Local Football Facility Plan Greater Cambridge

Greater Cambridge (comprising the City of Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire District Council areas) is in the East region.

The current combined population of these authorities (ONS 2017 Mid-Year Estimate) is 281,624 This is expected to rise to 300,121 by 2039.

Cambridge City has a marginally higher level of relative deprivation , being ranked 28th most deprived out of 47 LAs in the region and 228th out of 326 nationally on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (ONS). South Cambridgeshire meanwhile is ranked as the 3rd least deprived of all 47 LAs in the East region, and 314th out of 326 nationally.

The ethnic composition of both areas is primarily white however South Cambridgeshire (93%) has a higher proportion than the national average (85.4%) whereas Cambridge City's figure (83%) is slightly below the national average .

The proportion of South Cambridgeshire’s population represented by the BAME community is 6.7%. This is significantly below the national average (14.6%). In Cambridge City (at 17%) it is above the national average.

Local authority

Both councils are committed to the preparation of the joint Local Plan for Greater Cambridge. The 2018 South Cambridgeshire Local Plan vision is that the area 'will continue to be the best place to live, work and study in the country; and that the district will demonstrate impressive and sustainable economic growth and; that its residents will have a superb quality of life in an exceptionally beautiful, rural and green environment'.

A key objective is 'to ensure that all new development provides or has access to a range of services and facilities that support healthy lifestyles and well-being for everyone, including shops, schools, doctors, community buildings, cultural facilities, local open space, and green infrastructure'.

Meanwhile Cambridge City Councils Local Plan (2018) vision for Cambridge is 'of a compact, dynamic city, located within the high quality landscape setting of the Cambridge Green Belt '

The key objective in its plan is to 'promote social cohesion and sustainability and a high quality of life by maintaining and enhancing provision for open space, sports and recreation, community and leisure facilities, including arts and cultural venues that serve Cambridge and the sub-region';

A number of major developments are planned in South Cambridgeshire and on the edge of Cambridge. This includes the new town of Northstowe, which will eventually accommodate up to 10,000 dwellings.

Delivery of the local plans would see at least 14,000 new homes in Cambridge, and 19,500 new homes in South Cambridgeshire.

The Greater Cambridge Playing Pitch Strategy was adopted in 2016. The key findings and stated overarching priorities are to:

1. Improve the ongoing maintenance of existing pitches and provision of changing rooms.
2. Provide 3G rubber crumb pitches strategically placed to support football clubs across the LPAs particularly for training.
3. Ensure the sustainability of junior clubs by providing long term security of playing facilities.

County football association

Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire are covered by the Cambridgeshire 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). Cambridge United Community Trust runs a variety of health, education, engagement, football and sporting activities in the local area.

Local leisure operator

Leisure facilities across Greater Cambridge are operated by a myriad of providers. In Cambridge City , colleges affiliated to Cambridge University own and operate a substantial number of grass pitch sites. GLL meanwhile has a contract to manage the Abbey and Parkside Leisure Centres. In South Cambridgeshire the predominantly rural nature of the area is reflected in the large number of parish council owned and operated football sites. There are also numerous dual use village college leisure sites , predominantly owned by Cambridgeshire County Council, several of which include 3G pitch provision.

Local consultation

This has taken place with a broad and diverse set of community groups in Greater Cambridge. Thirty two individuals (representing 32 local organisations) were spoken to. The agencies consulted include:

• Cambridge University
• A range of parish Councils
• Cambridge City
• Cambridge Utd Foundation

(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. Greater Cambridge has a total of 630 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 Greater Cambridge, 25 clubs have more than 10 registered teams. The largest of these (based upon 2018-19 affiliation data) are:

(South Cambridge)

• Histon Hornets - 25 teams
• Swavesey Spartans - 22 teams
• Shelford & Stapleford Strikers - 21 teams
• Milton Colts - 19 teams
• Linton Aztecs - 17 teams

(Cambridge City)

• Chesterton Eagles- 23 teams
• Cambridge United FC - 21 teams
• Cambridge City Ladies & Girls - 17 teams
• Cherry Hinton Lions - 19 teams

Leagues

Six main leagues cater for clubs and teams in Greater Cambridge. They offer competitive opportunities for many different players, including women and girls, disability, youth and adults. The largest of these local leagues (2018-19) include:

• Cambs County League – 187 teams–of which 74 teams are from Greater Cambridge
  [home and away]
• Cambridge & District Sunday League – 27 teams– of which 18 teams are from Greater Cambridge [home and away]
• Cambridgeshire Girls & Women’s League – 168 teams– of which 49 are from Greater Cambridge [home and away]
• Cambridgeshire Mini Soccer League– 353 teams– of which 137 are from Greater Cambridge [home and away]
• Cambridge & District Colts League– 261 teams– of which 117 are from Greater Cambridge [home and away]

The County FA reports significant cross boundary migration to/from Greater Cambridge.

