A New Chapter for East Grinstead Hockey Club:

Farewell to a Landmark Pitch.

 East Grinstead Hockey Club is proud to announce the next stage in its ongoing development, as work begins this summer to replace the club's much-loved astro pitch. After nearly 13 years at the heart of the club's success, the current surface will make way for a new generation facility designed to support future performance, growth, and community engagement.

The pitch we say goodbye to has a history deeply intertwined with one of the most exciting periods in the club's journey. Its story began on 26 October 2012, just weeks after the London 2012 Olympic Games, when the contract was signed during a memorable Euro Hockey League fixture at Saint Hill. East Grinstead Men secured a commanding 5–0 victory over Stroitel Brest that day, in front of more than 5,500 hockey fans. The signing, led by then-Chairman Simon Longhurst alongside Edelgrass, captured a defining moment for the club.

Delivered through a strong and collaborative funding model, the pitch was made possible by East Grinstead Hockey Club working in partnership with The Hockey Foundation, alongside revenue generated from hosting the Euro Hockey League, and the support of East Grinstead Town Council, Mid Sussex District Council, and West Sussex County Council. The surface was laid in July 2013 and has served the club with distinction ever since.

Over its lifespan, the pitch has hosted a remarkable array of moments that have shaped the club's identity. From hosting England Mixed fixtures to witnessing the East Grinstead Women secure promotion to the Premier League in 2015, it has provided the stage for elite competition and grassroots development alike. It has also seen the emergence of "The Faithful," the club's loyal supporter base, and supported the continued growth of a thriving junior section, ensuring a strong pipeline of future talent.

The surface has welcomed an extraordinary list of international players, including Ashley Jackson, Glenn Kirkham, Mark Pearn, Iain Lewers, Danny Hall, Niall and Ross Stott, Darren Cheesman, Nick Catlin, Paddy Smith, Kirsty Mackay, Sophie Bray, Laura Roper, Grace Balsdon, Alexandra Malzer, Amy Thompson, Pippa Lock, Lily Walker, Tess Howard, Grace Balsdon, Mila Welch, Julia Balcerzak & Biba Mills.

During its span, three current England Captains have graced the pitch; Barry Middleton, Glenn Kirkham and Lily Walker.

It has also been graced by Olympic medalists such as Richard Leman, Robert Clift, Steve Batchelor, Ellie Rayer, Sophie Bray and Laura Roper, further reinforcing the club's standing within the sport.

The Next Phase

Work on the new pitch is scheduled to begin on 22 June, subject to completion of the adjacent Football 3G resurface, with completion targeted for 1 August. The project represents a material investment and will involve a like-for-like replacement of both the shock pad and playing surface.

Blakedown Sports & Play, who installed the current surface, will deliver the project using the same Edel ID Pro system—retaining the familiar green playing surface with a blue surround. Alongside the main resurfacing, the club is taking the opportunity to enhance the wider environment by repurposing sections of the existing carpet. Areas in front of the spectator seating, around the dugouts, behind the home goal, and along key walkways—including the route between the Lookout Bar and the wooden huts—will be refreshed using reclaimed material. Additional improvements include extending surfaces near the Veterans Bar, creating an improved warm-up area adjacent to the netball courts, and reusing blue sections within goalmouths. A limited amount of the outgoing surface will also be made available to members who have expressed interest in retaining a piece of the pitch's history.

The timing of the works ensures the club is well positioned for the upcoming season, while also aligning with wider site developments.

Looking Ahead

While this is a like-for-like resurfacing, the significance for the club is far from routine. The pitch has been central to more than a decade of achievement, growth, and community engagement. As it reaches the end of its lifespan, there is a strong sense of pride in what it has enabled—and real excitement about what comes next.

The new surface will ensure East Grinstead Hockey Club continues to compete and train at the highest standards, supporting players from grassroots through to international level. It also reinforces the club's commitment to providing outstanding facilities for members, supporters, and the wider community.

As we prepare to turn the page, we do so with gratitude for a pitch that has delivered so much—and with confidence that the next chapter will be just as successful.