Construction began this month, project manager Craig Colvin said. Mr Colvin is a former Manning Hockey Association chairman.

Extensions to the association’s clubhouse should be finished by the end of October, Mr Colvin added.

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Manning Hockey will be only the fifth association in NSW to boast three synthetic surface fields from next year. This will enable Manning to host major State and possibly national championships.

The new field will have an asphalt base, unlike the current fields which have a concrete base.

“That’ll make it easier on the knees and ankles for players,’’ Mr Colvin explained.

Total cost of both projects will be $1.7 million. Manning Hockey provided $600,000 with the remainder coming from State and federal funding.

Mr Colvin said the third field will be multi-purpose, with Manning Futsal being among the sports keen to use the facility.

The association had hoped the clubhouse would be completed in time for the grand finals to be played this weekend, however, wet weather soon after construction started caused delays. Manning Cycle Club will use a section of the extensions for a headquarters and Mr Colvin said work be finished in time for the club’s major criterium weekend later this year. 

Manning Hockey’s first synthetic surface field came into play in 1988 with the second in 2000. The original is known as the Allan Taylor Field in honour of one of the game’s founding fathers in the Manning. The second recognises a long serving Manning junior and senior association official, Terry Launders.

Mr Colvin said no name has yet been determined for the third field.

“We do have something in mind, but nothing is official yet,’’ he said.

Mr Colvin said a date for the opening of the field next year will be determined following consultation with the federal and State members.