$1 million facilities boost in hockey's centenary year

University hockey has had a major boost with the opening last month of the redeveloped West Beach Hockey Centre, home to the Adelaide University Hockey Club which celebrates its centenary this year.

More than $1 million has been spent on a new state-of-the-art and international standard hockey pitch and surrounds, together with upgraded clubrooms and changerooms.

"We now have one of the best hockey facilities in the State, not only for University of Adelaide hockey, but also for the local community," said Tim Collin, Adelaide University Sport President and AU Hockey Club President.

The Adelaide University Hockey club is one of the largest hockey clubs in the State with over 200 members and both men's and women's Premier League teams. 

The upgraded facilities were officially opened last month by the Hon. Tom Kenyon, Minister for Recreation and Sport.

Celebrations included exhibition matches of both the men's and women's Premier League teams playing against Forestville.

The renovations were supported with a $250,000 State Government grant, more than $100,000 worth of donations from Hockey Club benefactors and members, and a grant and loan from Adelaide University Sport.

Much of the work was undertaken by Club members and volunteers, and the future of the grounds has been secured with a new long-term lease from Adelaide Airport.

"This has been a massive project for the Club and we're grateful for the fantastic support we've had," said Tim Collin. "I want to thank everyone who has helped, particularly the Project Control group for its many hours of behind the scenes work in helping to complete the project to everyone's satisfaction."

This is the third project in the Adelaide University Sports Facility Plan 2010-2020 to have been completed, following the renovation of the Boat Shed in 2010 and the Park 12 Grandstand and Long Room refurbishment completed in October 2011. The Grads Oval Clubrooms upgrade is scheduled for later this year.

The West Beach Hockey Centre is not only the home ground for Adelaide University Hockey Club. Other clubs and local schools will also be using the facilities as their home ground. There are also plans for women's lacrosse to be played there in future.

The renovated facilities have been opened in time for the Club's centenary. In June this year, they will hold a Centenary Ball to recognise the history and contributions of past and present club members. Anyone with historical records, photos and information is asked to contact Jemina Daws at secretary@auhc.asn.au.

Story by Robyn Mills