London 2012: Pakistan hockey team to train in Cannock
The Pakistan hockey team are to travel to Staffordshire in July to prepare for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has selected Cannock Hockey Club, based at Chase Park, as its final training base to "fine tune" their preparations.
The team played a three-match series with England on Cannock's pitches, near the town of Hatherton, in 2009.
Pakistan has been drawn in the same group as Team GB for the preliminary round of the Olympic hockey tournament.
'A warm welcome'
Councillor Pat Corfield, cabinet member for culture, communities and customers at Staffordshire County Council, said: "We're very proud to attract a top ten nation to use the excellent sporting facilities here in Staffordshire.
"We extended a warm welcome to the Pakistani team during a previous visit in 2009, and the combination of our hospitality and top-drawer facilities has encouraged them to return."
Laurie Alcock, president of Cannock Hockey Club, said: "Cannock Hockey Club has worked tirelessly to develop the facility which is recognised as a world class hockey venue.
"The return in an Olympic year is a fitting tribute to the work of the volunteers at the club."