The Bellville Hockey Club made history on Saturday 22 February as a record-breaking crowd celebrated the long-awaited unveiling of the club’s brand new astro turf.
The action-packed event featured thrilling matches against friendly rival clubs WPCC, Durbanville Hockey Club and Mutual Hockey Club, setting the stage for an exciting new era for hockey in Bellville. Six of Cape Town’s most popular DJs kept the energy high throughout the day, while food trucks and jumping castles ensured there was something for everyone to enjoy.
‘Festival of sport’
The celebration was more than just about hockey – it was a festival of sport and entertainment, said the club’s chair, Ryan Wallace.
The state-of-the-art playing surface, funded by the City of Cape Town, marks a significant milestone for Bellville Hockey Club. The previous turf had been overdue for upgrades for over a decade, and its much-needed replacement now paves the way for the club’s ambitious future.
“This upgrade is more than just a new playing surface – it’s a statement of intent,” added Wallace.
“With this world-class facility and the momentum from our rebrand in 2023, we’re ready to compete at the highest level in the Grand Challenge league in both male and female divisions. We can now truly live by our motto: ‘Imagine Not Being Bellville’.”
The club’s men’s and women’s sections boast five teams, respectively, with both first teams competing in the prestigious Grand Challenge – the highest league in the Western Province Hockey Union. Additionally, they field teams in the second, third, and fourth leagues, along with eight junior teams for under 11, under 13 and under 15 players.
The club’s success extends beyond local competitions.
In early 2023, Bellville’s indoor men’s team went unbeaten throughout the season, clinching the Grand Challenge Indoor League title against strong contenders such as WPCC and Central Hockey Club, a feat they would end up repeating in 2024. Notably, previous club players Keenan Horne and Taylor Dart have represented South Africa at major international tournaments, including the Olympic Games.
R4,6 million project
The R4,6 million project was completed at the end of January after the development of plans and technical specifications to ensure compliance with the standards set by the Western Province Hockey Federation, according to the City of Cape Town.
The hockey turf is located at the Bellville Sports Complex, which also has a grassed soccer field, two five-a-side soccer courts, a basketball and two netball courts.
To maintain safety and competition standards, the Federation recommended upgrading the turf during the 2023-’24 season, as wear and tear signalled the need for essential refurbishment.
While resurfacing was under way, the club used alternative venues for practises and matches. The investment in resurfacing has now restored the facility to top-tier playing conditions, benefiting both players and supporters.
Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health, said the City is proud to have played a role in restoring this vital sport facility and remains committed to supporting local clubs that foster community engagement, youth development, and active participation in sports and recreation.
“The City is committed to providing attractive, safe, accessible and sustainable spaces where residents, athletes and visitors can engage in sports and recreation activities,” Higham continued.
Bellville Hockey Club’s men’s, women’s and junior teams are now looking ahead with renewed determination, eager to take on the best teams in Cape Town.
This club is home to a thriving community of nearly 600 players and parents.
“The new astro-turf represents the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with promise, passion, and top-level competition,” Wallace said in conclusion.
The Bellville Hockey Club made history on Saturday 22 February as a record-breaking crowd celebrated the long-awaited unveiling of the club’s brand new astro turf.
The action-packed event featured thrilling matches against friendly rival clubs WPCC, Durbanville Hockey Club and Mutual Hockey Club, setting the stage for an exciting new era for hockey in Bellville.
Six of Cape Town’s most popular DJs kept the energy high throughout the day, while food trucks and jumping castles ensured there was something for everyone to enjoy.
‘Festival of sport’
The celebration was more than just about hockey – it was a festival of sport and entertainment, said the club’s chair, Ryan Wallace.
The state-of-the-art playing surface, funded by the City of Cape Town, marks a significant milestone for Bellville Hockey Club.
The previous turf had been overdue for upgrades for over a decade, and its much-needed replacement now paves the way for the club’s ambitious future.
“This upgrade is more than just a new playing surface – it’s a statement of intent,” added Wallace.
“With this world-class facility and the momentum from our rebrand in 2023, we’re ready to compete at the highest level in the Grand Challenge league in both male and female divisions. We can now truly live by our motto: ‘Imagine Not Being Bellville’.”
The club’s men’s and women’s sections boast five teams, respectively, with both first teams competing in the prestigious Grand Challenge – the highest league in the Western Province Hockey Union.
Additionally, they field teams in the second, third, and fourth leagues, along with eight junior teams for under 11, under 13 and under 15 players.
