Having Appropriate and Sustainable Facilities

Securing hockey pitches is obviously key to the future of the sport and working to secure stronger more collaborative approaches with providers is an absolute requirement in coming years. 

With the majority of clubs across the country hiring facilities from schools, colleges, universities or leisure centres, there is often a great difference between facility standards and the

arrangements and partnerships clubs have in place with their facility providers.

This is a gap for most clubs with arrangements often short term, both in nature and outlook. Communication is mainly through the bookings person, with limited commitment from the owner to

the hockey club for the long run. Many clubs do not realise or utilise the long-term financial investment they have made and use this to negotiate better deals or secure long-term access.

Therefore, developing strong relationships politically (if you use a local authority, school or university facility) is critical. 

Working out your annual bill and how much your club have invested since the pitch was last resurfaced is a useful exercise when negotiating with a provider. This also applies to asset-owning

clubs who wish to demonstrate their credibility to access local funding opportunities. 

For those asset owning clubs, we need to ensure their facilities are sustainable for the long run with maximum use, robust maintenance and long-term financial planning. England Hockey

tirelessly works behind the scenes aiming to support the long-term provision of facilities. It is key that clubs work together with us to ensure future provision for hockey.

To help you make the most of your facilities, England Hockey can support on all aspects of managing and improving your facilities. These range from design and construction guidance for

clubhouse and changing rooms through to pitch maintenance.  You can visit our dedicated Facilities webpages or contact the facilities team at England Hockey – [email protected] 

Click on the links below to explore the resources and support available to help your club this season

Use this handy list of questions alongside our resources to help you prepare for the new season:

In addition, Sport England and Buddle have a range of Facility specific help and support for your club:

#GetSeasonReady fosters a community of learning and shared experiences. Click on the links below for the current opportunities available:

Sport England’s Buddle is a fantastic free resource, that provides access to a host of workshops, webinars and supporting information to help the running and development of your club.

The Dealing with Increasing Costs workshop is available to support the Appropriate and Sustainable Facilities strand. Head to the Dealing with Increasing Costs workshop page on the Buddle

website to find out more information and book your place.

Read on, challenge yourself by answering our handy questions, and then access a range of resources to support you club with facility sustainability. 

An opportunity to meet your Club Development Manager and other clubs in your area and discuss common issues, development opportunities and share ideas and best practice. Dates can be found

on our monthly calendar and invites will be sent directly from England Hockey Clubs team. 

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