Local Football Facility Plan East Suffolk

East Suffolk is in the East region.

The current population of the authority (ONS 2018 Mid-Year Estimate) is 249,249. This is expected to rise to 267,026 by 2039.

East Suffolk is ranked 17 out of 45 LAs in the region, and 157 out of 317 LAs nationally on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (ONS).

East Suffolk's ethnic composition is primarily white (97.08%). This is higher than the national average (85.4%).

The proportion of East Suffolk's population represented by the BAME community is 2.92%. This is below the national average (14.6%)

Local authority

East Suffolk Council is a newly formed local authority consisting of the former local authorities of Waveney and Suffolk Coastal. It has no PPS in place although it is looking to begin the process in the near future.

County football association

East Suffolk is covered by the Suffolk 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 Ipswich Town Community Trust runs a variety of health, education, engagement, football and sporting activities within the local area, although it has only recently been established and is looking to expand.

Local leisure operator

Sentinel Leisure Trust is a key leisure operator in East Suffolk. It currently runs numerous key sites including Barnard's Soccer Centre, which contains a full size 3G FTP.

Local consultation

This has taken place with a broad and diverse set of community groups in East Suffolk. 48 individuals (representing 43 local organisations) were spoken to. The agencies consulted include:

• Sentinel Leisure
• Suffolk County Council
• Suffolk & Ipswich League

(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. East Suffolk has a total of 534 teams, which is higher 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 East Suffolk, 16 clubs have more than 10 registered teams. The largest of these (based upon 2019-20 affiliation data) are:

• Waveney FC – 55 teams
• Kesgrave Kestrels FC – 34 teams
• Kirkley & Pakefield FC – 27 teams
• Woodbridge Town FC – 26 teams
• Beccles Town Youth FC – 25 teams

Leagues

Three leagues operate in East Suffolk. They offer competitive opportunity for many different players, including youth and adults. While there are no specific league opportunities for disability football within East Suffolk, there is suitable provision provided in the County-wide catchment of the iCAN Football League, based in Ipswich. Also, while there are no specific league opportunities for girls, women and veteran players within East Suffolk, there is suitable provision offered via the County-wide catchment of the Suffolk Girls’ and Women’s Football League and the Norfolk & Suffolk Veterans’ League.

East Suffolk's local leagues (2019-20) are:

• Lowestoft & District Football League – 26 teams – home and away
• Norfolk & Suffolk Youth League – 253 teams – home and away
• Suffolk & Ipswich League – 108 teams – home and away

The County FA reports that there is significant cross-boundary migration in East Suffolk due to teams migrating outwards to the Ipswich & Suffolk Youth League, the Suffolk Youth Football League, the Norfolk Combined Youth Football League and the Norfolk Women's & Girls Football League.

Disability football

There are 9.4 million 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 East Suffolk there are five football teams / sessions 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. East Suffolk has eight FA Wildcats girls football centres and the priority is to grow this activity.

At 48, East Suffolk’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’ and women’s league is the Suffolk Girls and Women’s League and matches are played on a home and away basis. The League is expected to grow its provision in future years.

For talented players, the most local FA Regional Talent Club (RTC) is the Essex County FA Girls Regional Talent Club (RTC), which is located in Colchester. 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 West Ham Ladies 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.

Soccer Sixes is a key local provider, with leagues running at Beccles Town FC, Kirkley & Pakefield FC and Barnard's Meadow.

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 East Suffolk. It is a priority for the County FA to grow futsal for all players.

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 East Suffolk. Walking football sessions are delivered by a range of community organisations such as Kessingland FC, Kirkley & Pakefield FC, Sizewell Seniors and Felixstowe Beach Walkers. Walking football and Just Play are areas that the County FA has prioritised for further growth.

Other local recreational football programmes include recreational programmes which are delivered by a range of organisations including Sentinel Leisure Trust, Raw Soccer and North Suffolk Academy.

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 in East Suffolk is played particularly in the North of the local authority. Local parks and leisure centre facilities operated by Sentinel Leisure Trust are key site locations that are heavily used.

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

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

1. Grow adult male participation
2. Continue to deliver a flexi-football offer for adult males
3. Develop a network of recreational opportunities
4. Develop a localised futsal offer
5. Support development of club growth and sustainability

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 East Suffolk. 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 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.

