Hockey has been a lifeline for me. As someone with ADHD, the sport has had a profound impact on my mental health. It's more than just a game; it's a social, inclusive, and inter-generational activity that connects people of all ages and backgrounds. I have been privileged to be selected to represent England in the over-55s category, proving that age is not a barrier to excellence when the right facilities are available. This representation is not only a personal accomplishment but also a testament to the inclusivity that traditional pitch sports foster.

However, there is currently a threat to our beloved traditional hockey and multi-sports pitches. There's a move to convert them into 3G pitches, which, while popular, pose significant concerns for both the environment and inclusivity. Unlike natural grass pitches, 3G pitches are made from synthetic materials that contribute to microplastic pollution. According to research by the Environmental Science & Technology journal, synthetic pitches can shed up to 5 tonnes of microplastic granules annually, impacting local environments and ecosystems.

Moreover, the maintenance and construction of 3G pitches can be detrimental to inclusivity. The high costs associated with accessing these facilities often exclude local community teams and age-groups that relish playing on traditional grass. The tactile interaction with natural grass is not only better for developing diverse playing skills but it also retains the authentic feel of the sport, something that artificial surfaces can't replicate.

It's crucial that we maintain our traditional sports pitches, which are a hub for community engagement and bring diverse generations together to enjoy the love of sports. By preserving these pitches, we protect not only our environment but also the health, well-being, and inclusivity of our communities.

Please sign this petition to urge local authorities and sports governing bodies to preserve our natural grass hockey and multi-sports pitches. Let's ensure that future generations can also enjoy the same opportunities, interaction, and inclusivity that these spaces have offered for decades. Together, we can make a difference and keep our community spaces vibrant and sustainable.