Astroturf is set to provide Bermuda's top field hockey stars with the level playing field they have been praying for.

The imminent arrival of the artificial surface at the National Sports Centre is set to send the sport to the next level, claims Hockey Federation President Justin Freisenbruch.

Qualified contractors are being sought to install and supply the playing surface at the Frog Lane development, with Freisenbruch hopeful that the ideal type of carpet is brought in.

Hockey officials are hoping that the shortest turf length ? ideal for hockey ? is used but are happy that whatever decision is made by the Trustees for the multi-sport facility, field hockey will benefit enormously.

Although the expected June unveiling of the facility comes after the end of the current league season, there will still be national team training, a fun summer league and possible tour matches to reap the immediate benefits.

"The differences between playing on grass and on astroturf are staggering," Freisenbruch enthused.

"The game globally is played almost wholly on astroturf, most players coming up only know that surface.

"A good player is a good player wherever they play, but with the benefits of a flat, quick playing surface, good players will really stand out.

"Having this will boost the skill level for all players here and will enable us to compete on a level footing with other countries in our region.

"We are not going to be challenging the world champions in the near future, but this will certainly do wonders for the game here and in the region.

"This is, without doubt, the single most important step forward for field hockey in Bermuda."

Despite concerns that lower level players may miss out on the opportunity to use the facility due to a forthcoming reorganisation of the league structure, Freisenbruch was adamant that as many people as possible would have access to the facility.

"We have yet to get down to the details on things such as rentals," he added.

"But, if we can afford it, I want to see hockey players on there every available second of the weekend."

He added that festivals, tour matches and, if the hockey-specific surface is laid, international tournaments could be coming to Bermuda once the facility is in place.

A forum for all members of the Bermuda Hockey Federation is taking place at 6 p.m. in the back room of Docksiders, Front Street, tonight to discuss the impact of the new pitch and its availability for use.