Local Football Facility Plan Ealing

The London Borough of Ealing is in the Greater London Region region.

The current population of the authority (ONS 2016 Mid-Year Estimate) is 343,196. This is expected to rise to 359,906 by 2039.

Ealing is ranked 18 most deprived out of 33 LAs in the region, and 87 most deprived out of 326 LAs nationally on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (ONS)

Under half of Ealing's population is classed as white (48.99%). This is substantially lower than the national average (85.4%).

The proportion of Ealing’s population represented by the BAME community is 51.01%. This is significantly above the national average (14.6%)

Local authority

Ealing Council’s Development Strategy (2026) commits it to protecting green spaces and providing community facilities, including those used for sport and recreation. It notes that there are sites which comprise a number of pitches and accommodate a range of sports; these will be safeguarded for sport related activities.

The Authority PPS was adopted in 2017. The key findings include the conclusion that while there is insufficient accessible and secure community provision to meet current and future demand, existing provision is generally considered to be of acceptable quality.

County football association

Ealing is covered by Middlesex County FA. It provides governance for, 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.

Football Foundation

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.

Sport England

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.

Professional community club organisations (CCOs)

These offer a variety of programmes and services to support local communities (sporting and non-sporting). The QPR Community Trust and the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust run a variety of health, education, engagement, football and sporting activities within the local area.

Local leisure operator

Everyone Active is the key leisure operator in Ealing; it manages the Authority's main indoor sports centres. However, the majority of grass pitches and 3G FTPs are managed by the Council, schools or clubs.

Local consultation

This has taken place with a broad and diverse set of community groups in Ealing. 18 individuals (representing 16 local organisations) were spoken to. The agencies consulted include:

• Ealing London Borough Council
• Brentford FC Community Sports Trust
• QPR Community Trust
• Ealing Community and Voluntary Service

(See Appendix B for full list of consultees)

Clubs

There are over 91,000 community football teams in England, spread over an expansive network of clubs and leagues. Ealing has a total of 303 teams, which is higher than local areas of a similar size.

The FA is investing to support clubs both on and off the pitch. This process 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 Ealing, 11 clubs have more than 10 registered teams. The largest of these (based upon 2018-19 affiliation data) are:

• Hanwell Town Youth FC - 26 teams
• Pitshanger FC - 25 teams
• FC Starz - 16 teams
• Larkspur Rovers FC (including youth section) - 15 teams
• Celtic FC - 15 teams

Leagues

Ten leagues operate in Ealing. They offer competitive opportunities for many different players, including women and girls, youth and adults. While there is no specific league opportunity for disability football within Ealing, suitable provision is made in neighbouring Hillingdon.

The largest local leagues in Ealing (2018-19) include:

• Harrow Youth League
• Middlesex Youth League
• Middlesex County League

All of the above operate on a home and away basis.

The County FA reports that there is low level cross boundary migration to/from Ealing.

Disability football

There are 9.4 million people in England with a long-standing limiting disability, illness or condition; this 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 Ealing there is one football team / session specifically for people with a disability. It is a priority of the County FA to grow this provision. For talented players the FA runs Regional centres and England national squads.

Women and girls

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. Ealing has six FA Wildcats girls football centres and the priority is to grow this activity.

At 22, Ealing’s number of female teams is higher 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 in which matches are played on a home and away and central venue basis (depending on age). It is expected to grow its provision in future years. The local adult female league is the Greater London Women's Football League in which matches are also played on a home and away basis. It too is expected to grow its provision in future years.

For talented players, the most local FA Regional Talent Club (RTC) is Chelsea FC which is located in Cobham. 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 Chelsea Women's FC which provides player pathway opportunities for gifted and talented female players and a spectator interest for fans.

Small sided football

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 and 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 small-sided 3G centres. The key local operator is Everyone Active.

Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced, small sided team game that is widely played across the world. Typically it is played on an indoor surface with hockey-sized goals and a size 4 football with reduced ball bounce. It is the FA’s aim to ensure that futsal is available across the country.

There are currently no futsal teams in Ealing, although sessions are held at Northolt High School. It is therefore a priority for the County FA to grow opportunity for all players. The Brentford FC Community Sports Trust will be organising a league at Gunnersbury Park from January 2020, whilst there will also be a junior futsal session held weekly at the site.

Recreational football

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 Ealing. Walking football sessions are delivered by a range of community organisation such as Larkspur Rovers FC. Walking football and Just Play are County FA priorities for further growth and development.

Informal football

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).

Currently, informal football is played across Ealing, with sites such as Drayton Green, Blondin Park, Jubilee Gardens, Bixley Field, Cuckoo Park and Churchfields well used.

The key strengths of local football in Ealing include male, female, youth and adult provision and it is recommended that this is sustained and also encouraged to grow further. However, gaps in provision do exist, including disability football and futsal.

It is therefore recommended that the future football development priorities for Ealing are:

1. Disability
2. Women's and girls'
3. Futsal
4. Adult male
5. Recreational

The facilities required to assist this are now set out in the Assets and opportunities section.

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.

This section reviews existing football facility assets in Ealing. 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 in line with four investment priorities:

• 3G FTPs
• Improved grass pitches
• Changing room pavilions / clubhouses
• Small sided facilities

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.

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 FTP 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.

