Local Football Facility Plan Hackney

Hackney is located in the Greater London region. The current population of the Authority (ONS 2016 Mid-Year Estimate) is 273,526. This is expected to rise to 341,803 by 2039.

Hackney’s ethnic composition is primarily white (54.7%) and the proportion is significantly lower than the national average (85.4%).

The proportion of Hackney’s population represented by the BAME community is 45.3%. This is significantly above the national average (14.6%).

Hackney is a relative young borough; just under 25% of its population is under 20 years of age. The proportion of residents between 20-29 years old has also grown in the last ten years and now stands at just under 20% of the population. People aged over 55 make up just over 14% of the population.

Hackney is a highly deprived area according to the Indicies of Multiple Deprivation. It is ranked as the most deprived of the 33 London Boroughs and the second most deprived of all 326 English local authority areas.

Local authority

Hackney Council’s proposed Local Plan (2016-2033) includes the aspiration to ensure that Hackney "is a place where everyone has had the opportunity to benefit from the growth of the Borough has seen and no sections of the community feel left behind". The Plan highlights that "sustainability and quality of life" is at the heart of urban design in the Borough. This extends to tackling "institutional barriers to create healthy and safe streets and neighbourhoods, which are pedestrian - and cyclist-friendly and ensure fair and easy access to green spaces".

The Authority is currently in the process of updating its playing pitch strategy.

County football association

Hackney is covered by the London 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). Arsenal in the Community runs a variety of health, education, engagement, football and sporting activities within the local area.

Local leisure operator

GLL is the key leisure operator in Hackney. It currently operates nine key sites including the key grass pitch site; Hackney Marshes. GLL manages the two full-sized (11v11) 3G FTPs at Mabley Green; this is used extensively for affiliated training and match play as well as accommodating significant recreational usage. In addition, GLL manages Gainsborough Playing Fields where the facilities include a 9v9 Polymeric pitch and a 5v5 3G FTP.

Local consultation

This has taken place with a broad and diverse set of community groups in Hackney. 23 individuals (representing 17 local organisations) were spoken to. Agencies consulted include:

• Hackney Council
• Hackney Wick FC
• Hackney & Leyton Football League
• AFC Stoke Newington
• The Pedro Club

(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. Hackney has a total of 238* teams, which is higher than local areas of a similar size. (*This figure includes 23 teams from the Amateur Football Alliance (AFA).

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 Hackney, two clubs have more than ten registered teams. The largest of these (based upon 2017-18 affiliation data) are:

• Los Campos Youth - 10 teams
• Impact FC - 10 teams

Five leagues operate in Hackney. They offer competitive opportunities for many different players, including youth and adult males. While there are no specific league opportunities for people with a disability in the Authority, suitable provision ia made via the North London Special League for disability football. Females can participate in the recreational leagues, however there is a lack of provision for women and girls in the Borough.

Hackney's largest local leagues (2017-18) include:

• Hackney Marshes Saturday Youth League - 126 teams that play at central venue sites (Hackney Marshes and Mabley Green).
• Hackney & Leyton Football League - 58 teams that play at Hackney Marshes.
• Camden Youth League - 16 teams, games are played home & away and at Hackney Marshes.

The County FA reports significant cross boundary migration into and out of Hackney due to teams playing in the Camden and Islington Youth League, East London and Essex League, Hackney Marshes Saturday Youth League and Hackney & Leyton Football League.

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 Hackney there is one disability football teams, there are sessions specifically organised by a range of clubs 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. Hackney has two FA Wildcats girls football centres and the priority is to grow this activity.

At 12, Hackney’s number of female teams is comparable to Borough's across the capital. 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; its matches are played on a home and away basis. It expects to grow its provision in future years. The local adult female league is the Greater London Women's League; its matches are also played on a home and away basis. It too expects to grow its provision in future years.

For talented players, the most local FA Regional Talent Club (RTC) is Arsenal, located in Shenley, Hertfordshire. Higher level talent pathway opportunities are also provided regionally and nationally by the FA, culminating in the England Women’s national squads. The most local Women’s Super League team is Arsenal which provides player pathway opportunities for gifted and talented female players and a spectator interest for fans.

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:

• GLL - Borough wide provision
• Powerleague - Shoreditch
• Super 5 League Men's and Women's - Mabley Green

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 two futsal teams in Hackney. They play in the University of East London League at key site locations including Jubilee School and the Copper Box Arena. It is a priority for the County FA to grow Futsal for male, female youth and adult players. At the time of writing there were no clear futsal investment opportunities, this should be reviewed on a annual basis.

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 no FA Just Play Centres in Hackney. Walking football sessions are delivered by a range of community organisation such as GLL. Walking football and Just Play are formats that the County FA has prioritised for further growth and development. Other local recreational football programmes are delivered by Arsenal in the Community.

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 Hackney is played all across the Borough. Haggerston Park, London Fields, and Hackney Downs are key heavily used site locations.

The key strengths of local football in Hackney include youth, adult male and recreational provision and it is recommend that this is sustained and also encouraged to grow further. However, there are aspects of provision that are lower than local authorities of a similar size, these include disability and female provision. It is therefore recommended that the future football development priorities for Hackney are:

1. Adult female provision, including recreational provision
2. Youth female
3. Disability

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 Hackney. 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:

1. 3G FTPs
2. Improved grass pitches
3. Changing room pavilions / clubhouses
4. 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.

