THE long-awaited dream of an international-standard hockey facility in the Western Division is edging closer to reality following the arrival of a new artificial hockey surface in Lautoka early this month.
Western Hockey Development Trust president Paul Fraser confirmed the turf had arrived in Lautoka earlier this week marking a major milestone for hockey development in the West.
The Trust is now awaiting official confirmation from the Lautoka City Council on the location for the proposed hockey centre before construction work can begin.
Fraser said the project had been years in the making and would become the first hockey turf in the Western Division.
“The arrival of the turf is a massive step forward for hockey in the West and for Fiji as a whole.
“For many years our players in Lautoka, Nadi and Ba have trained and competed on normal grass grounds. This has always been a challenge because of uneven surfaces, poor drainage and safety concerns,” Fraser said.
He said the new facility would provide safer playing conditions and better opportunities for young athletes to develop their talent.
Once completed, the facility is expected to directly benefit between 600 and 700 youths from Lautoka, Nadi and Ba.
Fraser added that the Western Hockey Development Trust was working closely with the Ministry of Youth and Sports as they moved into the next phase of the development.
The Trust is also hopeful the Ministry of Local Government and Lautoka City Council would formalise their support soon to ensure the project proceeds without delay.
The project has already attracted international support, including endorsement from New Zealand Heritage Hockey.
Fraser said overseas partners had also expressed interest in supporting future academy programmes and development initiatives once the facility becomes operational.
He believes the venue will eventually host training camps, development programmes and international tournaments, bringing added economic activity and sports tourism to Lautoka and the wider Western Division.
“This is more than just a hockey turf.
“It is about creating opportunities for young people, promoting healthy lifestyles and building a pathway for future generations of hockey players in the West.”
The Western Hockey Development Trust is a non-profit organisation focused on developing minor sports and empowering youths through sport across the Western Division.
Western Hockey Development Trust President Paul Fraser shows the artificial turf stocked in Nadovu Lautoka. Picture: REINAL CHAND
