Two Field Hockey Fields Needed

To the Editor:

I am writing this letter in order to express the need for two field hockey fields at Fairfield Hills. This past summer we had three teams (Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Rookie) consisting of 55 athletes. We had to share one field at Newtown High School for our games and practices. Therefore, if the Rookie team had a game at home, the Varsity and Junior Varsity practices were forced to end early for lack of another place to practice.

The field hockey field is in poor condition. Rocks and divots decorate the field, making it a dangerous place to play. Due to a minimal amount of grass, we have to frequently line our field although, in certain areas, the lines never last longer than a day. Often, our coach would have to re-line our field, using spray paint, in the middle of the game.

Right now the field hockey field does not qualify for a state field. This means that we would be unable to have home field advantage in state play-offs if the opportunity arises.

It is mandatory for the safety and well being of the Newtown Field Hockey team that we are allotted two fields at the Fairfield Hills complex. This is an opportunity to support and better the sporting programs in our town.

                             Sincerely,

                        Rebecca Mitchell

           Newtown Field Hockey Tri-Captain

Butterfield Road, Newtown                                         December 14, 1999