Olympian Precious unveils new college pitch

Scarborough College celebrated the opening of their new astroturf pitch by inviting back old boy Mark Precious, who won a medal with the Great Britain men’s hockey team in the 1984 Los Angeles Games.

Headmaster Charles Ellison said: “This is an exciting time for sport at the college.

“Over a number of decades we have built up an enviable reputation for our hockey and this new facility will allow our pupils to advance their skills further, while also providing a high-quality facility for the community to enjoy.”

As part of the weekend celebrations, the College also hosted an introduction to hockey skills day for local junior school pupils from Bramcote, St Martin’s and Wheatcroft primary schools.

Resident hockey coach at the college, Brett Cunningham, provided an inspiring and energetic afternoon of hockey drills and skills for the pupils to enjoy with an enthusiastic team of supporting coaches.

They were also treated to see first hand, two hockey Olympic medals.

Precious’ bronze from the 1984 Loss Angeles games and England captain Richard Dodds’ gold medal from the 1988 Seoul Games.

The final celebration was the college’s 1st XI team playing their annual match against the college’s Alumni XI, which this year included Precious, on the Sunday afternoon.

It was a great experience for many current and past pupils to play alongside or against the college’s very own Olympian.

Experience proved the winner over youth on the day, with the OSA Alumni XI winning 3-1.

Headmaster Charles Ellison, head of school Katie Hodgson and 1984 Olympic Games medalist Mark Precious officially open Scarborough College’s new Astroturf pitch (right)