AGENDA ITEM NO:
REPORT TO:
Executive Board
REPORT NO:
COLLC / 04 / 05
DATE:
1 February 2005
LEAD OFFICER:
Chief Leisure, Libraries & Culture Officer
CONTACT OFFICER:
Ken Danskin (7435)
SUBJECT:
Welsh FA / UEFA mini-pitch project
WARD:
N/A
1.
PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
i)
To inform Members of the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) minipitch initiative;
ii)
To consider the associated funding implications.
2.
Executive Summary
2.1
As part of its 50 years anniversary celebrations UEFA in partnership with the FAW
(Football Association of Wales) are offering funding for the supply of 2 mini-pitches in each
local authority area in Wales.
2.2
Funding from UEFA will cover all elements of the pitches above ground and is estimated to
be worth some £25,000 per pitch. There will be a requirement on the Authority (or partner
organisation) to provide the land and groundwork and to carry out the necessary installation.
The cost of this is estimated currently at £25,000 per pitch. (Floodlighting is not included in
the costings and should this be required would need to be funded at a cost of approximately
£5,000 per pitch).
2.3
The initiative is scheduled for implementation by the end of 2006. The FAW are keen to
take up this offer and would aim to submit an application for funding to UEFA by early
March at the latest in order to secure funding from the 2005 / 06 budget. Authorities have
been asked to indicate their willingness to participate by mid February.
3.
RECOMMENDATION
That Members support in principle this initiative by UEFA and that if necessary match
resources are provided.
REASONS FOR THE RECOMMENDATION
To provide high quality open access sport and recreation provision are key objectives of
both the Sports and Play Strategies adopted by the Authority.
Alan Watkin
Chief Leisure, Libraries & Culture Officer
4.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
4.1
This initiative has as it’s prime objective the provision of high quality open access activity
areas. Both UEFA and FAW are keen that the facilities are seen as provision for the local
community and that they should in the main be available for casual usage and be free of
charge.
4.2
The pitches, measuring 21m x 13m, are intended primarily to promote football but can be
used for other team games. The playing surface is synthetic grass (astro-turf) which is
cushioned with rubber crumb making it an ideal surface for football matches and football
development for all ages and skill levels. The rebound walls are a high quality timber and
steel construction. The courts are designed for minimum maintenance.
4.3
Funding from UEFA will cover the following:




Playing surface and cushioning media
Rebound walls and access points
Goals, nets and Basketball rings
Pitch markings
Year 1 maintenance materials
Funding from the Authority is required for:



Provision of land
Groundwork and sub surface preparation
Project management
On-going maintenance
4.4
Regarding possible locations for the pitches, it is suggested that local councils, community
groups etc are consulted to gauge interest and possible match funding. The final locations
would be determined based on the attached qualifying criteria.
5.
CONSULTATION
5.1
Cognisance will be given to both the Play Strategy and Sports Strategy in relation to its
recommendations for this type of provision.
Consultation will occur with communities as part of the process outlined in 4.4.
Internal partners (Environmental Services, Engineers) will be consulted with regard to issues
involving ongoing maintenance, inspections and construction.
6.
SCRUTINY COMMITTEE COMMENTS
N/A
7.
IMPLICATIONS
7.1
Policy Framework The Authority has previously endorsed both the Sports Strategy and
Play Strategy both of which identify open access provision as a key objective across the
Authority.
7.2
Budget There is an initial one off cost of approximately £25,000 per pitch with ongoing,
limited revenue implications should the facilities remain as part of the Authority’s assets.
(Revenue costs would be limited to routine maintenance – cleaning etc.)
7.3
Legal Possible planning issues depending on location.
7.4
Staffing There are no specific staffing issues arising out of this recommendation.
Appendix I
Mini Pitch Criteria
 Current local provision (specific and general)
 Local club structure – teams, volunteers etc
 Local community issues
 Strategic documents
-
juvenile nuisance
-
antisocial behaviour
-
sports / play strategy
-
community action plans
 Partnership funding available? capital, revenue
 Planning implications – location, access
 Engineering issues – construction
 Deprivation
-
facility
-
geographical
 Potential for transfer of the asset to community