There are five existing full size (11v11) 3G FTPs in East Suffolk. These are located at:

• Alan Hutchinson Field (Beccles Town FC)
• Barnards Soccer Centre
• Ipswich Town Training Ground
• Kesgrave High School
• Kirkley & Pakefield Sports and Social Club

Additionally, there are currently six small-sided 3G FTPs in East Suffolk, located at:

• Cedarwood Primary School (30 x 18 metres)
• Ipswich Town Training Ground (60 x 40 metres)
• Kirkley & Pakefield Sports and Social Club (55 x 35 metres)
• Ormiston Denes Academy (60 x 40 metres)
• Raw Soccer (30 x 20 metres)
• Sir John Leman High School (38 x 19 metres)

Of the full size pitches, four of the five are available for community use; the pitch at Ipswich Town Training Ground is unavailable due to being reserved for use by the Club. This is unlikely to change moving forward. All five are on the FA Register and can therefore be used for competitive matches. Re-testing is required every three years to ensure this remains the case, which may be problematic in relation to the pitch at Barnards Soccer Centre due to quality issues.

As there is no current PPS in place, demand for full size 3G FTPs has been calculated using the FA training ratio model (1:38). Based on 534 teams currently playing in East Suffolk, there is a requirement for 14 full size 3G FTPs. This means a shortfall of ten (discounting the pitch at Ipswich Town Training Ground). None of the small-sided pitches are considered large enough to contribute towards reducing this.

The geographic spread of existing facilities is uneven. There are provision gaps throughout East Suffolk, most predominately in central areas although increased provision is also required to the north and south due to high levels of demand. It is recommended that these shortfalls are addressed.

Local consultation reveals common issues with low availability, long travel distances and lack of match play on 3G and it is recommended that these are addressed. Many large clubs currently split their training activity across numerous 3G pitches and/or are training on less appropriate surfaces. Some demand is also exported into neighbouring authorities such as Ipswich.

11 priority projects for potential investment are identified. This consists of 10 new pitch projects in order to address the identified 3G shortfall and one resurfacing project in relation to the existing pitch at Barnards Soccer Centre. Each project was selected based upon a rationale of good access, high participation rates, large population and geographic spread.

Eight of the new pitch projects are for full size 3G pitches to be established. Four of these are site specific, one is an area wide project whereby an exact location could not be agreed upon, one provides an either/or option with two potential sites considered suitable, and two are to service particular clubs that have multiple site options. Where site specific locations have not been identified, further work is required to determine the most appropriate host venues.

One of the site specific projects is for a full size 3G FTP to be created to service a large housing development (Oaks Farm). Whilst this is supported by the steering group, potential partner clubs need to be identified to ensure sufficient usage levels.

The remaining new pitch projects are for a small-sided FTP to be established at Bungay Town FC and in the Halesworth area. For the former, the Club does not host sufficient demand to warrant a full size pitch and it has areas of land more suited to a small-sided option, whilst insufficient demand is perceived to exist in the locality for the latter. Providing similar provision at Framlingham Sports Ground could also be considered, despite it being identified as a full size project (further investigation is required to determine whether a full size or small-sided pitch is required).

In addition to the projects identified, it must also be noted that a full size 3G FTP project is identified within the Ipswich LFFP at Ipswich Wanderers FC (SEH Sports & Social Club). Whilst this is located within Ipswich, it straddles the border to East Suffolk and is likely to attract East Suffolk based demand. This should be considered when investing in facilities in the locality to ensure sustainability and financial viability.

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 is 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.

The key challenge is to create a sustainable approach to provide good quality football pitches for the long term. Most local authorities (78%) intend to increase pitch hire fees in the future. However, the majority of 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 31 grass pitch sites in East Suffolk with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three pitches but deemed to be of strategic importance), containing 120 grass pitches. Of these, five are considered to have good quality pitches, 17 are of standard quality and nine are of poor quality.

Local consultation shows common issues with poor quality and overplay and it is recommended that this is addressed. Numerous large clubs, such as Waveney FC, Trimley Red Devils FC and Kesgrave Kestrels FC, are currently spread across numerous venues, whilst security of tenure is an issue for Woodbridge FC as well as for some clubs using school sites.

Of the 31 key pitch sites referenced above it was determined that 12 of these should be prioritised for improvements. This will result in quality improvements to 42 pitches.

12 priority projects for potential investment have been identified. Pitch quality rating was evidenced through consultation with clubs and leagues before being ratified by the steering group. Prioritisation was based on a rationale of selecting sites in the poorest condition as well as sites with the most pitches and that are most well utilised (or that have the potential to be most well utilised).

In addition, some sites have been identified for grass pitch improvements in order to support and compliment 3G projects, whilst grass pitch support at Seaton Road Recreation Ground is also included. Trimley Red Devils FC are being relocated to the site and requires assistance to establish/improve pitches.

