Northlands Primary School secures multimillion rand hockey astro turf deal

Northlands Primary, located in the heart of Durban North, has secured a multimillion rand international-standard hockey astro-turf deal.

This deal will improve the sport in the school and overall benefit the community, as Durban North has had shortages of Astro turf facilities, leaving schools and clubs competing for limited space and time. 

The shortfall of astro turf facilities deprived young players of opportunities, which resulted in the school and the governing body discussing the issue in partnership with the Department of Education. They addressed the gap with a full-sized construction, FIH-approved, water-based synthetic astro.

Northlands Primary Principal, Alister Naidu, said that the development is a defining moment for the school, one that was bound to have far-reaching benefits.

“At Northlands, we believe in nurturing potential, both in the classroom and on the field. This astro is more than a playing surface; It is an investment in scholarly excellence and opportunity. This project ensures that every learner has access to world-class facilities and confidence to reach their potential, and right here, in Durban North. Our vision has always been to prepare learners not just for school, but for life, and this project is a bold step towards that, on and off the field,” said Naidu.

Turftechs (Pty) Ltd, specialists in sports facility development, are leading this project with work already underway. Clive Goble and Cynondon specialists team are the pitch experts who are providing guidance with the build, a new digital scoreboard, and the creation of cricket ovals and wickets.

Gavin Skevington, director of sport, highlighted the wider benefits and said, “This facility gives our young athletes the consistency they need to grow their skills, while also creating opportunities for the wider community and neighbouring sports clubs to access a world-class surface. It is an investment that strengthens school sport, builds community partnerships, and helps develop the next generation of hockey players.”

Hand in hand with their investment in sports, Northlands has also become a leader in STEM in Durban North and across the KwaZulu-Natal. This is groundbreaking work for their first LEGO LEAGUE. The school set a new benchmark for innovation in primary education in just three years, using Coding and Robotics to educate learners with future-ready skills, earning them first and second place recognition at regional, national and international levels.  

IOL Sport