Investment in sport at King’s Ely continues with significant synthetic pitch refurb

Posted on 3rd Nov 2021 in School News, New facilities, Sport

King's Ely’s synthetic sports pitch has undergone a major refurbishment. The £400,000 project was carried out by Velocity Sports Ltd and Surfacing Standards Ltd and was started in July this year.

Not only has the astro’s surface been replaced, but a new shock pad has been fitted, as has a new sports fencing system and dugouts.

The school’s 1st XI Hockey girls were the first students to tread the new surface and they won their match against Wisbech Grammar School 4-0.

John Attwater, Principal of King’s Ely, said: “This is the first major refurbishment of our astro since its opening, and I am delighted that it has restored the facility to be one of the best in the region, and one which matches the commitment and ability of our students and sports coaches.”

Steve Wilcockson, Managing Director of Surfacing Standards Ltd, said: “As one of the leading sports pitch consultants in the UK, we were delighted to be appointed to design and project manage the refurbishment of the existing synthetic sports pitch at King’s Ely. It was evident from the initial meeting with the school that the focus was on quality. We have worked with many independent schools over the years, and I have to say that King’s Ely is most definitely one of the most beautiful schools we have had the pleasure of working with. The pitch looks fantastic and Ely Cathedral in the background makes such a stunning backdrop.”

All major sports are offered at King’s Ely, along with an impressive array of other activities, helping every pupil to realise their sporting potential. Rowing, athletics, golf, cricket, hockey, tennis, rugby, netball, equestrian and football – the choices are endless. The working week, which no longer includes formal lessons on Saturdays, also enables pupils to participate fully in regional and national events. King’s Ely’s 1st XV boys’ rugby team recently enjoyed an unbeaten season and pupils have recently achieved success at the British Rowing Senior Championships and the National Equestrian Championships.

To discover more about sport and other opportunities at King’s Ely, please visit: www.kingsely.org