Chelmsford Hockey Centre

The Chelmsford Hockey Centre's camp is run by Chelmsford Hockey Club which was formed in 1898 and is one of England's oldest hockey clubs. It is located in parkland and comprises a magnificent water based hockey pitch and adjacent sand filled pitch. An on-site support team will ensure that visitors training camp needs are fully provided. The camp is normally used throughout the year by Chelmsford Hockey Club which has a thriving membership running 8 men's (including two vets teams) and 5 ladies sides together with junior boys and girls teams from age 8 to 18. The enthusiastic and friendly members have a long tradition of hosting visiting hockey sides of all ages from home and abroad. Visitors to the Chelmsford Hockey centre camp can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome in the true 'hockey family' tradition.

Key Facilities:

• The water based pitch meets all FIH technical requirements surrounded by secure fencing, has lighting capacity up to 500 lux
• 100 seat stand for spectators
• 2 sets of goals are available for independent coaching activities
• Beside the pitch, and inside the fencing, is a broad tarmac hard standing area the length of the pitch for spectators and suitable as an off pitch warm up area
• The stand has an integrated video platform, electronic scoreboard and refreshment hut for hot and cold drinks and snacks
• Clubhouse available to all users of the pitch comprising a comfortable lounge area with large screen Sky TV and refreshment facilities with a pool table in the adjoining games room
• Changing rooms each with shower and toilet facilities and are supported by a physio room, meeting room, office with access to CCTV viewing of the pitch and surrounding areas for added security
• Beside the clubhouse is plenty of car parking
• The club has also expanded its facilities for spectators. In 2006 a 100 seat stand was installed with wheelchair access

 Hosting Experience:

• Chelmsford Hockey Club has been used to hosting domestic festivals and run a summer league for local Essex clubs for over 30 years
• Since 2004 it has regularly hosted regional and UK competitions. The first major event in the 2003/4 season was a ladies international game between England and Japan. The game attracted around 1000 spectators
• Over the years, the club has included in its teams overseas players and coaches from South Africa, Australia, Ireland, the Caribbean and Asia
• Overall the club has some 300 senior and junior playing members with close links to local schools and colleges
• Risk assessments will be undertaken with regard to third party threat, crowd control and order and the overall safety and security of the players whilst they are on site
• Access and egress of the players from the ground is also given a high priority and appropriate security staff will be delegated to look after the needs of players and officials.

 Since 2004 the club has hosted:

• 2004/5 National Schools Finals
• 2005/6 England Hockey 2nd XI Cup and trophy finals and English Hockey League play-offs
• Vintage Veterans National tournament
• English Hockey and Regional league pre-season tournament 2006/7
• English Hockey trophy and vase finals and the Vintage Veterans Cup finals
• Vintage Veterans National tournament
• Women's County Championships
• English Hockey and Regional league pre-season tournament 2007/8
• English Hockey League play-offs
• Vintage Veterans National tournament
• Veterans Men's and Ladies International tournament
• English Hockey and Regional league pre-season tournament.

For each of these events, Chelmsford Hockey Club has organised where needed:

• Ticket sales
• Stewarding the events
• Programme printing and sales
• Food and drink for players, officials and spectators
• Ball boys and girls
• Support an liaison for competing teams
• Officials facilities
• Media and office facilities
• Physiotherapy and medical support

In addition to the above events, Chelmsford Hockey Club manages, coach and field every weekend during the season:

• 13 senior men's and ladies sides
• Junior sides for boys and girls from age 8 to 18
• Refreshments for all home games
• Mid-week games for local clubs throughout the summer