The club’s success extends beyond local competitions. In early 2023, Bellville’s indoor men’s team went unbeaten throughout the season, clinching the Grand Challenge Indoor League title against strong contenders such as WPCC and Central Hockey Club, a feat they would end up repeating in 2024. Notably, previous club players Keenan Horne and Taylor Dart have represented South Africa at major international tournaments, including the Olympic Games.
R4,6 million project
The R4,6 million project was completed at the end of January after the development of plans and technical specifications to ensure compliance with the standards set by the Western Province Hockey Federation, according to the City of Cape Town.
The hockey turf is located at the Bellville Sports Complex, which also has a grassed soccer field, two five-a-side soccer courts, a basketball and two netball courts.
To maintain safety and competition standards, the Federation recommended upgrading the turf during the 2023-’24 season, as wear and tear signalled the need for essential refurbishment.
While resurfacing was under way, the club used alternative venues for practises and matches.
The investment in resurfacing has now restored the facility to top-tier playing conditions, benefiting both players and supporters.
Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health, said the City is proud to have played a role in restoring this vital sport facility and remains committed to supporting local clubs that foster community engagement, youth development, and active participation in sports and recreation.
“The City is committed to providing attractive, safe, accessible and sustainable spaces where residents, athletes and visitors can engage in sports and recreation activities,” Higham continued.
Bellville Hockey Club’s men’s, women’s and junior teams are now looking ahead with renewed determination, eager to take on the best teams in Cape Town.
This club is home to a thriving community of nearly 600 players and parents.
“The new astro-turf represents the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with promise, passion, and top-level competition,” Wallace said in conclusion.
The Bellville Hockey Club made history on Saturday 22 February as a record-breaking crowd celebrated the long-awaited unveiling of the club’s brand new astro turf.
The action-packed event featured thrilling matches against friendly rival clubs WPCC, Durbanville Hockey Club and Mutual Hockey Club, setting the stage for an exciting new era for hockey in Bellville. Six of Cape Town’s most popular DJs kept the energy high throughout the day, while food trucks and jumping castles ensured there was something for everyone to enjoy.
‘Festival of sport’
The celebration was more than just about hockey – it was a festival of sport and entertainment, said the club’s chair, Ryan Wallace.
The state-of-the-art playing surface, funded by the City of Cape Town, marks a significant milestone for Bellville Hockey Club. The previous turf had been overdue for upgrades for over a decade, and its much-needed replacement now paves the way for the club’s ambitious future.
“This upgrade is more than just a new playing surface – it’s a statement of intent,” added Wallace.
“With this world-class facility and the momentum from our rebrand in 2023, we’re ready to compete at the highest level in the Grand Challenge league in both male and female divisions. We can now truly live by our motto: ‘Imagine Not Being Bellville’.”
The club’s men’s and women’s sections boast five teams, respectively, with both first teams competing in the prestigious Grand Challenge – the highest league in the Western Province Hockey Union. Additionally, they field teams in the second, third, and fourth leagues, along with eight junior teams for under 11, under 13 and under 15 players.
The club’s success extends beyond local competitions.
In early 2023, Bellville’s indoor men’s team went unbeaten throughout the season, clinching the Grand Challenge Indoor League title against strong contenders such as WPCC and Central Hockey Club, a feat they would end up repeating in 2024. Notably, previous club players Keenan Horne and Taylor Dart have represented South Africa at major international tournaments, including the Olympic Games.
R4,6 million project
The R4,6 million project was completed at the end of January after the development of plans and technical specifications to ensure compliance with the standards set by the Western Province Hockey Federation, according to the City of Cape Town.
The hockey turf is located at the Bellville Sports Complex, which also has a grassed soccer field, two five-a-side soccer courts, a basketball and two netball courts.
To maintain safety and competition standards, the Federation recommended upgrading the turf during the 2023-’24 season, as wear and tear signalled the need for essential refurbishment.
While resurfacing was under way, the club used alternative venues for practises and matches. The investment in resurfacing has now restored the facility to top-tier playing conditions, benefiting both players and supporters.
Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health, said the City is proud to have played a role in restoring this vital sport facility and remains committed to supporting local clubs that foster community engagement, youth development, and active participation in sports and recreation.
“The City is committed to providing attractive, safe, accessible and sustainable spaces where residents, athletes and visitors can engage in sports and recreation activities,” Higham continued.
Bellville Hockey Club’s men’s, women’s and junior teams are now looking ahead with renewed determination, eager to take on the best teams in Cape Town.
This club is home to a thriving community of nearly 600 players and parents.
“The new astro-turf represents the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with promise, passion, and top-level competition,” Wallace said in conclusion.
