The opening of the S. Anselm’s all weather Astro Turf pitch means that pupils will be able to  train and compete to the highest national levels - here at S. Anselm’s - on the faster playing surface that Astro Turf provides. 

Parents, pupils and Old Anselmians gathered for the opening ceremony on Saturday 28^th October at which the new Astro pitch was officially dedicated to Mr Richard Tarbatt, a governor at S. Anselm’s school, who, together with his wife and family, has worked tirelessly to bring the Astro Turf pitch to reality.  Mr Tarbatt unveiled a new stone memorial in his honour at the entrance to the pitch.

The excitement was tangible as special guests England and Team GB Hockey Squad Forward, Liam Ansell and Rory McCallam, the England Goalkeeper gave a fast-paced goal keeping demonstration, before inviting the children onto the Astro for the first time and putting them through their paces in a goal scoring practice session. 

The full sized hockey and football pitch can be divided into three for 5- or 7-a-side games or used as a whole for full games.

It was then time for the children to compete in their Inter House Hockey Tournaments before rounding off the day with an exhibition match between parents, staff and OAs.

Director of Sport, Donna Brailich said: “We have certainly seen some very excited children today.   The Astro has been a long time in planning and construction, so the build-up and anticipation has been enormous and it was fabulous to see the children finally run out onto the new pitch to play.”

Every child attending the ceremony was given their own glittery blue hockey ball bearing the S. Anselm's crest to keep, and everyone hurried to get their balls signed by Liam Ansell and Rory McCallam.