Although most of the schools’ pupils are learning at home and therefore won’t be able to use the pitch, children of the schools’ parents who are key workers have been able to make use of it.
Furthermore, former pupil and current England Hockey U18 player Molly Fairbairn has been using the Astro with her father to keep up her practice, whilst following all social distancing guidelines.
“Sport, particularly hockey, was a big part of my life at Highfield and Brookham and I have so many happy memories of being part of a team there. The Astro is a fantastic addition” Molly Fairbairn, England Hockey U18 player
Molly left the school in July 2016 and went on to Canford School in Wimborne. She starts playing for England next month.
She said: “Sport, particularly hockey, was a big part of my life at Highfield and Brookham and I have so many happy memories of being part of a team there.
“The Astro is a fantastic addition.”
The Astro is a full-sized sand-dressed hockey pitch, built to Federation International Hockey standards, allowing for two smaller cross field hockey pitches as well as the full-sized pitch. The floodlights allow the schools to train and play in the evenings all year round.
The construction was completed by Smith Construction, based in Lincolnshire, and was project managed by Traction Sport, based in Dorset.
The all-weather pitch can be used not only for hockey but for a range of sports including lacrosse, cricket, football, PE, fitness sessions and after-school clubs.
The pitch will also be available for local sports clubs, schools and the wider community to use.
Phillip Evitt, headmaster at Highfield School, said: “This is something that has been in the making for many years and it has certainly been worth the wait – a legacy for future generations.”
Find out more about Highfield and Brookham Schools: www.highfieldschool.org.uk
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