History of Sedbergh School in 50 Objects #47: New Field Hockey Centre
In 2023 hockey provision at Sedbergh School was elevated through the completion of the New Field Hockey Centre. Situated between the Hirst Centre and riverside, this new facility offered two new ‘Tiger-turf’ all weather pitches, expanding the opportunities that Sedbergh hockey players had to train and compete.
Increasing from two to four pitches had an immediate impact on the day-to-day experience of every pupil engaged with hockey. One particularly valuable feature of the Centre is the LED directional lighting which allows pupils to train all year round during their early morning and evening training sessions which massively increases the time available for pupils to access group training and one on one sessions. In 2024, a Spiideo system with four cameras was installed offering the opportunity to stream match play, and to offer analysis opportunities for coaches and players.
Nick Davey, Director of Hockey commented on the impact that New Field Hockey Centre has had on hockey provision at Sedbergh:
‘Overall it has made every pupils’ experience richer. Our aim at Sedbergh is to offer every pupil a sporting education that is holistic, with facilities and coaches that match their own ambition. Our pupils seek to be acting at the speed of thought with their game play – the best sports people always know what’s happening next. The New Field Hockey Centre helps us to reach that goal, both with the Spiideo system, and simply because more opportunities to play offer more opportunities to cultivate that mindset.’
As well as serving Sedbergh’s own pupils, the Centre has become a valuable addition to the wider hockey community, hosting events, training and tournaments in both children’s and adults’ hockey. Adult clubs have used New Field Hockey Centre for pre-season tournaments for the last two years and the Northwest club finals for under 11’s, 13’s and 14th girls and boys. Nick Davey is working to ensure that the Centre can be used by the wider hockey community for future events.
Of course, it is not just the facilities and built-infrastructure that make hockey at Sedbergh so successful. Recently leavers Bo and Hattie Madden who are currently playing hockey for Syracuse University in the United States of America spoke of the importance of the warmth and dedication of their coaches:
‘We’d show up at the astro and the coaches would always have a smile on their faces – they grew our love for the sport’.
The New Field Hockey Centre creates a legacy that will allow many future generations of Sedberghians to fall in love with this special sport. 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the arrival of girls and so could be the perfect opportunity to host an Old Sedberghian tournament… watch this space for more details.
