01
This is the Local Football Facility Plan (LFFP) for Brent. It was prepared by Knight, Kavanagh and Page (KKP) with support from local partners, including:
Every local area in the Country will have a LFFP to enable investment in football facilities to be accurately targeted.
The Football Association, the Premier League and Sport England (on behalf of Government). This partnership finances the National Football Facility Strategy (NFFS) and commissions the Football Foundation to deliver it.
The national funding partners have significantly increased investment to accelerate efforts to deliver more and better football facilities for the grassroots game. The purpose of this plan is to identify the priority projects for potential investment in Brent.
As the nation’s most popular team sport, football has the power to contribute positively to vital social outcomes and health priorities. To maximise this power, facilities have to be welcoming environments to attract first-time users and repeat visits, whether for informal, recreational or competitive football.
Research clearly and continually demonstrates the positive impact high-quality football facilities, in the right locations, can have on participation and enjoyment. Latent demand exists, but facility quantity and quality has to ‘step up’ if football is to reach out to everyone.
£1.3billion has been spent by football and Government since 2000 to enhance existing football facilities and build new ones. However, more is needed if football and Government’s shared objectives for participation, individual well-being and community cohesion are to be achieved.
Nationally, direct investment will be increased – initially to £69 million per annum from football and Government (a 15% increase on recent years). Locally, the work has already started* - this LFFP will guide the allocation of 90% of national funds and forge stronger partnerships with local stakeholders to develop key sites. This, together with local match-funding will deliver over one billion pounds of investment into football facilities over the next 10-years.
This LFFP, with guidance from local partners, has developed a list of high level projects for potential investment. Each is aligned to the investment priorities set out in the National Football Facilities Strategy, which include:
The priority projects for potential investment identified in this plan will help develop a sustainable network of quality facilities to drive participation across all parts of the game. Central to this are five key success factors: quality, inclusivity, sustainability, engagement and usage. Each identified project takes account of these factors.
This LFFP will, in effect, be the go-to document for football facility investment in Brent.
Whilst it identifies priority projects for potential investment, it does not guarantee the success of future funding applications. Each project must still follow an application process to show how it will deliver key participation outcomes, become a quality & sustainable facility and demonstrate suitable match-funding.
When each project is in a position to proceed, the Football Foundation will determine a suitable timeframe to submit a grant application and pre-application support will be provided by Middlesex County FA and the Football Foundation.
A LFFP is an investment portfolio of priority projects for potential investment - it is not a detailed demand and supply analysis of all pitch provision in a local area. It cannot be used as a replacement for a Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS) and it will not be accepted as an evidence base for site change of use or disposal.
A LFFP will however build on available/existing local evidence and strategic plans and may adopt relevant actions from a PPS and/or complement these with additional investment priorities.
02
Brent is located in North West London. It borders the boroughs of Harrow, Barnet, Camden, Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Ealing and Hammersmith and Fulham.
The major urbanised areas within Brent are; Wembley, Kilburn, Harlesden, Willesden and Neasden. Brent is home to Wembley Stadium, one of the country's biggest sporting landmarks.
The major development at Old Oak and Park Royal will deliver Europe’s largest urban extension with circa 25,500 new homes and 65,000 jobs.
The current population of the Authority (ONS 2017 Mid-Year Estimate) is 329,102. This is expected to rise to 388,752 by 2039.
32.2% of the Brent population is within NS SEC classification 6-8 (lower socio-economic groups). This figure is higher than the national average (30.6%)
Brent’s ethnic composition is primarily White (36%) however this is much lower than the national average (85.4%).
The proportion of Brent’s population represented by the BAME community is 63.7%. This is more than four times the national average (14.6%). The main ethnic group of the BAME community is Asian, which accounts for 32.6% of the total population.
ONS data and Sport England Active lives survey 2016/17
Brent Council aims to provide both a healthy and safe place to live, with residents benefiting from high quality urban design, attractive open spaces and first class sports facilities. Its Local Plan (2010 - 2026) makes commitments to residents linked to both its Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Fit for Life: A Physical Activity Strategy for Brent Strategy. The Local Plan for Brent is currently being updated.
