A campaign to bring a new all-weather sports pitch to Thetford is gathering momentum following the formation of Breckland All Sports Enterprise (BASE) CIC.
The community-led project aims to deliver a £1 million sand-based synthetic pitch at Thetford Academy, marked for both hockey and football. The floodlit facility would be used by the school during the day before opening to clubs and community groups during evenings, weekends and holidays. Thetford Town Hockey Club first began exploring the idea in 2024, working alongside Herlings Hockey Club, local councillors, England Hockey and Active Norfolk. After assessing a number of potential sites, Thetford Academy was selected as the preferred location.
Fundraising is now underway, with organisers hoping to raise an initial £30,000 to unlock major grants and other funding opportunities. A public crowdfunder has also been launched, with every £1 donated locally helping to release a further £3 from larger funding partners.
The campaign is being supported by local hockey player Kathy, who has spent a lifetime involved in the sport. Having first picked up a hockey stick at the age of six, she says the club became especially important after the death of her husband. “It wasn’t just about the sport, it was my identity. Hockey is that important to my wellbeing,” she said. “The team welcomed my sons too. They said, ‘they’re part of the team’.”
Organisers say the pitch would benefit people of all ages across Thetford and the wider Breckland area, helping to improve access to sport and physical activity throughout the year.
To donate or follow the campaign, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/base or follow “BASE – Breckland All Sports Enterprise” on Facebook.
