Local Football Facility Plan Manchester

Manchester is in the North West region.

The current population of the Authority (ONS 2017 Mid-Year Estimate) is 545,501. This is expected to rise to 626,426 by 2039.

Manchester is ranked as the most deprived local authority in the North West region and nationally based on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (ONS).

Manchester's ethnic composition is primarily white (67%). This is significantly lower than the national average (85.4%).

The proportion of Manchester’s population represented by the BAME community is 33%. This is significantly above the national average (14.6%)

Local authority

The Manchester City Council Our Manchester Strategy 2016-2025 describes the vision that in 2025 Manchester will be in the top flight of world-class cities that is:

● Thriving and sustainable – with great jobs and the businesses to create them.

● Highly skilled – full of talent both home grown and from around the world.

● Progressive and equitable – a fair city where everyone has an equal chance to contribute and to benefit.

● Liveable and low carbon – a great place to live with a good quality of life: a clean, green and safe city.

● Connected - both physically, with world class transport, and digitally, with brilliant broadband.

This provides a framework for actions by the City Council and its partners working across Manchester public sector organisations, businesses, the voluntary sector and the City's communities.

The Authority Playing Pitch Strategy was adopted in 2017. This notes that the existing position across all pitch sports is either that demand is currently being met or there is a shortfall. As such, there is a current need to protect all existing playing pitch provision.

Manchester sits within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) which has produced a draft spatial framework. This has set a target of delivering 50,000 new houses across the sub-region by 2037. The Manchester Residential Pipeline Forecast (MRPF) estimates that over the next five years housing delivery will total 17,054 units.

County football association

Manchester is covered by the Manchester 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 Manchester United Foundation and City in the Community run a variety of health, education, engagement, football and sporting activities in the local area.

Local leisure operator

A new single governance vehicle for Sport and Leisure (Manchester Active) and a single operating contract (GLL) for the Council’s sport and leisure facilities has been implemented. Manchester Active was contracted on the 1st April 2019 for an initial ten year term, to implement the City's adopted Sport and Physical Activity Strategy. Manchester Active will also develop plans which underpin the Strategy while brokering and facilitating the relationships which will deliver it. Facilities run by this governance vehicle include the full size 3G FTPs at Ten Acres Lane and Belle Vue Sports Village. GLL meanwhile operates nine indoor leisure centre sites under its contract with the City Council.

Local consultation

This has taken place with a broad and diverse set of community groups in Manchester. 17 individuals (representing 14 local organisations) were spoken to. The agencies consulted include:

• City in the Community
• Manchester United Foundation
• Manchester Futsal 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. Manchester has a total of 902 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 Manchester, 13 clubs have more than 10 registered teams. These are (based upon 2018-19 affiliation data) :

• Abraham Moss Warriors
• Didsbury Juniors
• FC Bluestar
• Fletcher Moss Rangers
• Hough End Griffins Juniors
• Moston Juniors
• St Johns (Chorlton)
• West Gorton JFC
• Wythenshawe Celtic
• Benchill Celtic
• Moston Brook
• West Didsbury & Chorlton
• Wythenshawe Amateurs

Leagues

13 leagues operate in Manchester. They offer competitive opportunities for many different players, including youth and adults. While there is no specific league opportunity for women & girls and disability within Manchester, suitable provision is made in neighbouring Oldham, Trafford and Salford.

The largest of the local leagues servicing clubs and teams in the City (2018-19) include:

• East Manchester Junior Football League – 817 teams– central venue at multiple sites.
• Manchester Respect Football League – 212 teams– central venue at multiple sites.
• Cheshire & Manchester Sunday Football League – 24 teams– home and away.
• Manchester Amateur Sunday Football League – 23 teams– home and away.
• Manchester Saturday Morning Football League – 22 teams– home and away.

The County FA reports significant cross boundary migration to/from Manchester due to teams playing in the North & South Manchester Girls leagues (Oldham & Trafford), GM Ability Counts League in Salford and the Manchester Youth and Mini-soccer League in Oldham. In addition, there is significant inward migration from teams based in other Greater Manchester districts to play in the Manchester Respect Football League and East Manchester JFL.

