Indoor hockey is gaining momentum
A mother realised that hockey was being neglected on the West Rand and therefore she had a vision to change it.
Realising the great need for indoor hockey facilities on the West Rand was the driving force behind finding a fitting venue.
When Yvette Peens, mother of an avid 14-year-old hockey player moved to Krugersdorp last year, the amount she spent on fuel to drive her daughter to and from the closest indoor hockey venue – in Johannesburg North – became too much.
“I realised that children on the West Rand are being deprived of opportunities as many parents are unable to afford these extra costs. Then there is parents who just don’t have the luxury of time to take their children to places outside their area.”
With an idea and a dream to get the West Rand its own indoor hockey venue and also to get children exposed to the game of hockey, she acquired the Pro Series Indoor (PSI) franchise.
“This secured the birth of the PSI West Rand Rhinos. All we needed was a suitable venue,” says Peens.
“We finally managed to get one in Sterkfontein. It is not exactly the standard size, but it meets the requirements.”
She says that they are renting the venue with the intention to buy it.
“In future we would like to build a second indoor hockey venue and accommodation facilities to hold matches.”
The PSI West Rand Rhinos had their first open day in February and will have their second one on the weekend of 14 and 15 June.
“We are inviting everyone to come and see what we have to offer. Our club is open to anyone who is not playing hockey at school.”
Peens says they are working with schools in the area and have played a few matches against them already.
“This is a great initiative to get the children fit and to prepare them for the trials in September to be selected to play in the interprovincial tournament later this year.
“But we need sponsors who can help our athletes. We have so many children who have the talent to do well but who do not have the finances to participate.”
For more information about the PSI West Rand Rhinos contact Peens on 072 148 2330.
