England Hockey and Sporting Assets have launched the first phase of the Pitch Together Fund in partnership with, and funding from, Sport England and a loan facility from Triodos Bank UK. Sporting Assets will manage the fund.
The Pitch Together Fund has a strong focus on Artificial Grass Pitches – versatile, year-round facilities that benefit the wider community, providing places for local people to keep healthy and connected. The fund will support the refurbishment of pitches and ancillary facilities, all with the goal of delivering greater participation impact for individuals and communities through better quality, sustainable facilities.
The fund is expected to have a substantial impact across England. Alongside investment capital, support is also available to help clubs develop business plans and ensure wider community impact. Grants are available towards the costs of recycling old pitches, ensuring environmental responsibility alongside social impact.
Triodos Bank UK, a leading impact-focused bank financing positive environmental, social, and cultural change, has provided a facility to back the fund, with individual loans to clubs being managed by Sporting Assets. The average loan is expected to be around £150,000 with terms up to eight years.
Pete Maguire, Managing Director at Sporting Assets, said: “Sport plays a vital role in building healthy, connected communities, yet too often faces challenges due to underinvestment. By establishing this dedicated fund with our partners, we’re helping valuable community facilities to not only survive but thrive, driving their sustainability and impact.”
Monika Sieradzka, Relationship Manager at Triodos Bank UK, added: “We are proud to be working in partnership with Sporting Assets to help hockey clubs unlock the funding they really need. Triodos Bank focuses on lending for impact, and it’s clear that this finance will not only support grassroots hockey clubs, but also bring benefits to communities throughout England.”
Rich Beer, CEO of England Hockey, commented: “This funding is undoubtedly important for our sport and communities. It aims to build a secure, sustainable and inclusive future for hockey. We hope that enhanced hockey facilities mean more people can benefit from playing and connecting through this fantastic sport.”
Nick Boulter, Strategic Lead at Sport England, shared: “Sport England are proud to be providing significant funding to support England Hockey to enable targeted investment into local hockey partnerships and facilities. This work will help reach those communities that can have the biggest impact on hockey participation, supporting the delivery of its multi-sport commitment within its strategy Uniting the Movement”.
Case Study: Old Loughtonians Hockey Club
Securing an Olympic Legacy & Paralympic Legacy
When Old Loughtonians Hockey Club’s two artificial pitches reached the end of their lifespan, the Chigwell-based club faced uncertainty about its future. These facilities, originally installed as part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy, had served the club and wider Essex community for over a decade but urgently needed replacement.
A £250,000 investment from the Pitch Together Fund enabled the installation of two state-of-the-art pitches, securing the club’s future and creating first-class facilities for members, local schools, and the wider community.
The new pitches have allowed Old Loughtonians to significantly expand its inclusive programs. The club now offers free Mavericks coaching for children, Back to Hockey sessions for adults returning to the sport, and Walking Hockey; a low-impact, social format designed for older adults and those managing long-term health conditions. These programs ensure that hockey is accessible to people of all ages and abilities across the region.
Any potential applicants can find out more and download an expression of interest form at sportingassets.co.uk/funds/pitch-together