The stated aims of the Brent Health and Wellbeing Strategy are to promote independence and responsibility for heath and healthcare across the Borough, while also encouraging everyone to be physically active.
The aim of the Fit for Life Strategy is to increase participation in physical activity via development of a core offer accessible to everyone, to develop a sustainable and long term local community approach to encouraging more people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to achieve permanent behavioural change by helping people to build physical activity into the fabric of their everyday lives.
The Brent Playing Pitch Strategy was produced in 2016; it confirms that the Authority has sufficient natural turf football pitches and 3G FTPs but that key strategic sites in the Borough face specific issues with regard to pitch quality
Brent is covered by Middlesex County FA. It provides governance and development support to all aspects of local football including coaches, referees, volunteers, clubs and leagues; supporting football for all. The County FA has a designated facilities investment lead officer who works to ensure the right facilities are located in the right locations.
The Regional Engagement Manager and Regional Technical Project Manager at the Football Foundation work collaboratively with the County FA to provide pre-application support to priority projects for potential investment.
See football foundation website for more info (http://www.footballfoundation.org.uk/impact/where-our-money-goes)
Has a network of planning managers who have a statutory role in the planning system to protect playing fields and provide consultation responses to planning applications relating to sporting facilities . They also play a key role in strategic planning for sports facilities, providing advice and support to local authorities to assess need for facilities in their local area.
These continue to expand and enhance their range of community delivery, offering a variety of programmes and services to support local communities (sporting and non-sporting). The Queens Park Rangers FC Community scheme runs a variety of health, education, engagement, football and sporting activities within the local area.
There are several leisure operators involved in the operation of sporting facilities in the Borough. Key Leisure sites include: Bridge Park Leisure Centre, Vale Farm Sports Centre, Charteris Sports Centre, WilesdenSports Centre, Wembley Leisure Centre.
This has taken place with a broad and diverse set of community groups in Brent. A total of 16 individuals (representing 14 local organisations) were consulted. These include:
(See Appendix B for full list of consultees)
There are over 91,000 community football teams in England, spread over an expansive network of clubs and leagues. Brent has a total of 147 teams, which is lower than local areas of a similar size.
The FA is investing to support clubs both on and off the pitch which includes an aim to have a qualified FA coach with every youth team by 2020/21. In addition, it will support 1,000 clubs to create full player pathways from youth to adult teams and develop 150 community football hubs with male and female pathways, disability and recreational playing opportunities.
Over the last 10-years there has been a significant national increase in the number of large multi-team football clubs. In Brent, four clubs have more than 10 registered teams. The largest of these (based upon 2017-18 affiliation data) are:
The FA Whole Game System- season 2017/18
16 leagues operate in Brent. They offer competitive opportunities for many different players, including women and girls, youth and adults. While there are no specific league opportunities for disability within Brent, there is however suitable provision provided in neighbouring Hillingdon.
Brent’s largest local leagues (2017-18) include:
The County FA reports that there is some cross boundary migration in Brent due to teams migrating outwards to North London.
There are 9.4million people in England with a long-standing limiting disability, illness or condition which equates to 18% of the population – almost one in five. Football playing opportunities should be flexible, inclusive and accessible for everyone, whatever their level of ability. This could entail inclusion in mainstream activity or teams / sessions specifically for people with a disability.
In Brent there is one football team specifically for people with a disability. It is a priority of the County FA to grow this provision. For talented players the FA run Regional Centres and England national squads.
The FA has big ambitions for the female game and aims to double levels of participation by 2020. To achieve this requires a combined effort across four pathways: education, recreation, competition and talent.
Education environments have a huge impact on the first experience of football for young girls. This pathway can offer many opportunities for females of all ages to develop and grow a lifelong interest in football.
FA Wildcats girls football centres provide the first step on the recreational pathway, the programme provides girls aged 5-11 with regular opportunities to play football in a fun and engaging environment. Brent has two FA Wildcats girls football centres and the priority is to grow this activity.