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 31 key grass pitch sites in East Suffolk with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three but deemed to be of strategic importance), 21 sites have suitable changing rooms (or are not in need of changing rooms), five sites require improvement/replacement and five require new facilities.

Ten priority projects for potential investment are identified. This consists of five sites requiring refurbishment and five sites requiring new builds.

For the sites requiring refurbishment, emphasis should be placed on providing better quality social and catering facilities as this provision is seen as key by club users such as at Dip Farm Playing Fields and Town Ground. Additionally, Saturn Close Sports Ground needs improvement to better accommodate female participation and to help facilitate more usage, whilst Reydon Playing is currently serviced by an empty, incomplete building. Alan Hutchinson Field requires a general upgrade to its facilities in order to compliment the 3G pitch on site.

For the new build projects, there are currently no dedicated football changing facilities at Millennium Sports Ground, with a community hall instead used where access can be limited, or at Seaton Road Recreation Ground, where Trimley Red Devils FC requires provision to enable its relocation. There is provision at Kesgrave High School and Eastward Ho; however, it is not best located or of the best standard. A dedicated pavilion is particularly required at Kesgrave High School to service the 3G provision. The final project relates to Carlton Colville Primary School, where Carlton Colville Town FC has aspirations to develop a modest changing block to develop female and disability participation.

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.

Local consultation indicates that, at present, no indoor facilities require improvement to develop small sided football. Nevertheless, the County FA identifies developing a localised futsal offer as a key priority. As such, suitable facilities should be explored.

Six potential opportunities for MUGAs have been identified. In each case, the rationale is based on the site being in an area of high urban population with corresponding high local demand for informal football, with some projects also identified to better service relatively deprived areas (e.g. Waterloo Centre) or particular communities (e.g. the Docks). The projects also provide a good geographic spread across East Suffolk.

Three of the projects are for MUGAs to be created at primary schools, with all three schools harbouring long-term aspirations. This should be seen as an opportunity to open up the facilities to the community.

The project at Water Lane Sports Centre has been included as the existing AGP is well used for football but its future is uncertain. Resurfacing the provision to a more appropriate carpet could therefore offer long-term viability.

In addition to the projects identified, there could also be an opportunity to develop new MUGA facilities within proposed large housing developments. For example, provision could be included within the Brightwell Lakes proposal. This should be considered by the Council on a case-by-case basis.

Following local consultation, one location has been identified to support small sided informal football. Here, the rationale is based on Darby Park being a highly popular local park within a relatively deprived area that is already well used informally. Goalposts are in place (although improvements are needed) but the grass suffers from waterlogging issues.

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:

• Commercial Contracts Manager - East Suffolk Council
• Active Communities Officer - East Suffolk Council
• Planning Policy & Delivery Officer - East Suffolk Council
• Lead Provider - Suffolk County Council
• Director - Active Suffolk
• School Games Organiser - Active Suffolk
• Schools Development Manager - Ipswich Town Community Trust
• Director of Physical Activity & Health - Sentinel Leisure
• Centre Operational Manager - Inspire Suffolk
• Head of Business Operations - Suffolk Mind
• Chief Executive - Community Action Suffolk
• Centre Manager - Befriending Scheme
• Engagement Team - One Life Suffolk
• Development Officer - Positive Futures
• Strategic Lead for Physical Activity - Public Health Suffolk
• Neighbourhood & Partnership Team - Suffolk Constabulary
• Director - Involve Active
• Director - Women Like Me
• Project Co-Ordinator - Catch 22
• Service Locality Co-Ordinator - Realise Futures
• HR Business Parner - East Coast Community Health Care CIC
• Secretary - Lowestoft Over 60s Club
• Business & Estates Manager - Benjamin Britten School
• Clerk - Bungay Town Council
• Clerk - Beccles Town Council
• Clerk - Leiston Town Council
• Clerk - Lowestoft Town Council
• Clerk - Saxmundham Parish Council
• Clerk - Woodbridge Town Council
• Suffolk & Ipswich League
• AFC Kesgrave
• Beccles Town FC
• Bungay Town FC
• Felixstowe & Walton FC
• Framlingham Town FC
• Kesgrave Kestrels FC
• Kirkley & Pakefield FC
• Woodbridge Town FC
• Lowestoft Town FC
• Martlesham Youth FC
• Kirton Kestrels FC
• Leiston FC
• Trimley Red Devils FC
• Sole Bay United FC
• Waveney FC
• Wickham Market Youth FC