A NEW astroturf pitch has been officially opened at a Shinfield school.
Leighton Park welcomed Olympian Shona McCallin to the school launch the new hockey pitch.
And to celebrate, there were two matches held.
The games saw the Girls Under 18 team take on a team from Reddam House in Sindlesham, with the home side clinching a 3-1 victory.
The second game was an exhibition match between Leighton Park boys with players from Reading’s Performance Squad.
One of the day’s goal scorers, Charlotte C, is also in the England Rugby Developing Player Programme. She said: “Throw yourself into every sport possible because it really opens doors and the values you get from sport are so important and will stick with you throughout life.”
Matt Richards is a chemistry teacher and head of hockey at Leighton Park and also a first-team player for Reading.
“I’m very excited to see a high level of hockey,” he said. “It is amazing to have an Olympian here to open this new Astro. It will help the students to improve their technical skills and our ability to host local area tournaments.”
Ms McCallin said in her opening remarks: “I love Sport. It has given me so many opportunities, confidence and lifelong friends – as well as the ability to travel the world.
“You get a real sense of belonging from being in a team, which was so powerful for me growing up.
“For these young people, this facility will open up so many opportunities. It is brilliant that it is now open. I wish I’d had something like this when I was at school.”
And the school thinks the facilities will be a game changer.
“This new astroturf represents a significant investment in our sports facilities and demonstrates our commitment to excellence in all aspects of school life, including sport,” said deputy head pastoral, Nicky Hardy.
