Jess Brown-Fuller MP Visits Centurions Hockey Club

Jess Brown-Fuller MP visited Centurions Hockey Club last week to meet players and discuss the challenges facing local hockey provision in the Chichester area, as well as the vital role grassroots sport plays in supporting wellbeing and community connection. 

During the visit, Jess spoke with members of the all-women Centurions team, which is entirely self-run. The visit comes at a time when the future of local hockey clubs in Chichester is uncertain, with imminent loss of facilities threatening clubs across the area. 

Jess Brown-Fuller with members of the Centurions Hockey Club.

Jess has written to the Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, Stephanie Peacock MP, to clarify what financial support is available for grassroots hockey clubs in Chichester that need to improve or replace facilities, especially astro-turf pitches, which are vital for the sport and youth development.  

Jess' letter to the Minister for Sport

Players at Chichester Centurions Hockey Club have described the team as a multi-generational “family” that has supported members through major life events, highlighting the importance of hockey for the wellbeing of many people locally. 

Team captain Hannah Tomlinson said: 

“We all find the club and the games to be a vital lifeline from the pressures of work and home life - it’s far more than just a team, it’s a close-knit community that supports one another and celebrates each other’s milestones.” 

The discussion focused on growing pressures on hockey facilities locally. The Centurions currently play at Chichester University on Saturday mornings but have raised concerns about hockey pitches elsewhere being replaced with 3G and 4G surfaces, designed for football and rugby. The move away from astro-turf is putting the future of suitable facilities, and local clubs, at risk. 

With the potential loss of facilities at other sites, including Chichester High School and Chichester College, players warned that demand for the single hockey pitch at the University - already fully booked for the year - could increase significantly, with several teams competing for limited Saturday slots. 

Jess was pleased to join the team for their match at the University against West Meon.