for Wendouree, Amy Johnson.<\/p>\n
Growth in hockey participation has been strong and steady.<\/p>\n
Calvin Denning, vice-president of Hockey Ballarat said a few years ago the city had four under 16 teams.<\/p>\n
Now there\u2019s five under 16 sides, six under 14 teams and six under 11 squads across three clubs.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur junior numbers have exploded in the last few years,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re bursting at the seams, the pitch is used seven days a week, including during the day by the local schools.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to go to Ballarat Grammar to fit all our games in on match day. We can\u2019t grow any further without a second pitch.\u201d<\/p>\n
As to where the new field might be located, that\u2019s still up in the air.<\/p>\n
A second pitch co-located with the current field at Prince of Wales Park would require negotiation with other tenants in the area.<\/p>\n
There is also scope to locate the new facility somewhere else in the city.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s several options,\u201d Mr Denning said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re actually working with the council and other interested parties to try and find a pitch that best suits community needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Johnson wouldn\u2019t be drawn on her preferred site for the possible new pitch.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to leave it up to the hockey association in collaboration with council to decide exactly where this pitch is going to be placed,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know Hockey Ballarat are the experts in this\u00a0area.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE region\u2019s field hockey players could be in for a significant boost if the Coalition win government later this month. With player numbers increasing over the last few years, the only public field in the city can no longer handle all the use and that has Hockey Ballarat seeking a second facility. That\u2019s resulted in […]<\/p>\n