Alderley Edge Cricket Club (AECC), an integrated multi-sports club offering cricket, hockey, squash and tennis, and The Ryleys School have submitted a joint planning application for the development of an astroturf pitch at the Ryleys Playing Fields on Wilmslow Road.
The application has been submitted in parallel with ongoing discussions between the parties in order to target the earliest possible date for the pitch installation. A final agreement is subject to the outcome of the planning application, to final costings and approved funding.
Since the early 1990s it has been necessary to play league hockey on all-weather pitches, but it is not feasible to establish such a facility at the AECC Moss Lane site. As a result, AECC hockey has been played on hired pitches. With five mens’ and five ladies’ teams all playing competitive league hockey, and a large and very successful junior section, it has long been AECC's ambition to establish a permanent modern hockey facility in the Alderley Edge area.
Clive Elliott, AECC Club Chairman, said: "Whilst there is considerable work still to be done to bring this initiative to a successful conclusion, it is an exciting development which will reinforce AECC as an integral part of the local community and provide our Hockey section with the permanent and high quality facility it deserves."
The Ryleys School has a sporting as well as academic tradition and in September 2009 admitted girls into its junior school. As part of its investment in the future, Ryleys wishes to create a multi-purpose sports pitch to support a range of school sports such as hockey, netball and soccer.
Pat Barrett, Headmaster, The Ryleys School, said: "This proposal underpins The Ryleys School’s confidence in its future and will represent a major development of Ryleys sporting facilities for its boys and girls. We view this as a key partnership with the best multi-sports club in the area."
Comments
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We are just waiting for confirmation of any conditions imposed.
Hockey is a great healthy sport for all the family , all ages of boys, girls, men and women can play and soon in Alderley itself rather than having to go to Macc or Wilmslow. In these days on increasing obesity, what a healthy option hockey is.
The local Alderley Edge Club and The Ryleys School will no doubt do a good job on the new pitch build and set up coaching programmes that will benefit the community .I hear they have a 'mums back to hockey' section.
Also protects an open space from building development infill between Alderley and Wilmslow. I'm delighted for the village, the children and the Club. Great initiative!