Notts Sport teams up with England Hockey Board
Hundreds of new and refurbished hockey facilities are set to be completed thanks to a unique initiative between the England Hockey Board (EHB) and leading synthetic surfacing supplier Notts Sport.
To celebrate its new approved supplier status with the EHB, Notts Sport has unveiled an innovative solution which allows schools and hockey clubs to work together to provide first-class facilities without the need for upfront funding.
Through Notts Sport's Fast Track Funding initiative, the company will provide up to 100% of the funding for a brand new pitch, which can then be installed straight away.
The school can use the completed facility during weekdays, with the hockey club hiring it for evenings and weekends to provide guaranteed revenue over a set period to fund the repayments.
Notts Sport Chairman Shaun Patrick commented: "With an incredible season of sport set to inspire a whole new generation of athletes, there's never been a greater need to make sure sporting facilities are ready to meet the increased demand.
"Levels of interest in hockey are likely to be higher than ever after the London Olympics, so this scheme couldn't come at a better time.
"For schools whose sports facilities have seen better days, now's the time to take action - and a cost-effective Notts Sport pitch is the ideal choice for hockey, from the grassroots game to the very highest level."
Notts Sport already sponsors the youth hockey development programme in its home county of Leicestershire, and the company's new partnership with the EHB takes its backing of the grassroots game to another level.
Following the completion of each installation, Notts Sport will fund a launch programme of hockey activity, to be delivered by the EHB.
For schools, hockey clubs and sports providers looking to upgrade their hockey facilities, Notts Sport offers the widest range of FIH (International Hockey Federation) compliant pitches and continues to innovate to ensure the very best products for hockey.
Notts Sport's high-quality synthetic turf systems are also suitable for a range of sports and activities, including football, cricket and tennis, with performance characteristics individually designed to suit the specific needs of the facility's users.
Notts Sport synthetic turf comes in a range of 15 vibrant colours, meaning hockey pitches can be designed to match school or club colours, while fencing and other accessories can be included for the complete solution.
Customers receive free advice and support from Notts Sport's Design and Advisory Service, which provides expert guidance every step of the way.
Alex Teasdale, National Manager Clubs and Facilities for the EHB, says: "We're delighted to be working with Notts Sport on this exciting opportunity for schools and clubs to work together for their mutual benefit and we're sure the scheme will prove extremely popular."