At eight, Brent’s number of female teams is lower than local areas of a similar size. The County FA’s priority is to support existing clubs to grow and encourage more clubs to develop playing opportunities for females. The local girls league is the Capital Girls League and matches are played on both home and away and central venue basis. The league is expected to grow its provision in future years. The local adult female league is the Greater London Women’s League and matches are played on a home and away basis and the league is expected to grow its provision in future years.
For talented players, the most local FA Regional Talent Club (RTC) is Arsenal which is located at London Colney, Hertfordshire. Higher level talent pathway opportunities are also provided regionally and nationally by the FA, culminating in the England Women’s national squads. The most local Women’s Super League team is Arsenal which provides player pathway opportunities for gifted and talented female players and a spectator interest for fans.
Many different types of small-sided football are played in England, from teams and leagues to recreational and informal. It is an established and important part of the modern game.
Small-sided teams & leagues are organised and competitive activities; typically with players registered to clubs and affiliated to leagues and their County FAs. Examples include Futsal and local small-sided leagues running at venues such as sports halls, 3G FTPs or smallsided 3G centres.
Key local providers include
Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced, small sided team game that is widely played across the world. Typically it’s played on an indoor surface with hockey-sized goals and a size four football with reduced ball bounce. It is the FA’s aim to ensure Futsal is available across the country.
There are currently no futsal teams in Brent that play futsal. It is a priority for the County FA to grow Futsal for male youth players.
Recreational football is played where facilities are typically booked and there might be someone to help organise. Examples include FA Just Play sessions, walking football and casual pitch hire for small-sided match play.
There are currently two FA Just Play Centres in Brent. Walking football sessions are delivered by a range of community organisation such as Vale Farm. Walking football and Just Play are areas that the County FA has prioritised for further growth and development. Other local recreational football programmes include community and pro-club community schemes which are delivered by a range of organisations including Queens Park Rangers and Jason Roberts Foundation. There are also community activities which are not affiliated delivered by Hindu, Sri Lankan and Somali groups.
Informal football is played in local parks and green spaces – it is free, open access and often played spontaneously (normal clothing is worn). Common examples include a kick-about at a local park or on a multi-use games area (MUGA).
The most popular sites for informal football in Brent include; Alperton Sports Ground, Tenterden Recreation Ground and Willesden Sports Ground.
The key strengths of local football in Brent include youth, adult and community provision and it is recommend that this is sustained and encouraged to grow further. However, there are gaps in provision, this includes; disability and female provision .
It is therefore recommended that the future football development priorities for Brent are:
The facilities required to assist this are now set out in the Assets and Opportunities section.
Additionally, each priority project that progresses to a funding application via the Football Foundation will produce a detailed ‘site development plan’ specifying all football development activity, usage and key partner engagement.
03
This section reviews existing football facility assets in Brent. It identifies current issues and presents opportunities for improvements, including a list of priority projects for potential investment.
Local assets and opportunities have been reviewed inline with four investment priorities:
To ensure a consistent and high quality approach, each local area has been reviewed applying a standard approach, supplemented by input from consultation with local partners and stakeholder organisations.
While each investment priority is reviewed individually, it is understood that they can be inter-reliant; account is, thus, taken of these potential connections.
04
3G FTPs are a high quality and indispensable part of modern football facilities; their impact cannot be underestimated. In recent years the industry has seen major innovations and improvements to artificial surfaces (and sports lighting). This has created playing surfaces that replicate a good standard natural turf pitch whilst significantly increasing levels of use (x20). All FTPs must have sports lighting to achieve this.
The high quality, consistent playing surface is the ideal environment to play the game and for young people to learn. With regular maintenance programmes, FTPs can be heavily used all year round with no decline in quality. They almost completely negate annoying fixture cancellations during winter months, helping football to be a key part of a regular physical activity habit.
High capacity levels offer a great opportunity to embrace all formats and engage all participants. A full-sized 3G caters for an average of 1,200 participants per week and is suitable for various location types. That means being fully inclusive to all sections of the community, with a particular focus on under-represented groups such as women and girls, people with a disability, BAME communities and people from lower socio-economic groups.
The way 3G FTPs are used is rapidly changing; current line-marking systems allow for match play across all formats of football (5v5, 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11). This enables significant levels of match-play to be transferred from grass to 3G.