There are six existing full-sized (11 v 11) 3G FTPs in Ealing. These are located at:

• Club Des Sport
• Rectory Park (x2)
• Spikes Bridge Park
• Trailfinders Sports Club
• William Perkin C of E High School

In addition, there are a further three 3G FTPs that are just under full size but are of a size to achieve similar community use and wider footballing outcomes. These are located at:

• Cardinal Wiseman School
• Kajima Community (Brentside)
• Northolt High School Sports Centre

Eight of the aforementioned full sized (or just under full sized) 3G FTPs are available for community use and all are on the FA register (meaning they are quality checked and can be used for match play). The pitch at Cardinal Wiseman School is not readily available; it is recommended that increasing community access is explored. The pitch at Club Des Sport is considered to be available for community use, although the majority of capacity is taken up by the provider and its club. The provision is considered to be unsecure for any external users.

It should also be noted that provision at Trailfinders Sports Club is primarily used for rugby and it should therefore be discounted from a football perspective.

Two additional full size 3G FTPs are being developed in a partnership between Ealing Council and Hounslow Council at Gunnersbury Park. These will be available to the community, floodlit and FA registered. Despite being provided within Hounslow, both pitches will service both boroughs, with the PPS identifying that the equivalent of one will be assigned to Ealing based demand, with the other one (equivalent) catering for Hounslow based demand.

Two further 3G pitches are also proposed in Hounslow, at Rectory Farm. If provided, these may accommodate some Ealing based demand.

Currently nine sites also provide small-sided 3G FTPs; these include pitches at Swift Road Outdoor Sports Centre, Pitshanger Park, Lammas Park, Drayton Manor High School and Lord Halsbury Playing Field. Aspirations exist locally for more to be provided in order to meet small-sided and recreational/casual demand.

Demand for full sized 3G FTPs has been calculated using the FA training ratio model (1:38). On the basis that there are 303 teams in Ealing, there is a requirement for eight full size 3G pitches. When Gunnersbury Park is online, available 3G provision will amount to the equivalent of 10.25 full sized pitches (or just under full sized), meaning supply is considered to be sufficient to meet current demand.

The geographic spread of existing facilities is even and local consultation reveals no common access issues.

Two priority projects for potential investment are identified - both for small-sided 3G FTPs.

As current supply meets current demand, it is proposed that any decision about investment in full-sized 3G FTPs be deferred until the impact of provision at Gunnersbury Park (and potentially Rectory Farm) is reviewed or demand in the Borough significantly increases. Should a review indicate that additional full-sized 3G FTP provision is justified, potential sites (identified in the PPS and by the LFFP Steering Group) include Norwood Green, Fox Reservoir, Shamrock Sports and Social Club and North Acton Playing Fields.

When assessing the future need for 3G provision, consideration should also be given to the increasing demand in recreational football and the impact this will have on demand for access to 3G pitches.

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 quality and one in six 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.

PitchPower

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 21 grass pitch sites in Ealing with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three pitches but deemed to be of strategic importance). These contain 83 grass pitches. Of these, four are considered to have good quality pitches, 14 are of standard quality and three of poor quality.

Local consultation shows common issues with inadequate quality and overuse and it is recommended that this is addressed.

Of the 21 key pitch sites referenced above it was determined that 10 should be prioritised for improvements. In addition, three venues which do not presently provide formal pitches have been identified for improvement. These are; Osterley Sports Ground, Subury Hill and Evershed Sports Ground. All three have capacity for permanent pitches to be established.

Osterley Sports Ground up until recently had five grass pitches, with one being a stadia pitch, Sudbury Hill has space for one adult and one youth pitch but has not been used for over 10 years and Evershed Sports Ground is current being used to temporarily house a school. Similarly to Sudbury Hill, it has space for grass pitches that has not been used for over 10 years.

Combining the 10 existing sites proposed for investment with the three additional sites would result in quality improvements to 43 full-size grass pitch equivalents.

13 priority projects for potential investment are identified. Pitch quality rating was evidenced by the PPS as well as consultation and was ratified by local partners. Prioritisation was based on a rationale of selecting sites in the poorest condition, that had the most pitches and that are, or have the potential to be, well utilised.

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 21 key grass pitch sites in Ealing with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three pitches but deemed to be of strategic importance) 12 have suitable changing rooms (or are without changing rooms but are not considered to be in need), six require improvement/replacement and three have no facilities and require new changing rooms.

Nine priority projects which either have poor quality provision, are currently without provision, or are sites upon which it is proposed that new pitches are developed are identified:

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 and 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 and 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.

No indoor facilities have been identified to develop small-sided football.

Five potential opportunities for MUGAs are identified. In each case the rationale is based on sites serving areas of high population density, limited green space and with relatively high proportions of people from lower social economic groups.

Following local consultation, and assisted by the Sport England green spaces mapping tool, three locations are identified to support small sided informal football. Here, the rationale is based on the use of popular local parks and open green spaces with suitable space / areas to increase informal football.

A range of local agencies and larger (usually 10 plus team) local football clubs were invited to participate in the LFFP consultation. Those that contributed are listed below:

• Sports Development Manager - Ealing London Borough Council
• Parks Operation Manager - Ealing London Borough Council
• Assistant Director - Ealing London Borough Council
• Relationship Manager - London Sport
• Community Development Manager - Brentford FC Sports Trust
• Football Development Manager - QPR Community Trust
• Group Development Officer - Ealing Community and Voluntary Service
• Parternship Manager - A2Dominion
• Secretary - Acton & Ealing Whistlers FC
• Secretary - CB Hounslow United FC
• Secretary - Ealing United FC
• Secretary - Larkspur Rovers FC
• Secretary - Pitshanger FC
• Secretary - Old Actonians Youth FC
• Secretary - London Tigers FC
• Director of Football - FC Starz
• Secretary - Celtic FC
• Secretary - Hanwell Town FC