Teen makes plea for help in saving ‘fantastic’ 40-year-old hockey club

Paige Taylor, 14, wrote to Breckland Councillor for Thetford Burrell, Terry Jermy, asking for his help to save Thetford Hockey Club. Photo: Courtesy of Simon Taylor (Image: Courtesy of Simon Taylor)

Paige Taylor, 14, a junior member of Thetford Town Hockey Club, sent a letter to Breckland councillor Terry Jermy in an attempt to rally support as her team's pitch at Breckland Leisure Centre in Croxton Road comes under threat.

Plans were revealed for a new 3G pitch costing £4400,000, with Breckland Council committing £96,000, to replace the centre's existing artificial turf.

But the club, which has been in the town since 1977, raised concerns as the pitches would not be suitable for their sport.

With fears of the club moving to another location further away and the closure of the junior section, players decided to take action.

A letter written by 14-year-old Paige Taylor, a junior member of Thetford Town Hockey Club, sent to Breckland Councillor Terry Jermy asking for his help to save their hockey pitch. Photo: Courtesy of Terry Jermy (Image: Courtesy of Terry Jermy)

In her letter to Mr Jermy, Miss Taylor said: "Hockey is no longer taught in many schools, including my school.

"By changing the pitch facilities this will put into jeopardy the great work that Thetford Hockey Club do for the youth of Thetford."

And Barry Reynolds, chairman and youth development coach of Thetford Hockey Club, said the club would "struggle to carry on", if the project went ahead.

Mr Jermy, who represents Thetford Burrell ward, promised his support and put his concerns to a meeting of Breckland Council on Thursday, October 31.

A letter written by 14-year-old Paige Taylor, a junior member of Thetford Town Hockey Club, sent to Breckland Councillor Terry Jermy asking for his help to save their hockey pitch. Photo: Courtesy of Terry Jermy (Image: Courtesy of Terry Jermy)

And at the meeting, councillors agreed to commit themselves to finding alternative hockey facilities in the town, after voting through an amendment stating that the council would commit to working to ensure a facility remains in Thetford which is suitable for hockey to be played.

Mr Jermy said: "I am very pleased about the investment in football facilities in Thetford but improving facilities to one sport can't be to the detriment of another."

A Breckland Council spokesman said Thetford is recognised by the Football Foundation an area in need of investment.

He said: "We understand that any pitch part-funded by the Football Foundation has to meet certain playing specifications and unfortunately this is not compatible with hockey.

Breckland Councillor for Thetford Burrell has promised his support to Thetford Town Hockey Club. Terry Jermy . Picture: Conor Matchett (Image: Archant)

"The next stage, ahead of any potential funding application by the council, is to continue our consultation with local clubs and key stakeholders over the comings weeks to discuss the implications and support available to help teams involved in other sports."

Barry Reynolds, chairman and youth development coach at Thetford Town Hockey Club fears the future of his club amid plans for a new 3G pitch. Photo: Lianne Reynolds (Image: Lianne Reynolds)