Olympic funding boost for Cannock

Cannock Hockey Club has been awarded nearly £170,000 from Sport England to build a second pitch in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.

The funding comes after Cannock was selected as a potential training site for the London games.

Club President David Linford said: "We are delighted to be selected as a potential hockey training facility for the 2012 games.

"It is a real honour for everyone at the club."

The new pitch will feature the same advanced turf which was used for the newly carpeted main pitch when it was unveiled last autumn.

Construction is scheduled to start in the summer and will be available for play at the start of the new season in September.

"The new second pitch is an important addition to the club and means we will boast one of the country's best hockey training facilities," said Linford.

Established in 1905 Cannock Hockey Club is one of the oldest and most successful hockey clubs in the UK, having been crowned national league champions seven times in the last ten seasons.