A new home for hockey in Sunderland

Hockey has a new home in Sunderland, with the opening of a new purpose-built hockey pitch at Raich Carter Sports Centre.

The new pitch marks the return of hockey to the city, as the previous site had been out of use for several years, meaning the Sunderland Broom Hockey Club had to travel to use pitches in South Tyneside.

Now Sunderland City Council capital funds of £215k have allowed for a brand-new pitch in Hendon, as well as improved facilities including six new goals and new floodlights.

Matthew Dench, Club Secretary for Sunderland Broom Hockey Club, said: "We're absolutely delighted to have these new pitches and to be able to play hockey in Sunderland once again. I hope that these fantastic new facilities will encourage more people in the city to come along and try hockey and allow us to continue the growth we have seen within all sections of the club over the last few years."

Councillor Linda Williams, Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Vibrant City, said: "We are delighted to be able to support bringing the hockey pitch and facilities at the Raich Carter Centre back into use, so residents once again have somewhere to play the sport in the city.

"In line with our Active Sunderland approach we always want to make sure there are opportunities for people to be as active as they can be and take part in sports. Having suitable facilities like this ensures there is a greater variety of opportunities on offer in the city."

Rainer Meek, General Manager of Raich Carter Sport Centre, said: "The recent upgrade to the pitches will allow more playing opportunities for Sunderland residents and will make hockey more accessible. We are pleased to welcome Sunderland Brooms to the centre, and we are really excited to see how we can help to develop hockey as a sport across Sunderland."

Hendon Ward Councillor, Cllr Lynda Scanlan, said: "The Raich Carter Centre is a much-loved community facility supporting the health and wellbeing of the Hendon community. I am delighted that due to this significant investment by the City Council it will enable the Centre continue to provide first class sporting facilities to the local community."

Raich Carter Sports Centre is holding a free Family Fun Day to launch the outdoor pitch during Half Term on Thursday 23 February with the following free sessions available.

Hockey fun skills session 12noon-1pm.
Indoor multi-sports 1pm-2pm.
Swim session 2pm-3pm.