Local Football Facility Plan Gateshead

Gateshead is located in the Northeast region. The current population of the Authority (ONS 2017 Mid-Year Estimate) is 202,419. This is expected to rise to 210,455 by 2039.

Gateshead’s ethnic composition is primarily white (96.2%). This is higher than the national average (85.4%).

The proportion of Gateshead’s population represented by the BAME community is 3.7%. This is below the national average (14.6%).

Local Authority

Gateshead Council’s Core Strategy aims to make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives. To achieve this, the key objectives are;

• Putting people and families at the heart of everything the Authority does,
• Tackling inequality so people have a fair chance,
• Supporting communities to support themselves and each other,
• Investing in the economy to provide sustainable opportunities for employment, innovation and growth across the Borough,
• Working together and fighting for a better future for Gateshead.

In order to ensure that its communities are supported, the Authority aims to ensure that its leisure facilities are attractive. It also has an aim to provide local organisations with the opportunity to manage facilities through an active asset transfer programme.

The Gateshead Playing Pitch Strategy was adopted in 2016. In summary, there are current and future shortfalls of grass pitches across the majority of the formats of the game with the exception of youth 11v11 pitches, which have current capacity although there is a predicted future shortfall. The study also states that there is a requirement for more full-sized (11v11) 3G FTPs.

Gateshead also has a Football Plan (2016). This provides the Council, and partners, with a clear strategic framework for future investment which is intended to transform the Borough’s playing pitch stock and associated ancillary facilities based upon the aim to develop a network of high quality, sustainable football facilities. Matching the PPS, it identifies the need for more additional full-sized 3G FTPs and presents a number of potential options, including proposals to develop new FTPs at Blaydon Leisure Centre and Gateshead International Stadium. It also lists the strategic sites for grass and changing room investments.

In addition, the Authority has a successful track record of allowing clubs and organisations to manage individual sites through a supportive asset transfer process. Good examples include Cleveland Hall FC and Gateshead Redheugh Community Club. The Authority will continue to offer grass pitch sites (including changing provision) through its asset transfer programme to other community groups and clubs, where appropriate.

County football association

Gateshead is covered by Durham County FA which 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.

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 club community organisations (CCOs)

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). Two CCOs operate in the Authority. The Newcastle United Foundation deliver a number of specific and pan disability programmes operating out of Gateshead Leisure Centre, and Gateshead Football Club provides weekly walking football sessions at Gateshead International Stadium.

Local leisure operator

Gateshead's seven main leisure centres, one of which includes 3G FTP provision, are run on an in-house basis by the Local Authority.

Local consultation

This has taken place with a broad and diverse set of community groups in Gateshead. 14 individuals (representing ten local organisations) were spoken to. Agencies consulted include:

Gateshead Council

Gateshead College

Northumbria Police

Clubs

There are over 91,000 community football teams in England, spread over an expansive network of clubs and leagues. Gateshead has a total of 242 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 Gateshead 13 clubs have more than 10 registered teams. These (based upon 2017/18 affiliation data) are:

• Birtley Town FC - 21 teams
• Wrekenton Nou Camp - 15 teams
• Blaydon Youth - 13 teams
• Whickham Fellside Youth - 22 teams
• Cleveland Hall - 26 teams
• Felling Magpies FC - 31 teams
• Gateshead Juniors FC – 19 teams
• Redheugh Boys Club - 28 teams
• Leam Rangers FC- 22 teams
• Rutherford AFC - 17 teams
• Ryton & Crawcrook Albion FC - 17 teams
• Swalwell Juniors - 22 teams
• Winlaton Juniors - 12 teams

Seven leagues operate in Gateshead . 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 Gateshead, the nearest one operates in Cramlington Learning Village (Northumberland), delivered by the Newcastle United Foundation.

Gateshead largest local leagues include:

• Gateshead Apollo Youth league – 194 teams– home and away / central venue / central venue at multiple sites
• Gateshead & District Sunday League (adult) 22 teams– home and away

The County FA reports significant cross boundary migration to/from Gateshead particularly due to teams migrating inwards / outwards to play in the Russell Foster Youth League in the South Tyneside, Sunderland and Durham areas.

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 Gateshead two football teams cater 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. Gateshead has four FA Wildcats girls football centres and the priority is to grow this activity.

At 31 Gateshead’s number of female teams is comparable to 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 Gateshead Girl’s Youth League and matches are played on a central venue basis. It is expected to grow its provision in future years. The local adult female league is the Durham County FA Women’s League and matches are played on a home and away and it too is expected to grow provision in future years.

For talented players, the most local FA Regional Talent Club (RTC) is Sunderland/ Gateshead RTC located in Sunderland. 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 was previously Sunderland AFC Ladies; however, it now plays in the Sunderland FA Women's National League North. The Club 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.

Key local providers include

• Power League Gateshead
• Soccer Sixes Gateshead Stadium
• Go Gateshead at Gateshead Leisure Centre

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 seven futsal teams in Gateshead that play in the School, County and EFL Leagues at 11 key site locations. It is a priority for the County FA to grow and sustain Futsal for male, female, youth and adult 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 is currently one FA Just Play centre in Gateshead. Walking football sessions are delivered by a range of community organisations including Gateshead FC. Walking football and Just Play are prioritised by the County FA for further growth and development. Other local recreational football programmes encompass casual bookings which are catered for by a range of organisations including Go Gateshead.