Disability football

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 Greater Cambridge there are 19 football teams / sessions specifically for people with a disability. Cambridge Utd Community Trust delivers a significant portion of this provision. It is a priority of the County FA to sustain and grow this provision. For talented players the FA runs regional centres and England national squads.

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. There are six FA Wildcats girls football centres in Greater Cambridge and the priority is to grow this activity.

At 61, the number of female teams in Greater Cambridge 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 Cambridgeshire Girls & Women’s League. League in which matches are played on a home and away basis. It is expected to sustain its provision in future years. The local adult female league is the Cambridgeshire Girls & Women’s League. It too plays matches on a home and away and is expected to sustain provision in future years.

For talented players, the most local FA Regional Talent Club (RTC) is Milton Keynes RTC & Cambridgeshire FA ACC which is located in East Cambridgeshire. Higher level talent pathway opportunities are also provided regionally and nationally by the FA, culminating in the England Women’s national squads. The nearest Women’s Super League team is Arsenal 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.

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 small-sided 3G centres. Key local providers include

• Cambridge United Futsal
• Cambridge Futsal Club
• Maverick Soccer

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 ten futsal teams in Greater Cambridge that play in the National Super League and BUCS League at key site locations including Cambridge University, Anglia Ruskin University and Cambridge Regional College. It is a priority for the County FA to grow futsal for male/ female/ youth/ adult 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 six FA Just Play centres in Greater Cambridge. Walking football sessions are delivered by a range of community organisation such as Linton Sports Centre, Swavesey Sports Centre, Histon FC, Cambridge United Community Trust. Walking football and Just Play are County FA priorities for further growth and development. Other local recreational football programmes include Cambs Flexi League, Cambs 5s, Womens TUAP, Man vs Fat / pro-club community scheme activity / casual bookings which are delivered by a range of organisations including Cambs FA, Cambridge United & Kinnerz Coaching.

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 Greater Cambridge is played throughout the area. Histon Rec, Cherry Hinton Rec, Parkers Piece, Coldhams Common and St Matthews MUGA are key well-used site locations.

The key strengths of local football in Greater Cambridge include youth and adult, male and female traditional league provision and it is recommended that this is sustained and also encouraged to grow further. However, gaps in provision do exist / there are aspects of football provision that do not match local authorities of a similar size, these include Just Play, small sided, recreational and futsal league opportunity.

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

1. Recreational opportunity
2. Just Play centres
3. Futsal/small sided opportunity

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

In additional, 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 Greater Cambridge. 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.

Full-sized (11 v 11) 3G FTPs in Greater Cambridge are located at:

• Linton Village College
• Cambourne Fitness And Sports Centre
• Cambourne Village College
• Comberton Village College
• Trumpington Community College
• Perse Upper School x 2

In addition, there are seven small-sided 3G FTPs in Greater Cambridge of which three (those at Netherhall, Cottenham and Chesterton) are 60m x 40n 3G FTPs:

• Cottenham & District Sports Centre
• Over Community Centre
• Chesterton Sports Centre
• Netherhall Sports Centre
• Coleridge Community College
• Fulbourn Recreation Ground
• Gamlingay Village College

The Greater Cambridge 2016 PPS estimated a need for an additional ten 3G FTPs across the area. Since the PPS was published, five new full-sized 3G FTPs have been delivered at Cambourne Village College, Cambourne Fitness and Sports Centre , Trumpington Community College, and two pitches at Perse Upper School (although these are not community accessible). Current (2018/19) affiliation data would indicate that there are 630 teams in the area and, thus, based on the 1:38 ratio, there is a requirement for a total of 17 full-sized 3G FTPs.

In lieu of addressing this requirement, the following schemes are known to be in the pipeline and are considered to be likely to proceed without Football Foundation funding.

• 1 x new 3G FTP at St Marys school , Long Rd in central Cambridge (mentioned in the PPS & has planning approval)
• 2 x new 3G FTPs via the The University of Cambridge (as part its Eddington development to the North West of the City )
• 1 x new 3G FTP at Cambridge City FC new stadium at Sawston to the South of the city (planning approved).

In addition, significant housing developments at Northstowe (NW Cambridge), Waterbeach and Bourn Airfield are likely to result in a minimum of three further new 3G FTPs although completion of these developments is likely to extend beyond the life of the LFFP.

Three of the existing full-sized 3G FTPs are on the FA Register for 3G FTPs (meaning they are quality checked and can be used for football match play). It is strongly recommended that the pitches at Trumpington College and Comberton Village College are also assessed and placed on the Register to enable more match play on 3G. It is also recommended that the viability of community use opportunity is explored at the Perse Upper School.

The geographic spread of existing facilities is uneven; Trumpington College 3G FTP is the only current pitch within the Cambridge City boundary and there are provision gaps to the North (around the settlement of Histon) and to the South East of the City.