The national ‘Mini Pitch’ programme delivers small 3G FTPs at primary school sites to provide a high quality introduction to football and get children more physically active. While mini pitches are reviewed in this section, they are not included in the demand and supply analysis for 3G FTPs.
FA data states that there are currently six full size 3G FTPs in Brent. There are no identified shortfalls for full sized FTPs (based on the 2016 PPS).
Existing full size 3G FTPs in Brent include:
Additionally, there are currently two small-sided 3G FTP centres at:
Five of the six full size 3G FTPs are available for community use. It is recommend that the feasibility of developing opportunities for community use is explored at Wembley High Technology College (to include the potential installation of floodlighting).
Four full size FTPs are on the FA Register (meaning they are quality checked and can be used for football match play). It is strongly recommend that the pitches at Ark Academy and Wembley High School (if they can be made accessible for community use) are certified in the future to enable match play.
The geographic spread of existing facilities is relatively even; although the majority are located in the west of the local area. There are provision gaps in east Brent despite high population density and high levels of deprivation in this area.
Local consultation reveals common issues with high pricing of facilities and it is recommended that this is reviewed to encourage increased facility usage and to help attract a more diverse range of people to play the game.
It is acknowledged that Barnet London Borough Council is developing a masterplan for West Hendon Playing Field which is adjacent to Silver Jubilee Park. This consequently may impact on the requirement for 3G FTP provision to be developed at this site (as identified within the Brent LFFP). Further consideration should be given to this upon completion of the emerging masterplan for West Hendon playing Field.
Consideration will also need to be given to the future requirements associated with the 25,500 new homes at the Old Oak and Park Royal development as this will create a new concentration of demand in the area. The development was discussed by the steering group, but it was agreed to be to early to determine facility requirements and therefore it is recommended further dialog between local partners is continued in the future to ensure the development is adequately provided for.
Three priority projects for potential investment have been identified. Two projects are to create new small sided 3G FTP provision and one project is to provide floodlighting at a pre-existing 3G FTP facility. Each site was selected by local partners based on a rationale of good access, high population, geographic spread, success and quality of existing facilities, high levels of deprivation, high levels of lower social economic groups.
1 - Roundwood Centre (Young Brent Foundation) – new floodlit 7v7 FTP
2 - Silver Jubilee Park – new floodlit 9v9 FTP
3 - Wembley High technology College - 3G FTP floodlighting
05
Playing fields are one of the most important resources for sport in England. All football players should have the opportunity to play on good quality grass pitches. However, FA data shows that 63% of pitches in England are poor / low standard and 1 in 6 games are cancelled. As such, poor pitch quality is consistently cited as the number one issue for players.
The priority is, therefore, to sustainably improve grass pitch quality across all main pitch owners (local authorities, education establishments and clubs). However, the level of maintenance required to obtain good quality standards is regularly affected by restricted budgets and limited knowledge/ training. Compaction and grass coverage are two key causes of poor quality pitches. Both are commonly treated via a maintenance driven solution (and do not necessarily require costly drainage schemes).
Playing fields are also a valuable resources for informal play and open-access sites are encouraged but, for many, problems such as dog fouling and vandalism mean that they need to be protected with mitigation measures such as fencing.
In many local areas the key challenge is to create a sustainable approach to provide good quality football pitches for the long-term. Many local authorities (78%) intend to increase pitch hire fees in the future. However, many players (63%) believe facilities are already expensive and some (16%) believe prices are prohibitive. A sustainable solution should, therefore, carefully balance pitch quality and affordability.
While the education sector (37%) and local authorities (32%) are still the principal asset owners of grass pitches, clubs / leagues own or maintain an increasing share (currently 25%). Assets and opportunities have been considered across each sector.
Although large (3+ pitch) strategic sites are important and make up much of the project list within the LFFPs, this does not mean that other club, league and community/voluntary sites are not important or eligible for funding. These sites are key to the Football Foundation's Grass Pitch Programme to deliver 20,000 good quality pitches.
For more information click here.
The PitchPower app is the gateway to any grass pitch improvement funding. It is the tool that will allow clubs and organisations to complete pitch inspections and access funds.