The key strengths of local football in Gateshead include large multi-team clubs and youth/adult league provision and it is recommend that this is sustained and also encouraged to grow further. However, there are areas where improvement is needed; these include disability and women's and girls' football. It is therefore recommended that the future football development priorities for Gateshead are:

1.Affiliated football (all formats to maintain & grow)

2.Women & girls (including Wildcats Programme)

3.Disability football

4.Small sided football & Futsal

5.Recreational offer (including Walking Football, Just Play Centres & Flexible Football)

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 [add area]. 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:

• 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.

FA data states that there are currently two full-sized (11v11) 3G FTPs in Gateshead. Using the FA training demand model of 1:38, it is calculated that there is a need for a further four full-sized (11v11) 3G FTPs for football use.

Existing 3G FTPs in Gateshead are:

• Gateshead International Stadium (x2)

In addition, there are currently five small-sided 3G FTP sites in Gateshead:

• Gateshead Powerleague (6 x 5v5 FTP)
• Rutherford FC (7v7 FTP)
• Gateshead Cleveland Hall (7v7 FTP)
• Gateshead Redheugh Community Club (9v9 FTP)
• Hill Top Playing Fields (Leam Rangers) - (5v5 FTP)

Although the pitch at Blaydon Rugby Club is FA registered (meaning that it is quality checked and can be used for football match play) it is predominantly used for rugby and has limited slots available for community football, therefore it is discounted from the supply. Both FTPs at Gateshead International Stadium are available for community use and are FA registered.

Blaydon Leisure Centre has recently had a Football Foundation grant approved to convert a full size sand dressed facility at the site. It is anticipated that this will be operational for the new season in September 2019 and will address need in the west of the Borough. Once operational, this will reduce the shortfall to three full-sized FTPs. In addition, the Foundation has also approved funding to resurface both full size 3Gs at Gateshead International Stadium. As with Blaydon Leisure Centre, it is hoped that this will be completed in advance of the 2019/2020 football season.

The geographic spread of existing facilities is uneven despite the new pitch at Blaydon Leisure Centre being taken into account with provision gaps in the central and southern areas of the Authority. It is recommended that these are addressed

Local consultation reveals common issues with limited availability and it is recommended that these are addressed .

Four priority projects have been listed for potential investment comprising 3 full-sized FTPs and one small sided pitch. Two 'either / or' site options are presented for two of the full sized FTPs (below).

1. Central Gateshead: Gateshead Cleveland Hall or Cardinal Hulme Catholic School.
2. South Gateshead: Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy or Birtley Leisure Centre.

As a request from the Steering Group the two Foundation funded projects (listed above) need to be developed prior to the next phase of 3G pitch expansion. Sites proposed are based on a rationale of good access, high population, geographic spread, the limited quality of existing facilities, high levels of deprivation and the high proportion of people from lower social economic groups.

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 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.

Often 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 18 key grass pitch sites in Gateshead with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three pitches but deemed to be of strategic importance). These contain a total of 40 grass pitches. Of these, eights are considered to have good quality pitches and 10 have poor quality pitches; none are standard.

Local consultation shows common issues with poor quality, particularly in relation to drainage and the open access nature of many sites resulting in these being prone to vandalism and dog fouling. It is recommended that these issues are addressed.

Ten priority projects for potential investment have been identified. Each has three or more full-size pitch equivalents, or is identified as being strategically important for football. Pitch quality was ratified by local partners and clubs.

Three of the sites selected for improvement have undergone a recent PIP visit undertaken by the IoG.

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 15 key grass pitch sites in Gateshead with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than 3 pitches but of strategic importance) all have some form of changing provision. Of these, four sites require refurbishment. Two sites have no facilities and need new pavilions.

It must be noted that the changing pavilion at Oliver Henderson Park is in poor condition, however, it is still under the terms and conditions of a previous Football Foundation grant, and is not the responsibility of the Football Foundation to upgrade.

Five priority projects for potential investment have therefore been identified. Each is of strategic importance and has either no facilities or was deemed to currently have an unsuitable pavilion:

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 identified one potential site for investment. The changing facility at Gateshead Redheugh Community Club has the capacity to be expanded to incorporate an indoor sports hall to a size that is equivalent to three badminton courts. This could support mini-soccer and recreational football for the Club as well as the local community.

Four potential opportunities for MUGAs have been identified (one site is an either/or, which is dependant demand and potential programme of use). In each case the rationale is based on the site being in an area of high urban population, with limited green space, high levels of deprivation, a high porportion of people from lower social economic groups and corresponding high local demand for informal football. Sport England recreational football mapping suggests that sites identified at Seldom Seen Park and the former Edmund Campion School site are well located in respect of proximity to informal football demand from the local population.

Local consultation did not identify any sites for investment.

• Sport and Leisure Centre Manager: Gateshead Council
• Planning officer: Gateshead Council
• Asset Management: Gateshead Council
• Environmental Management: Gateshead Council
• Public health- Gateshead Council
• Local Police officer: Northumbria Police
• Sports Academy Lead Facilities Manager : Gateshead College
• League chairman: Gateshead & District Sunday League
• League Secretary: Gateshead Youth League
• Club Chairman: Felling Magpies FC
• Club Chairman: Swallwell Juniors FC
• Club Chairman: Gateshead Redheugh FC
• Club Chairman:: Whickham Fellside FC
• Club Chairman:: Gateshead Cleveland Hall FC