Local consultation reveals common issues with limited 3G FTP availability for training and match play and it is recommended that these are addressed .

Eight priority projects for potential investment are identified containing six full size 3G FTPs and three 5 v 5 3G FTPs (NB the project at Abbey leisure comprises 2 x 3G FTPs) Together, and when considering the other fully funded pipeline projects across Greater Cambridge, these proposals will provide the additional capacity required to meet the stated requirement for 17 full sized 3G FTPs across Greater Cambridge. Sites are proposed based upon a rationale of catering for presently unserviced localities and catering for recreational and affiliated football demand.

It should be noted that consultation also identified potential for new full size 3G FTP development in Cambridge City at both Long Rd Sixth Form College and Grange Rd (Cambridge University Rugby Club).

Angela Ruskin University has also held a long term ambition to develop a full size FTP at its Howes Rd site in the City, however the University has recently confirmed that its own funding contribution will not be realised.

Also, in respect of the Histon and Impington area, whilst consultation identified Impington sports centre as the priority scheme, alternative proposals could potentially be progressed at Histon FC and / or land to be developed by Histon Parish Council.

The above options could all be suitable venues for potential schemes should future iterations of the LFFP demonstrate sufficient demand.

Finally , Cambridgeshire County FA have a stated priority to operate / relocate to a 3G FTP facility , with the Histon and Abbey leisure proposals offering potential in this regard.

There are currently 30 grass pitch sites in Greater Cambridge with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three pitches but deemed to be of strategic importance). These contain 115 grass pitches, the majority of which are rated as standard or good quality in the PPS and do not require improvement.

Of the 30 key pitch sites referenced, five have been prioritised for improvements. This will improve the quality of 15 pitches.

Local consultation did not highlight any specific common issues; access to full size 3G FTP provision is of greater concern to clubs and leagues across Greater Cambridge.

Five priority projects for potential investment are identified. Pitch quality rating was evidenced by the PPS and ratified by local partners. Prioritisation was informed by local partners based upon a rationale of selecting sites where pitches are in the poorest condition.

Of the 30 key grass pitch sites in Greater Cambridge with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three pitches but of strategic importance), 27 have suitable changing rooms and two facilities require refurbishment. In addition, one site has no facilities and requires a new changing room.

Three priority projects for potential investment are, thus, 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.

Local consultation reveals that whilst no indoor facilities currently require improvement to develop indoor small sided football it is recognised that the development of futsal is a County FA priority and is experiencing growth across Greater Cambridge and in neighbouring areas.

Consultation with Cambridge University identified that a strategy is being prepared to determine its current and future requirements in respect of indoor sports facilities and it is recommended that consultation takes place with the Cambridgeshire FA to understand current levels of demand for futsal and linked facility requirements.

Cambridge City Council meanwhile have highlighted the potential to include futsal within proposals for new sports hall development at Northstowe and Darwin Green.

Three potential opportunities for MUGAs are identified. In each case the rationale is based on the site being in an area with a significant local population and, in the case of Abbey Leisure Centre a relatively high proportion of people from lower social economic groups - and corresponding high local demand for informal football.

It should be noted that Cambridge City Council is particularly keen to work jointly with the County FA, Cambridge United Community Trust and the Football Foundation to explore innovative design solutions to new small sided facility development in the Abbey ward of Cambridge.

Local consultation did not highlight any parks or green spaces presently in need of improvement in Greater Cambridge.

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:

• Director of Sport - Cambridge University
• Senior Active Lifestyles Officer - Cambridge City Council
• Physical Activity Locality Coordinator, Let's Get Moving Cambridgeshire
• Representative - GLL
• IAG lead - Cambridgeshire County FA
• Representative- Cambridge City FC ladies & girls
• Estates Manager - Long Rd Sixth Form College
• Chief Operating Officer - Morris Education Trust
• Operations Director - North West Cambridge Development
• Head of Sport - Anglia Ruskin University
• Director - Histon FC
• Representative - North Cambridge Academy
• Clerk - Histon & Impington Parish Council
• Clerk - Waterbeach Parish Council
• Vice Chair - Duxford Parish Council
• Clerk - Haslingfield Parish Council
• Clerk - Fowlmere Parish Council
• Clerk - Longstanton Parish Council
• Chairman - Shepreth Parish Council
• Representative - Linton Village College
• Representative - Linton Aztecs
• Representative - Swavesey Spartans FC
• Secretary - Chesterton FC
• Representative - Burwell Tigers
• Representative - Barr Hill Colts
• Representative - Melbourn Dynamos
• Representative - Cambourne Eagles
• Representative - Cambourne United
• Representative - Comberton Crusaders
• Representative - Cherry Hinton Lions
• Representative - Milton Colts
• Representative - Gamlingay FC
• Representative - Shelford & Stapleford Strikers
• General secretary - Waterbeach Colts