The national ‘Mini Pitch’ programme delivers small 3G FTPs at primary school sites to provide a high quality introduction to football and get children more physically active. While mini pitches are reviewed in this section, they are not included in the demand and supply analysis for 3G FTPs.

FA data states that there are currently three full-sized (11v11) and 18 small sided 3G FTPs in Hackney. This is a shortfall of ten full size FTPs relative to assessed demand. The shortfall has been calculated using FA 3G demand modelling, which in Hackney identifies that the demand for recreational football is higher than affiliated demand.

Existing 3G FTPs in Hackney include:

• Mabley Green (x2 11v11)
• Haggerston Park (11v11)
• Haggerston School (7v7)
• Petchey Academy (7v7)
• Powerleague Shoreditch (5v5)
• Gainsborough Playing Fields (5v5)
• Stoke Newington School (7v7)
• The City Academy (7v7)

There is also one small-sided 3G FTP centre in Hackney:

• Powerleague Shoreditch (x13 5v5)

The following site is already under development:

• Brittania Leisure Centre: The centre is due to be rebuilt and is expected to open in 2021. As part of the proposal two 5v5 3G FTPs are to be installed on the roof of the new building.

Eight of the existing 3G pitches are available for community use. Those at Lucozade Power League (Docklands & London City) are primarily used for commercial pay & play, however they are still included in the local supply and demand stock as they service recreational demand. The two pitches at Mabley Green are on the FA Register for 3G FTPs (meaning they are quality checked and can be used for football match play). It is strongly recommend that, as appropriate, remaining pitches are assessed and placed on the Register to enable more match play on 3G.

The geographic spread of existing facilities is uneven; there are provision gaps in the north of the Borough despite high levels of population, significant planned regeneration & housing growth and high levels of deprivation; it is recommended that these are addressed. Within Hackney, space for new facilities is limited, therefore an approach of developing predominantly small sided (rather than full sized) 3G pitches has been adopted to help alleviate the borough-wide shortfall.

Local consultation reveals common issues with low availability and lack of match play on 3G. It is recommended that these are addressed.

Seven priority projects for potential investment have been identified; one 9V9, one 7v7 (resurface existing 3G FTP) and five 5v5 3G FTPs. Undersupply was calculated using the FA 3G FTP demand and supply model. Whilst the seven proposals do not meet the identified shortfall for full-sized FTPs based on recreational demand, it is recommended that future iterations of the plan address this when additional land / development opportunities become available. Sites were selected based on a rationale which includes good access, high population, geographic spread, the quality of existing facilities, high levels of deprivation and their ability to cater for a 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, thre 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.

Pitch finder indicates that there are currently three grass pitch sites in Hackney with three or more full-size pitch equivalents containing 100 grass pitches. It should be noted that Hackney Marshes accounts for the overwhelming majority (91 full size equivalents) of these pitches and is the largest and most strategically significant grass pitch site in London. It should be noted that in recent years the Football Foundation along with Hackney Council have invested a significant amount into the site, with the focus being on grass pitch improvement works and investment into a new changing pavilion on the North Marsh.

Local consultation shows common issues with low availability and it is recommended that this addressed.

Two priority projects for potential investment have been identified. Each has three or more full-size pitch equivalents. Hackney Marshes as a strategically important site, caters for affiliated demand not just for Hackney based teams but for teams across East London. Whilst its grass pitches are currently considered to be in a suitable condition it is imperative for affiliated football in London that this site is retained at a high quality and that required pitch improvement is identified in the Borough's PPS action plan. Site prioritisation was informed by local partners based upon the rationale to select sites that are well utilised and of strategic importance to the Local Authority:

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 three key sites with three or more full-size pitch equivalents in Hackney, two have suitable changing room pavilions/clubhouses and one has facilities that need improvement/replacement.

One priority project for potential investment has been 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 no indoor facilities presently require improvement to develop small-sided football.

Sport England recreational football mapping suggests that in Hackney, there are ‘hotspot’ areas in terms of recreational football demand in the east of the local area. These correspond with the location of projects 11 & 14 (see full detail below) which are identified as possible refurbishment options for small sided football.

12 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 limited green space, high levels of deprivation, high levels of lower social economic groups and corresponding high local demand for informal football. The design and specifics of the facility type/design will be determined during the application phase:

Following local consultation, no locations were identified to support small-sided informal football.

• Business Manager - Cardinal Pole Catholic School
• Centre Manager (Hackney Marshes) - GLL
• Chairman – Sporting Hackney FC
• Community Development Officer - Arsenal in the Community
• Community Sports Manager - GLL
• Director- Badu Sports
• Fixtures/referee's Secretary - Hackney & Leyton Football League
• Football Development Officer - Hackney Council
• Football Development Officer - London Football Association
• Founder - Hackney Wick FC
• Founder - The Pedro Youth Club
• Head of Delivery - London Football Association
• Head of Health & Wellbeing - Leyton Orient FC
• Head of Leisure & green spaces - Hackney Council
• Head of PE - Cardinal Pole Catholic School
• Head of PE - Stoke Newington School
• Health & Wellbeing Lead - Metropolitan Thames Valley
• Leisure & Physical Activity Development Manager - Hackney Council
• Manager - AFC Stoke Newington
• PE Co-ordinator - Princess May Primary School
• Relationship Manager – London Sport
• Secretary - Hackney Marshes Saturday Youth League
• Social Prescribing Lead - Family Action

Survey responses were received from the following affiliated clubs:

• Hackney Wick FC
• Sporting Hackney FC