New hockey pitch at Monkton Prep School

GreenFields hockey pitch at Monkton Prep SchoolThis facility, comprising of over 9000m2 of synthetic turf, was completed in 16 weeks with Greenfields HT LSR 18 ND product and has been tested to FIH accreditation.

Monkton Prep School has produced some outstanding hockey players in the past 75 years. But, when they had to stop playing hockey on their grass pitch in 1995, home games as well as training sessions had to be played at external locations. This situation caused a great deal of logistical and performance issues and Monkton Prep School was in danger of losing its reputation as one of the leading hockey schools in South West England. It was therefore decided to build a new all-weather hockey pitch located in one of the most stunning areas of the Prep School site – on Sham Field overlooking the beautiful Midford.

The new hockey pitch is located in a stunning rural environment – an area of outstanding natural beauty. Surrounded by natural wooded areas and landscaping the pitch forms an integral part of the scenery. To reduce the noise level created by hockey balls striking the kickboards, a bespoke boarding system has been installed which does not only discharge this condition but also enhances the look of the facility.

Chris Stafford the Headmaster said: “We have been able to build not one but two hockey playing surfaces – one full size and one half-size (practice) pitch! The impact this superb facility will have on the life of the school is enormous and will help I am sure to maintain Monkton’s reputation as one of the leading hockey schools in the South West of England”

Paul Milton, managing director of GreenFields UK, adds: “Hockey is a very popular key sport at Monkton. Our synthetic turf systems for hockey provide players at each end of the spectrum with accurate ball control, ball roll/speed, ball bounce and absorption ensuring safe and suitable playing conditions for player development or competitions. We are sure this new, state-of-the-art ‘all weather’ hockey pitch will increase the success and reputation of hockey at Monkton Prep School”.