Addition of Multi-Use Surface

Aim

Developing a multi-use space at The Silhillians, to allow for more hockey/football/cricket and disability sports plus an extra meeting space

Who are we?

Old Silhillians Hockey Club is one of a number of sports providing community activity at The Silhillians Sports Club.  As the club continues to look to provide ways in which the local community can stay active, it is working closely with the other sports sections, particularly the rugby club, to provide as many different forms of activity as possible, ranging from U6s, through to Walking versions of sports.

Community impact

By developing this additional space at The Silhillians, the expectation is that it will be possible to offer additional flexible usage covering the following elements:

1. The main clubhouse / conference room opening through bi-fold doors to an open (but covered) space for private functions (weddings, parties etc.)

2. An additional covered space for use by community groups for meetings and/or other activities such as personal training, Pilates, yoga etc.

3. An indoor space to use for hockey, cricket and football, with protective netting to ensure sport can be completed even when the weather is inclement, but also in an environment which is perceived as safe and more welcoming for female users, disabled groups and younger ages, when an outdoor astroturf would not be as optimal.

Ultimately, the aim is to provide more space to allow The Sils to Unite the Community through Sport, but there is no reason why additional non-sporting groups could not use the new space as well.

The club has a fantastic set of outdoor spaces available for use, but very little in the way of indoor activity space, and this covered area will provide an option to increase the amount of sport, both in terms of breadth of options, but also hours available, in a significant way.

Why are we crowdfunding?

Whilst the solution itself is not actually that complex, there are several elements which must be factored in to make the space as usable as possible:

1. Re-fronting the clubhouse to replace the existing windows and sides, to allow for new bi-fold doors

2. Raising the level of the outdoor space to mean that the clubhouse opens directly onto the new surface, making it more wheelchair accessible, but also a more usable space in general

3. Laying a synthetic carpet (and shock-pad) to enable the playing of multiple different sports on the surface

4. Fitting a marquee structure to provide a semi-permanent roof, with removable sides

5. Building the netting framework around the marquee structure to allow for sports to be played inside the space without causing any damage to surrounding areas.

A similar approach has been taken by cricket clubs to put marquee structures around existing surfaces (in the picture below, it is actually on grass / cricket squares).

This development will not only provide an enhanced community space for existing sports, it will also increase the range of opportunities for people to be physically active, or simply enjoy using a community facility for meetings, conferences or other events.

How our project will be United by Birmingham 2022

As the Commonwealth Games come to Birmingham in 2022, it is really important that as a Club we can offer the sports and activities that people of all ages will be inspired and keen to get involved in by this brilliant event! With interest growing in sport not only for the mainstream groups, but also for more marginalised, or even just the very young and much older, it is vital that we continue to adapt and improve our facilities to provide the most usable spaces possible for everyone. 

During, and after, the Commonwealth Games, Old Silhillians HC will be looking to run taster sessions alongside outreach work in local schools, and having an indoor, usable space, which does not stop people from hiring the whole astro at the same time, will be really beneficial to getting more involved in the sport.  Equally, as the nights turn colder, it would be great that those that have had their interest raised by the Commonwealth games are not then put off by having to play in the cold and wet for their initial experience of hockey (and other sports) - so having an indoor space would be perfect for this group.  We may even be able to introduce Disability sports disciplines such as Boccia or wheelchair tennis (at least for juniors), which we have never been able to offer previously as we have had no usable, covered, space for disability athletes to be able to use (and outdoor space is not really as suitable for these sports).

Just one reason why a covered space to play hockey (or other sports) would be beneficial for those less hardy than our players below:

How we’ll spend the money raised

The money raised will be given to the OSA (the site owners) to allow them to build the various constructs outlined above.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge and claim your reward. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards yourself. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Create a fundraiser of your own. Use the button on our page to get started. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!

This project successfully funded on 17th August 2022