News / New hockey pitch
A NEW hockey surface in Brae was officially declared open by sportscotland chairwoman Louise Martin on Saturday.
The facility, next to the North Mainland Leisure Centre, comprises a new synthetic surface along with refurbished changing rooms, a new equipment store, new dugouts, new spectator shelters and new hockey goals.
The £600,000 project was funded by sportscotland (£250,000), the Shetland LEADER programme (£200,000) and Shetland Recreational Trust (£150,000).
At the opening ceremony, Martin said: “We are delighted to have supported Shetland Recreational Trust with an investment of £250,000, which has helped to transform the hockey facilities available to the whole community.
“sportscotland is committed to maximising the opportunities for communities to become involved in sport and this investment shows our commitment to help develop and support a world-class sporting system at all levels, which will inspire future generations to be the best they can be.”
SRT chairman Joe Irvine said: “As those who have already played hockey here can testify, this is a first-class facility.
“We are extremely grateful for the financial support of sportscotland and the LEADER programme.
“The facility now allows us to host regional hockey events and hopefully it will be a firm foundation for the continued success of Shetland Hockey Association competitions as well as Shetland teams at all age groups.”
The opening ceremony was followed by Hockeyfest, a family fun day with games for adults and children as well as hockey-related activities designed to allow people to give the sport a try.
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