'I fear for our club' - Berwick Hockey Club facing uncertain future amid home pitch upheaval

A local hockey club are seeking clarity about their future amid ongoing uncertainty over their home pitch.

Berwick Hockey Club, who currently run one ladies’ team and compete in the Scottish Hockey East District Division Three, used to play and train on an AstroTurf pitch at Berwick Academy, but have spent the past four years based at Eyemouth High School after their usual playing surface was deemed unsuitable for use.

But with the Academy set to undergo a rebuild - and with the short-term alternative of cleaning the original AstroTurf facility, rather than fully refurbishing it, likely to cost tens of thousands - Berwick find themselves stuck in a frustrating limbo, and the longer it drags on, the more damage it threatens to do to both the club and the sport of hockey in the surrounding area.

Haley Garland - treasurer, coach, and club member for almost three decades - explained: “As someone who started playing for this team at the age of 13, I am devastated that a huge cohort of girls and boys have not had the opportunity to engage in such an exciting sport because of the lack of a useable pitch.

“Unfortunately, over the past four years we have seen a drop in the number of eligible younger players attending training sessions - possibly due to the geographic location and/or the fact that they are no longer being taught hockey at school.

“We have had no Berwick Academy youngsters come through to our senior team since we stopped training at Berwick. All of our younger players came through Longridge, but with no junior pathway, even they are in decline.”

She continued: “I have played for Berwick Hockey Club every season since the age of 13, and my teammates, past and present, have become like family. They were a support network for me as I was growing up, something I feel many youngsters are missing these days.

“It is appalling that in a community with such a narrow choice of team sports on offer to young females, that our club has been forced out of the area for an extended period of time.”

With regards to Berwick’s hopes for the future, Garland added: “I really hope we can get the AstroTurf at Berwick Academy completely refurbished as soon as possible, otherwise I fear for our club, and the sport of hockey in Berwick. We can't sustain our club without new junior players coming through our training system or being taught hockey at school on an AstroTurf.

“I would love to get back to promoting my sport and my team on our home pitch, which can also be used for playing a number of other sports.”

How and when the situation will resolve itself remains to be seen. Representatives from Berwick have reached out to the relevant parties involved, but as yet, have not been provided with a concrete timeframe on a return to the Academy. The club have also queried whether a refurbishment to the AstroTurf could be done before the building of the new school, as they believe it shouldn't affect any future construction work. Berwick argue that such a decision would allow the club to begin training for youth and senior players alike, while helping to boost their visibility in the local community.

When approached for comment on the matter, local councillor Guy Renner-Thompson said: “I completely sympathise with Berwick Hockey Club. It's extremely disappointing that a club with such an important role in the town has been forced to travel to Eyemouth to play its matches.

“It's important to clarify that Berwick Academy operates independently of Northumberland County Council. The Academy is responsible for maintaining its own facilities and, unfortunately, has been unable to afford the necessary upkeep of the hockey pitch.

“The good news is that, as part of the County Council's choice to invest in a new Berwick Academy, we have made provision for the existing hockey pitch to be refurbished.”

In the meantime, however, Garland and her side are eager to welcome fresh faces to their ranks as they strive to keep their team moving forward in spite of the ongoing challenges they are facing. She said: “Even if you have no intention of joining the squad, but would like to get fit and learn some skills, and, most importantly, make friends for life, please come along - we are very much a social club with a hockey addiction!”

Berwick Hockey Club train at Eyemouth High School on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8:30pm. Training is open to anyone aged 13 or over, and costs £5 per session. The club advises that a stick is not required, but shin pads are essential.