Dollar Academy Hockey Pitch Appeal The next 15 years of hockey at Dollar starts here...
Why Your Support Matters If you played hockey at Dollar, if your child has played here, or if you simply believe in what a school like Dollar can mean to a young person - we would welcome your support.
At Dollar Academy, hockey is part of who we are. With over 350 girls and boys active in the Hockey Programme, and every pupil from Prep 4 to Form 6 offered the opportunity to play, hockey sits at the heart of school life. Dollar is widely recognised as a ‘big’ hockey school. Our results in national competitions, our tours both across Scotland and internationally, and the strength and breadth of our weekly fixture programme have brought real attention and pride to the school. In the 2025/26 season we played 322 fixtures alone, with pupils aged 8 to 18 taking part. It’s a programme that has been built over many years under the expert leadership of our Director of Sport, Lynsey Allan, and continues to evolve under Callum McLeod, our Head of Hockey. Its success is driven by the enthusiasm, commitment and dedication of both our pupils and staff. Our vision for hockey is: To consistently develop Dollar Academy as one of the top hockey schools in Scotland by creating a stimulating environment where individuals and teams can aspire to reach levels beyond their expectation.
“Being part of the Hockey team has been about so much more than just winning. We’ve improved a lot and had a really good time.” Emily W, Form VI “Our teammates are always really encouraging and cheer us on from the sidelines. They make every game more fun and make us feel proud, no matter what the score is.” Rose A & Isla W, Junior 1
The Experience We Want for Every Pupil From the 1st XI to the 4th team, we believe every pupil deserves a hockey experience they are proud of. That means high-quality facilities, the chance to compete on equal terms with other schools, and the freedom to enjoy the game. We cater for all levels of aspiration. Many pupils simply want to play with their friends, build fitness, and have fun. We welcome and celebrate that. At the same time, we are serious about competing at the highest levels of Scottish school hockey. This balance - inclusive participation and competitive excellence - is what makes our programme special. We are ambitious, and we want Dollar to be recognised for setting a strong example of what school hockey can offer young people. We are focused on: Winning the Scottish Cup at U15 and U18 level every year. Winning all Midland competitions and indoor competitions. Developing more players into Scotland age-group squads. Having a competitive mixed hockey programme with girls and boys teams at every age group. Developing a flourishing Former Pupils’ Club. Ensuring continuous coaching and staff development.
“This hockey season has been really fun and definitely one I’ll remember. We’ve worked hard as a team and it’s been great seeing how much we’ve improved. We always try to support each other, especially during games. I’ve really enjoyed playing with everyone and being part of the team.” Rebecca L, Form 2
Why Investment Is Needed Now Our current artificial surface on campus has served the school well for 17 years. That longevity is a testament to how hard it has been used yet how well it has been looked after - and it is now approaching the end of its reliable lifespan. The surface we replace it with will serve the next generation of Dollar Academy pupils for 15 years or more.
The new pitch surface will deliver: All-weather reliability - playable to as low as 2°C, maximising training and fixture availability. A sustainable, non-water-based surface that performs to the standard of water-based turf without the environmental cost. A platform to attract, develop, and retain the finest young hockey talent in Scotland. Reduced long-term maintenance requirements. Multi-sport capability, such as tennis provision in the summer term, extending the benefit to the whole school community.
This pitch upgrade is an investment in the ambition of our hockey programme and in the experience and development of every pupil who steps onto that surface.
Community & Wider Impact Dollar’s hockey programme does not exist in isolation. It is connected to a wider sporting ecosystem - one that reaches into families, clubs, and communities across central Scotland and beyond. Our pupils play for clubs including Perthshire, Dunfermline, Stirling, Watsonians, and Edinburgh HC - carrying the values and skills they develop here into their wider sporting lives. Many of our players represent the Midland District at U14, U15, and U18 level. Several are part of the Scottish Hockey pathway, and a number go on to represent Scotland at age-group level. The new pitch will create an even stronger foundation for that pipeline. We currently host two major junior tournaments - the U11/U12 Junior Hockey Tournament (20 teams) and the Form 2 Tournament (5 teams). A new, highquality surface will strengthen our capacity to host more events of this kind and attract even greater participation from schools and clubs across the country. A new surface also means a new offer to the wider community: a modern, multisport facility available beyond school hours with the potential to support grassroots sport, generating long-term community benefit.
There’s a lot more to hockey than the score at the end of a match. It gives pupils experiences that build confidence and help them grow, both on and off the pitch.
The Opportunity for our Supporters This is a rare opportunity for former pupils, parents, and friends of Dollar Academy to leave a visible, lasting mark on the school. A gift to this appeal is a commitment to the futures of hundreds of young people who will train, compete, grow, and thrive on this new surface for at least the next 15 years. Our aim is to have the new astro pitch in place for the 2027/28 hockey season, with installation planned for the summer of 2027. To make this possible, we are seeking to raise £150,000 by then. There will be a range of opportunities for individuals, families and organisations to get involved and help us bring this exciting project to life. From joining our exclusive First XI Donor Team with a gift of £11,000, to buying a square of the new astro for £400, to making a general donation of any amount any gift to the appeal is hugely appreciated. For businesses, there are also sponsorship opportunities available, including supporting the team, matchdays and pitch perimeter, offering a fantastic way to show your support and raise your profile alongside the campaign.
If you are interested in supporting this appeal, or finding out more, please contact Rebecca McFarlane, our Fundraising and Sponsorship Manager, on mcfarlane-re@dollaracademy.org.uk or 01259 742511, to discuss next steps.
Hockey has been a cornerstone of Dollar Academy Sport for generations - this new pitch is about giving it the surface it deserves. We would welcome your support.