EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS


The new sport and wellbeing centre


expanded car parking to meet stiffening demand.


Maiden Castle, so named because of its position in the shadow of a hill once topped with a Roman fort, lies next to the river Wear - peat in the water creating a distinctive dark chocolate colour - a naturally tranquil setting turned into a thronging sports hub humming with humanity most of the week, particularly on Wednesdays when British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) fixtures devour the peace.


“This is certainly an atmospheric place,”


Paul ventures, “with a sense of history helped by our location so near the hill. It’s sheltered too; 10% warmer here on average than our other site - the Racecourse ground.”


The bridge spanning the river takes you from the main site to more provision - two rugby, two lacrosse and two football pitches. American football is a growing phenomenon


Did you know the game is named because the length of the ball is


”


twelve inches - a foot?” I didn’t, but it’s one of those engaging slices of trivia you take forward


Right: Noise assessment forms help ensure the team works within safe vibration limits


96 PC December/January 2020


here and has switched from a natural pitch on the far side of the river to a floodlit synthetic playing surface. “We had a right palaver transporting bleacher seating over there for matches,” says Paul. “That’s all changed now with the new designated playing area this side of the Wear.”


“Did you know the game is named because the length of the ball is twelve inches - a foot?” I didn’t, but it’s one of those engaging slices of trivia you take forward.” Flooding has presented a double-edged sword, whilst helping create a fertile, alluvial soil profile, Paul says. “The river has come onto the site twice since I’ve been here - the last time eight or nine years ago.” Maiden Castle’s main rugby pitch hosted a visit from Shenkyo University in the early 2000s. A tree commemorates the game, recording that ‘rugby creates lasting friendships’. “The first 15 play here,” says


Paul, while Durham City Rugby Club use two other pitches for their first, second and junior fixtures.” Lacrosse is particularly popular with both women and men - Durham acting as a regional hub for the sport - played mainly on 3G as well as the two grass pitches, with a team coach on hand. We’re standing on the sports centre upper


tier, courtesy of the facilities manager, who guided us here to gain a more panoramic view of the grounds. The upgraded four- and six-lane athletics track gleams bright brick red in the sunshine, enclosing a sward of green that has also undergone recent change. “The old grass football pitch has given way to a new 3G surface,” Paul says, “to cater for the level of demand.” As if reading my thoughts, Paul adds: “Just trying to keep up with grass growth is a challenge. The warm, wet weather encourages growth almost all year round.”


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