If you haven't signed up and completed a PitchPower pitch inspection, you will need to do this before you can apply for the Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund.
Learn more by clicking here.
There are currently 10 grass pitch sites in Brent with three or more full-size pitch equivalents containing 38 grass pitches. Of these, 21 pitches, at five of the sites, are considered to be poor quality.
In addition to the above there are also two pitches at Tenterden Sports Ground which does not have three pitches but is considered to be strategically significant.
Local consultation confirms that poor pitch quality is a key issue and it is recommended that this is addressed.
Six priority projects for potential investment have been identified. Five of the sites proposed have three or more full-size pitch equivalents of poor quality. The other site is considered to be strategically important and the steering group has included it within the project list. Current pitch quality ratings were evidenced within the PPS. Prioritisation was endorsed by local partners based upon the rationale of selecting those that were the poorest in quality and that were best utilised or had the greatest potential for increased utilisation following improvements.
2 - Silver Jubilee Park – works to natural grass pitches
4 - Pellat Rd Sports Ground– works to natural grass pitches
5 - Northwick Park – works to natural grass pitches
6 - Tenterden Sports Ground– works to natural grass pitches
7 - John Billam Sports Ground– works to natural grass pitches
8 - Gladstone Park – works to natural grass pitches
06
These can provide a number of different benefits. While the primary function is normally the provision of changing rooms to accommodate match-play and training (for players and officials), there can be equal value in facilities such as community and education rooms, catering facilities and spectator toilets.
Each project will take a progressive approach to pavilions and clubhouses (beyond the provision of changing rooms) and be open to new opportunities to engage the whole community. That means, creating environments that are welcoming to players, spectators, volunteers, officials and all sections of the community.
Such assets should support other investment priorities (e.g. 3G FTPs and grass pitches) and be located at sites that will have the greatest impact on local communities. To ensure this, focus is given to sites with three or more full-size pitch equivalents. However, as pitch quality is the number one priority for players this is prioritised before investment in changing room pavilions /clubhouses.
Clearly, facilities need to be well managed and maintained to keep them in a good state of repair. Consideration will be given to reviewing the best operator solution for key sites and the installation of revenue generating features such as catering facilities and community rooms. To achieve this, business plan support will be given to each priority project as it progresses to an application to the Football Foundation.
Of the 10 key sites with three or more full-size pitch equivalents in Brent, six have suitable changing room pavilions/clubhouses while four have existing facilities that need improvement/replacement. In addition to this, one site, The Pavilion (The Jason Roberts Foundation), is identified as being strategically important for football in Brent so has therefore been included.
Five priority projects for potential investment have therefore been identified. Four projects have three or more full-size pitch equivalents and has either no facilities or was assessed against a standard criteria to have an unsuitable pavilion. The fifth project does not accommodate three full size pitch equivalents or more but is considered to be strategically important for football and therefore has been factored into the project list.
2 - Silver Jubilee Park – refurbish changing provision
4 - Pellat Rd Sports Ground– refurbish changing provision
5 - Northwick Park – refurbish changing provision
7 - John Billam Sports Ground– refurbish changing provision
9 - The Pavillion (Jason Roberts Foundation) – improved social space/kitchen facilities
07
Good facilities are important to all small-sided football players, but it is important to understand the different formats of the small-sided game and the various facility types they relate to.
Research suggests that small-sided players in teams & leagues, and in recreational sessions, prefer a 3G surface type because it replicates a good standard natural turf pitch. These facilities have already been covered in the 3G FTP section of this LFFP.
Indoor environments currently accommodate 20% of football participation and are also popular with players in teams & leagues and recreational sessions . Indoor sports halls are most popular, along with some community halls and indoor 3G centres. Environments need to be engaging, have clear line-marking and the correct size goalposts.
Informal players require facilities that are open and free to access as this enables play opportunities that are often spontaneous. In these circumstances multi-use games areas (MUGAs) can be effective in areas of high urban population and limited green space. Such facilities can be modern, bright, creative and engaging. While this plan will identify suitable locations for such facilities, the design and specifics of the facility type can be agreed at a later stage with Football Foundation staff when projects are ready to progress to pre-application stage.
