LARNE Men's Hockey Club is busy preparing for the new season in September.
Club members are eagerly awaiting the start of construction on the new astro turf pitch at Larne High School.
Several start dates have surfaced: the latest is that the contractors will be on site in the weeks ahead.
The club has requested a mee
ting with the NEELB to check details of the specifications, such as the playing surface (is it sand-filled or sand-dressed? - the latter providing a faster ball travel).
Mossley Hockey Club is being asked to facilitate home games on a Friday night until the Larne pitch is ready. The Larne club has been indebted to Mossley as they provided astroturf facilities for home games since 1993.
Larne consider they may wish to continue with home games on a Friday night next season when the new pitch is available.
The option for sharing pitches, approved by the governing body, is to alternate early starts on a Saturday with the ladies' club, one week 1pm start at home for first XIs and next home game at 2.30pm.
Latest start permitted for league games is the 4pm graveyard slot, not a popular time for players.
Changing facilities continue to be absent from the High School proposal in the interim and the club is looking at using the excellent provision at Larne Tennis and Bowling Club, where shower facilities are available. The season is likely to commence in the first week of September.
Club committee members have been encouraged by the news that several players are returning to the club and a strong first team looks likely.
Senior League Section Two will have a new team: Foyle HC are entering the league for the first time and have been preparing for the past two years with assistance from Hockey Development Officers.
Club coaching is scheduled to commence in July and players will be contacted in the near future with details for the campaign ahead.
