Hoci Cymru is thrilled to announce the completion of the newly refurbished synthetic pitch at The Elba Sports Complex, marking a significant milestone for hockey in Swansea and beyond.
This state-of-the-art facility was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Sport Wales, Hoci Cymru and Freedom Leisure, who together secured a £230,000 investment to bring this vision to life.
The International Hockey Federation-accredited pitch is now the home of Gowerton Hockey Club, where both grassroots and elite hockey players can thrive. Yasmin Marshall from Gowerton Hockey Club expressed the transformative impact of the new pitch:
“We’re immensely proud of our upgraded home pitch. It has not only mitigated issues like flooding and freezing but has also elevated the standard of play at Gowerton. With our first team and international players using this facility, it has solidified the future of hockey here. We’re already seeing an increase in participation and enthusiasm within our community.”
The original pitch at The Elba played an essential role in inspiring many players to take up and enjoy hockey, none more so than Rosie Jones, our former U18s Captain.
Rosie, a talented multi-sport athlete, may never have discovered her passion for hockey without the opportunities provided by this facility. The Elba was where her hockey journey began, and she has since become an inspiration for younger players.
Rosie was a special guest at the official reopening of The Elba, where she not only celebrated the new facilities but also actively contributed to the day’s success. She supported umpiring and delivered engaging sessions for local primary schools, showcasing her dedication to giving back to the sport that has given her so much.
The Elba has also been a pivotal site for Welsh hockey legend and former Hoci Cymru President, Anne Ellis OBE. Anne, who spent countless hours at The Elba during her time as a teacher at Gowerton School, was a cornerstone of hockey in Wales. A true inspiration for generations of hockey players, Anne’s unwavering dedication to the sport continues to motivate young talent across the nation.
Anne's legacy and contributions to hockey in Swansea will undoubtedly continue to pay dividends for years to come. Long may her influence be felt in the development and growth of grassroots hockey.
Joe Gage, Director of Development and Participation at Hoci Cymru, emphasised the importance of this redevelopment:
“We are absolutely delighted that, through the Collaboration Fund and the dedicated efforts of Freedom Leisure and Swansea Council, we’ve been able to redevelop this vital site, which has long been instrumental in hockey provision in Swansea.
“This facility represents a bright future for hockey in the region, allowing Gowerton Hockey Club to play a high standard of hockey on a quality pitch.
“Our aim is to continue working with local authorities and other partners through the Collaboration Fund to develop new and existing sites, ensuring everyone has access to good-quality surfaces to play on.
“For us, The Elba is now proudly the home of our Afan Nedd Tawe County Pathway teams, supporting boys and girls aged U15 and U17 as they develop their skills and love for the game.”
Freedom Leisure’s Area Manager, Gwyn Owen, highlighted its broader impact:
“The refurbished pitch is a fantastic addition for the entire Swansea community. We encourage everyone to come and experience this top-class facility alongside Elba’s other offerings.”
Hoci Cymru is proud to support developments like these, which strengthen the hockey infrastructure in Wales and ensure that players at all levels have access to quality facilities. The Elba now stands as a symbol of collaboration, demonstrating the power of partnerships in supporting sport and active lifestyles.
Together with Swansea Council, Freedom Leisure, Gowerton Hockey Club, and our valued partners, we look forward to seeing the game of hockey thrive at The Elba, inspiring the next generation of players and creating opportunities for all.
