AROUND THE SCHOOL
Our new
turf
For many years there has been
discussion regarding the need and desire
for a synthetic hockey field at Guildford
Grammar School and for various reasons
the concept never progressed beyond
stakeholders agreeing that it was a good
idea. Then in May 2014 the School hockey
community came together for the ‘Dare
to Dream’ function and amongst other
objectives, one of the goals of the evening
was to highlight the School’s desire to build
a synthetic hockey field.
Fast forward to November of the same
year and The Guildford Grammar School
Foundation was presented a compelling
case as to the benefits of a synthetic hockey
field and the many opportunities that
would arise as a result for the School. The
Foundation agreed with the facts presented
and approved the necessary funds for the
project to proceed. Contributions of $5000
each from the Old Guildfordians Association
and the P&F Society, plus donations derived
from the last giving campaign the School
conducted, were also channelled into
the project.
After an exhaustive tender process the
contract was awarded and a Polytan
synthetic hockey surface was chosen, the
same surface that is being used at the
Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
8
Mr Stephen Webber, Captain of Hockey Jamie Buntrock Roljic and
Peter Churack, CEO of Hockey WA.
Not only has the new field generated
excitement amongst the School community,
but the wider hockey community is
celebrating this world class facility as well.
Already five local clubs have hired the turf
on a weekly basis for training; Hockey
WA has scheduled in 188 matches for the
current hockey season. The National Men’s
Kookaburras are confirmed to use the turf
and other school facilities for a two-week
training camp just prior to departing for the
Olympic Games.
Without the financial support of The
Guildford Grammar School Foundation
this project to build a world class synthetic
hockey field would not have been possible.
Thank you to The Foundation Board
members for their vision and belief that
this facility will benefit Guildford Grammar
School for generations to come.