Council and Ormiston Maritime Academy delighted after resurfaced Grimsby hockey pitch unveiled

The school, on Westward Ho, has enhanced its facilities with this state-of-the-art pitch  which will not only benefit Ormiston Maritime students, but also support the wider community to stay active and enjoy high-quality sport facilities.

Funded by Ormiston Academies Trust, North East Lincolnshire Council, and Sport England, the 2G pitch will provide a new home for Grimsby Hockey Club, recreational football users in the community and a great sporting asset for Ormiston Maritime Academy Students to use.

The newly resurfaced 2G pitch includes a full size 11v11 hockey pitch, 11v11 Football Pitch and three smaller football pitches. The surface is approved by the International Hockey Federation, meaning both national and local competitions can be played at the site.

North East Lincolnshire’s Playing Pitch Strategy (2020) identified the need to safeguard the future of Hockey long term via resurfacing of existing Hockey Pitches and the implementation of Community Use Agreements. These agreements ensure fair usage for all members of the local area.

Councillor Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, said: “This is excellent news for the community. A state-of-the-art pitch that can be used for multiple sports helps to ensure everyone has a chance to try something new.

“I’m also thrilled that we can help provide a new home for Grimsby Hockey Club to train and compete at. This is the start of something very exciting for the club and the sport as a whole.”

Lucy Tomlinson, Grimsby Hockey Club Chair, added: “We are proud to announce the opening of our brand-new hockey pitch, a milestone moment in the history of our club. This fantastic facility represents much more than just a playing surface—it is an investment in the future of hockey, in our players, and in the community we serve.

“The new pitch will provide our teams with the best possible environment to train, compete, and develop their skills. It gives us the platform to grow the sport locally, nurture young talent, and strengthen our position within regional and national competitions.

“Just as importantly, this facility will benefit the whole community. It will be a hub for schools, local groups, and social players, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to get active, discover hockey, and enjoy the friendships and values that come with team sport.

“We are excited about the opportunities this pitch brings—not only for the future success of our club, but also for the wider community who will share in its use. It is a space where sport, health, and community spirit can thrive together.

“Grimsby hockey club has provided not only an opportunity for the town to take part in the most amazing sport of hockey but also has an amazing family feel where all its members know they always have support on and off the field. The new pitch and facilities can only strengthen the club and the family we have created.”

Sam Murdoch, Operations Manager-Ormiston Maritime Academy, said: “We are delighted with the resurfacing of our 2G hockey pitch, made possible with the valued support of North East Lincolnshire Council, England Hockey and Ormiston Academies Trust.

“The upgrade represents a major investment in sport and physical activity for both the school and the wider community. The newly resurfaced pitch will provide pupils, local clubs, and community groups with a safe, high-quality space to train, play, and compete for years to come. The new LED lights further assist us with our sustainability goals and will drastically reduce energy use.

"The new pitch is already making a huge difference to our school and local community, and it will continue to inspire participation in sport and active lifestyles. The project also reflects Maritime’s commitment, and that of the wider Ormiston Academies Trust, to championing enrichment, wellbeing and community partnerships as a key part of education”.

If interested in booking the facility whether this be for recreational Hockey or Football you can do so via Artificial Pitches (2G/3G) for hire in Grimsby - EDU