Breckland All Sports Enterprise (BASE)
Our plan
We are a new community enterprise, set up to bring better sports facilities to Thetford. Our first project is a new all-weather, floodlit pitch at Thetford Academy, marked for hockey and football. The sand-based surface opens up sports the area does not currently have a home for, and gives us a base to build on. It will be available year-round, with the Academy using it during the school day and clubs and community groups using it evenings and weekends. We want it to reach the people who need it most, with affordable access for lower-income families and a welcome for women and girls who want to play. We are working with Thetford Town Hockey Club, Herlings Hockey Club, England Hockey, Active Norfolk and local councillors to make it happen.
The pitch will cost around £1 million, which we will raise through grants and donations. To get there, we first need to raise money locally, and every £1 raised helps to release £3 from major funders. So even small donations go a long way.
Our crowdfunding campaign is how you can be part of this. Click on the button below
Back our crowdfunder
HOW ELSE YOU CAN HELP
We are looking for support at every level, from individual donations to local business sponsorship. All supporters get recognition on our website, in print and at the facility.
To find out more, email us or follow "BASE – Breckland All Sports Enterprise" on Facebook.
MEET KATHY
I first picked up a hockey stick at six, watching my dad play. I started properly at 12 and have played ever since.
When my husband died and I became a single mum to two young boys, hockey became vital. It was not just about the sport, it was my identity. The team welcomed my sons too. They said they were part of the team.
Without hockey, I think I would have sunk into depression. It has lifted me throughout my life.
I am still scoring goals. I have a busy life at work and home. I always make sure I play. Hockey is that important to my wellbeing.
Photo Keith Mindham
JONATHAN'S STORY
Hockey had always interested me. My brother started playing and asked me to come along one day. I am addicted to the sport now.
I play, I umpire, and I am part of bringing the juniors up into the senior team. I literally do everything I can to make sure I play.
Hockey has helped me massively with my confidence. It has taught me how to be serious but fun at the same time. I have met a great bunch of people in the process of my hockey career.
Being captain of the team, I know how to communicate with different individuals on different levels. Those skills matter everywhere.
No matter what I am going through off the pitch, when I meet up with the team before a match it all just disappears. We all come together to achieve a common goal.
What hockey taught me: Leadership. How to communicate with different people on different levels. How to bring people together.
The new facility will give players like Jonathan a home base for the leadership and community building that keeps the club strong.
