Preston Hockey Club, part of Preston Sports Club, has seven men’s teams and two ladies teams and is at the heart of hockey in the North West.

Around a year ago, it was decided that the playing surface at the Broadgate club needed to be renewed, as it was last replaced in 2006.

Club stalwart Simon Marshall decided to take on the task of leading the project, helping to source the £204,000 to replace the pitch.

The club managed to get £125,000 from Sport England, and The Hockey Foundation, giving them a huge boost to start the fundraising off.

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The team has managed to raise £193,000 in total, with donations being given from Preston City Council and local businesses, along with their own members donating generously, and their own fundraising events.

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Due to Covid-19, original fundraising ideas were cancelled so they had to get inventive with ideas like a club quiz night for over 50 teams via Zoom.

They also held a score predictor when the Premier League started again, which many members were involved with.

The club is hoping to host socially distanced events outside in the near future, to help raise the final amount needed to fund the pitch.

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With the money raised so far, Preston Hockey Club has been given the green light for work to start on the pitch at South Meadow Lane, so it will be ready to use in September, subject to Covid-19 restrictions.

If you would like to donate, visit the Preston Sports Club JustGiving page.

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Will you be donating to help Preston Hockey Club replace the pitch? Let us know in the comments below.