Sydney Hockey sidelined
Field hockey players across the city fear they will have to fight for the use of a new pitch given the city-wide shortage of turfs.
The planned development of Perry Park in Alexandria would be the first accredited pitch in the CBD.
The vice president of Glebe Hockey Club Peter Kelly said the hockey community was desperate for a new field.
“There are no artificial hockey pitches close to the City,’’he said. “The closest pitch accredited by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is at Concord.’’
At a Council meeting on Monday night, Lord Mayor Clover Moore said an accredited surface for the pitch had not yet been decided.
“Work is still underway to determine the best surface for that field,’’ she said.
“The City must provide recreational facilities for a wide range of uses and give priority to multi-use facilities.’’
Glebe district hockey club, which celebrated its 80th birthday this year resorted to playing on courts which were unaccredited by the FIH.
“We aren’t blow-ins,’’ said Mr Kelly. “Other less established clubs have had better support by their councils and received their own pitches.’’
In 2003, there was a land exchange between Leichhardt and City of Sydney councils. Before Harold Park became property of the City of Sydney, Leichhardt Council had pledged $200,000 to develop an accredited hockey pitch there. After the land transfer, nothing was ever built for the hockey community.
“So we were excited about Perry Park,’’ said Mr Kelly. “But what’s the point of a hockey pitch that is so multipurpose, that you cant play hockey on it? They were even talking of playing rugby on this pitch.’’
According to Mr Kelly, there is a suitable compromise.
“The absolute top of the line pitch would cost around $250,000. We understand it has to be multi-purposed, so we are happy to not have the best pitch if it means others can also use it.
“This pitch would be used every weeknight and all weekend by the hockey community. Even in the summer (hockey’s off-season), we could be using it for summer comps. It certainly wouldn’t go unused.’’
Hockey is played by 81,000 people across the country compared to 79,000 who play rugby union.
By Timothy Clarke
