Cape Town: The Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Cape Town completed the resurfacing of the Bellville Hockey Turf, last month. The first matches were played on the court when Bellville Hockey Club took to the new Astro Turf, past weekend.
Reportedly, the Bellville Hockey Club hosted the opening of their season on the newly resurfaced turf. The R4.6 million project that was completed at the end of January after the development of plans and technical specifications to ensure the compliance with standards set by the Western Province Hockey Federation.
In order to maintain the safety and competition standards, the Federation recommended to upgrade the turf during the 2023-24 season. As wear and tear signalled the need for essential refurbishment.
The club used alternative venues for practices and matches while resurfacing was still under way. Moreover, investment in resurfacing has now restored the facility to top-tier playing conditions, benefitting both players and supporters.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that the City of Cape Town is proud to play a role in restoring the vital sport facility. The team is committed to support local clubs that foster community engagement, youth development and active participation in sports and recreation.
According to Higham, the City of Cape Town is committed to provide attractive, safe accessible and sustainable spaces where the residents, athletes and visitors can engage in sports and recreation activities.
The Hockey Turf is located at the Bellville Sports Complex, which also grassed soccer field, two five-a-side soccer courts, a basketball and two netball courts. Bellville Hockey Club is home to a thriving community of nearly 600 players and parents.
Club’s men’s and women’s sections boast five teams, with both first teams competing in the prestigious Grand Challenge, as the highest league in the Western Province Hockey Union.
Additionally, the field teams in the second, third and fourth leagues, along with eight junior teams for under 11, under 13 and under 15 players. However, the success of the club extends beyond local competitions.
Bellville’s indoor men’s team in early 2023, went unbeaten throughout the season, clinching the Grand Challenge Indoor League title against strong contenders such as WPCC and Central Hockey Club, a feat they would end up repeating in 2024.
Notably, the previous club players Keenan Horne and Taylor Dart have represented South Africa at major international tournaments, including the Olympic Games.
In early 2023, Bellville’s indoor men’s team went unbeaten throughout the season, clinching the Grand Challenge Indoor League title against strong contenders such as WPCC and Central Hockey Club, a feat they would end up repeating in 2024. Notably, previous club players Keenan Horne and Taylor Dart have represented South Africa at major international tournaments, including the Olympic Games.