NESTON South Wirral Hockey Club will finally have an Astroturf pitch of its own after being given a grant for just over £¼m.
The grant was awarded by the National Sports Foundation and matches the amount the club has raised during several years of fundraising.
Development officer Tim Brooker said: “This development will hugely benefit the club in retaining its existing membership but also will attract new members.”
The club has been looking at various ways to build an Astroturf pitch for 20 years but this particular project was started in 2006. Work, which started last week, should be finished next spring along with work on the new clubhouse.
The Astroturf will be on the back pitch nearest the Wirral Way and means for the first time in many years the hockey section will play their matches on site.
Mr Brooker added: “It will give youngsters a feeling for the club because for many of them they have never played their hockey at Neston.
“Similarly, for the senior players, it is good for them to play back at home after years being away – it feels like hockey is coming home!
“The primary use of the facility is for hockey but the junior football team Neston Nomads will also be using it.”
Andy Wallis, club president, said: “It is a very special opportunity and with this development, both with the clubhouse and the Astroturf pitch, it makes Neston Cricket Club one of the best-equipped sports clubs in the area.”
Fundraising is still ongoing and for details visit www.nswhc.co.uk
