A hockey club is preparing to kick off their season on a new pitch.

This new sporting battlefield is set to elevate the fortunes of St Ives Hockey Club as the 2024/25 season edges nearer.

Key to the club's future, the One Leisure pitch hosts five games weekly from September to March, and fundamental the thriving juniors programme, besides four women's and five men's senior teams.

The team's press officer, Emily Drinkwater, paints a picture of the intensive pre-season training in motion as the team gears up for their inaugural full season on the fresh pitch.

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Fruit of tedious negotiations initiated back in 2018, the resulting pitch is a response to neglected maintenance need and the pursuit of club growth.

Contributions from teams like SIHC, One Leisure, England Hockey, matched with strong backing from local MP Jonathan Djanogly, played into actualising this dream.

Ladies 1st Team Captain, Jules Griffiths, said: "A huge team effort from all those involved has ensured the installation of this new pitch.

"Our Juniors are the life blood of this club and they feed into all of our senior teams, therefore giving them the opportunity to play good hockey is of huge importance to SIHC."

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Chloe Fegan-Webb, a club treasurer, lauds the upgrade saying: "The pitch is a better standard and its kinder to our knees as well."

Vicky Leighton, SIHC’s Ladies Section Representative, said: "We as a club will be forever grateful for their commitment to the future of hockey here at St Ives."

This pitch redevelopment comes a little over a decade since the previous pitch was installed in 2007, underscoring the dire need for quality surfaces for the club.

An open Club Day is scheduled for August 31, a perfect opportunity for hockey enthusiasts interested in joining to visit.