Hoci Cymru receives capital grant to develop National Hockey Centre

Hoci Cymru is thrilled to have received a £45,000 capital grant from Sport Wales to upgrade the facilities at the National Hockey Centre in Cardiff.  

The nation’s home of hockey accommodates over 150 matches annually with teams from Wales and beyond, and recent months have witnessed a substantial surge in both digital and physical support for International and Premier League hockey matches.  

The historic promotion of Cardiff & Met Men’s Hockey team to the England Hockey Premier League and the ongoing improvement of all Welsh international teams have been key factors in this growth, which has resulted in an increased demand for enhanced performance analysis requirements, improved spectator experience, and live-streaming capabilities. 

In light of this risen demand, Hoci Cymru has utilised this grant funding to enhance the National Hockey Centre experience for players, umpires, officials, and spectators alike. 

With the capital funding, a number of aspects have been developed. 

• New Dugout Area: A new dugout has been installed on the opposite side of the stand, providing a dedicated space for teams during matches. 

• New Umpires Box: An updated umpire’s box has been constructed, ensuring a more professional and functional area for officials. This umpire box is the same as used at Lee Valley, home to Great Britain.   

• Enhanced Streaming Equipment: The installation of new camera equipment for improved streaming of matches, enabling higher-quality broadcast and coverage. This camera will face the crowd, highlighting the interest at certain games and capture the atmosphere.  

• Additional Seating: We have added extra seats to accommodate the increasing crowd sizes following the removal of team dugouts. 

• Relocation of Official Area: The existing official’s area has been repurposed for media and video analysis, further elevating the experience for all involved in the event. 

From advanced analysis capabilities to an enhanced experience for fans, the outlined developments have created a better environment in a number of areas, as experience in April’s Ester Series when our NAG Boys hosted Ulster and NAG Girls hosted Canada. 

In the coming years, these benefits will continue to be felt and continue to impact the game in Wales: 

• Increased performance analysis and coaching capability that will lead to enhanced performance of elite teams.  

• Increased awareness and viewership of hockey in Wales and across the UK.  

• Increased commercial revenue to support the development of hockey in Wales. 

• Improved spectator area, including increased seating capacity. 

• Improved player and official experience with designated areas.  

As we head into what promises to be an exciting period for Welsh hockey, these initiatives will not only enhance the quality of hockey played, but also contribute significantly to the sport's commercial and promotional prospects in Wales, benefitting all involved. 

Hoci Cymru CEO, Paul Whapham, commented: 

“It is fantastic news to have received this capital grant from Sport Wales, which will support in further developing the sport in Wales. As an organisation, we would like to extend our immense gratitude for the support.  

“Recent events and accomplishments within Welsh hockey have been inspiring to our community, and it’s no surprise to witness a brilliant surge in demand for not only enhanced performance facilities but also improved spectator experiences. 

“As the home for hockey in Wales, the National Hockey Centre hosts an array of teams from across the UK and plays host to our country’s international sides. These developments have already proven a success and we look forward to seeing the continued positive impacts they bring to local clubs and our internationals in the future.”