Opening Ceremony of the Grant Sutcliffe Astro
Loughborough Grammar School were delighted to welcome Grant Sutcliffe for the opening of the new Astro pitch on Friday 3 May. The honouring of the new pitch in Grant’s name is a fine acknowledgement of his contribution to numerous students who owe a significant part of their personal hockey journey to his dedication. Grant was presented with a playing shirt from Michael Condon, Father of David, along with a hand written letter of gratitude, thanking Grant for all he has done in support of David’s hockey career (Whilst at LGS, Grant first spotted David and selected him for the U14 boys county side when David was only 11 years old). Grant’s family were also in attendance at the opening ceremony, including his son who had travelled from South Africa to support his Father on this special occasion.
The Grant Sutcliffe Astro was officially opened by Jerome Goudie. Jerome is an ex England and GB international, with over 100 combined caps. He is the current head coach of the Loughborough University men’s 1st X1 and a junior England coach. He has had a long standing association with coaching at LGS and has progressed the careers of two Old Boys, Kevin Ross and David Condon, who both went on to study and play under his leadership at Loughborough University.
The ceremony was followed by the annual hockey fixture of the 1st X1 versus a team of LGS Old Boys and the match this year was in memory of Old Boy Tom Vickerstaff, who sadly passed away over Easter. The Tom Vickerstaff cup for inviolable spirit, was presented to the Old Boys captain at the presentation evening that followed the match. The Old Boys also nominated an LGS player who they felt had most played in the manner of Tom during the match. Sam was the chosen player and he is now the custodian of the trophy until next year’s fixture. The final score was LGS 1st X1 1 – Old Boys 4.