Parks and open green spaces are also important to informal play and require goalposts and zones that are free from litter and dog fouling.
Local consultation reveals there is one indoor facilities that requires improvement to develop small-sided football. This is located at the OK Club (Kilburn).
10 - OK Club (Kilburn) – new indoor football facility
Five potential opportunities for MUGA’s have been identified. In each case the rationale is based on the site being in an area of high urban population, limited green space, high levels of deprivation, high levels of lower social economic groups and corresponding high local demand for informal football:
8 - Gladstone Park - refurbish MUGA
11 - Stonebridge Housing Estate– creation of MUGA
12 - South Kilburn Housing Estate– creation of MUGA
13 - Wembley Central Housing Estate–creation of MUGA
14 - Chalk Hill Housing Estate – creation of MUGA
Following local consultation, no locations have been identified to support small-sided informal football. Parks and open green spaces are accessible and do not require additional investment to promote informal football.
08
This list compiles all of the priority projects for potential investment. Each project has been scored against two principle factors: deliverability and outcomes (quality, inclusivity, sustainability, engagement and usage).
The list will be used flexibly; a projects ‘rating’ does not determine the exact order that it will progress to a funding application to the Football Foundation as we understand there are many factors that influence this. The process for moving a project from this list and into the ‘pre-application stage’ will be managed by the Football Foundation.
TENTERDEN SPORTS GROUND Preston Road, Harrow, Greater London Authority, HA3 0QQ
Football club
High (3/4)
3.0/4
75% (9.0/12)
Adult female; BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Youth female; Youth male
SILVER JUBILEE PARK Townsend Lane, London, Greater London Authority, NW9 7NE
Local Authority
Medium (2/4)
3.4/4
73% (8.7/12)
Adult female; Adult male; Youth female; Youth male
WEMBLEY HIGH TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE East Lane, Wembley, Greater London Authority, HA0 3NT
Education
Medium (2/4)
3.2/4
70% (8.4/12)
Adult female; Adult male; BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Mini-soccer; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male
Location details: OK Club
Other
High (3/4)
2.7/4
69% (8.3/12)
BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Small-sided informal; Small-sided recreational
Location details: Jason Roberts Foundation
Other
High (3/4)
2.4/4
66% (7.9/12)
BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Small-sided informal; Small-sided recreational
Location details: Roundwood Youth Centre
Other
Medium (2/4)
2.8/4
64% (7.6/12)
BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Small-sided informal; Small-sided recreational
GLADSTONE PARK Kendal Road, London, Greater London Authority, NW10 1JH
Local Authority
Medium (2/4)
2.8/4
63% (7.6/12)
Adult female; Adult male; Youth female; Youth male
JOHN BILLAM SPORTS GROUND Woodcock Hill, Harrow, Greater London Authority, HA3 0PQ
Football club
High (3/4)
2.2/4
62% (7.4/12)
Adult female; Adult male; Youth female; Youth male
PELLAT ROAD SPORTS GROUND Pellatt Road, Wembley, Greater London Authority, HA9 8FB
Football club
Medium (2/4)
2.2/4
54% (6.4/12)
Adult female; Adult male; Youth female; Youth male
NORTHWICK PARK The Fairway, Wembley, Greater London Authority, HA0 3TQ
Local Authority
Medium (2/4)
2.2/4
54% (6.4/12)
Adult female; Adult male; Youth female; Youth male
Location details: Stonebridge Housing Estate
Other
Medium (2/4)
2.0/4
50% (6.0/12)
BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Small-sided informal; Small-sided recreational
Location details: South Kilburn Housing Estate
Other
Medium (2/4)
2.0/4
50% (6.0/12)
BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Small-sided informal; Small-sided recreational
Location details: Wembley Central Estate
Other
Medium (2/4)
2.0/4
50% (6.0/12)
BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Small-sided informal; Small-sided recreational
Location details: Chalkhill Housing Estate
Other
Medium (2/4)
2.0/4
50% (6.0/12)
BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Small-sided informal; Small-sided recreational
09
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