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 Manchester there are 38 football teams / sessions specifically for people with a disability. It is a County FA priority 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. Manchester has eight FA Wildcats girls football centres and the priority is to grow this activity.

At 44, Manchester’s number of female teams is below local areas of a similar size. The County FA priority is to support existing clubs to grow and encourage more clubs to develop playing opportunities for females. The local girls’ leagues are the South Manchester and North Manchester Girls leagues in which matches are played on both a central venue and home/away basis. It is expected to grow its provision in future years. The local adult female league is the Greater Manchester Women’s League in which matches are played on a home and away basis. It too is expected to grow its provision in future years.

For talented players, the most local FA regional talent clubs (RTCs) are Manchester City and Manchester United located in Manchester and neighbouring Salford respectively. 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 teams are Manchester City and Manchester United both of which provide 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 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

• Ultim8
• GLL
• Powerleague (Central)
• Goals Soccer Centre (North)
• Manchester Futsal League
• University of Manchester
• Manchester Metropolitan University (Soccer Gods).

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.

Currently 17 futsal teams in Manchester play in the Manchester Futsal League at key site locations including Platt Lane Complex. It is a priority for the County FA to grow futsal for male and 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 are currently 11 FA Just Play centres in Manchester. Walking football sessions are delivered by a range of community organisation such as Manchester Community Walking Football Club and FC United. Walking football and Just Play are County FA priorities for further growth and development. Other local recreational football programmes include Man vs Fat, pro-club community scheme activity and casual bookings delivered by a range of organisations including Manchester City in the Community, MU Foundation and Footy Addicts.

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 Manchester is played particularly in the central and south parts of the local authority. Hough End Playing Fields, Platt Fields Park, Alexandra Park and Smedley Lane Playing Fields are key, heavily used site locations.

The key strengths of local football in Manchester include recreational and small-sided football (including SSE Wildcats and Just Play), the work of the City in the Community and MU Foundation across the Authority and the Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Manchester football hub sites. However, there are aspects of football provision in which provision does not match that in other local authorities of a similar size, these include disability football and youth to adult transition age groups (U18s and U21s).

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

1. Growth of youth and mini-soccer female teams (transition from and further growth of SSE Wildcats to affiliated football)
2. Further growth of disability football (outside of City in the Community)
3. Development of U18/U21 provision
4. Continue to grow Just Play and retain other recreational football provision
5. Retention of adult male football

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

Priority projects that progress to a funding application via the Football Foundation will produce detailed ‘site development plans’ specifying all football development activity, usage and key partner engagement.

This section reviews existing football facility assets in Manchester. 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 is reviewed applying a standard approach, supplemented by input from consultation with local partners and stakeholder organisations.

While investment priorities are 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 30 full-sized (11 v 11) 3G FTPs in Manchester, of which 12 are youth (100m x 60m) sized pitches - located at:

• Manchester University Armitage Centre (one 70m x 109m, one 130m x 80m)
• Belle Vue Sports Village - National Basketball Performance Centre (one x 60m x 97m, one 120m x 70m)
• Ten Acres Lane Sports Complex (103m x 65m)
• Manchester Metropolitan University - Platt Lane Sports Complex (100m x 60m)
• Chorlton High School (100m x 60m)
• Manchester Health Academy (105m x 70m)
• Manchester Academy (65m x 91m)
• Cedar Mount Academy (100m x 61m)
• St Pauls Catholic High School (100m x 62m)
• Manchester City Fc - Etihad Campus
• Co-Op Academy North Manchester (100m x 60m)
• Newall Green High School (100m x 60m)
• The Co-Operative Academy Of Manchester (100m x 40m)
• Wright Robinson Leisure (three 100m x 60m)
• Our Lady's Rc High School (100m x 56m)
• Manchester Enterprise Academy - South (100m x 60m)
• Manchester Enterprise Academy - Central
• St Matthews Roman Catholic High School (100m x 60m)
• The Manchester College (Nicholls Community Football Centre)
• Broadhurst Park Stadium (FC Utd) (104m x 70m)
• Manchester Communication Academy (one 100.5m x 67m, one 95m x 52m)
• Dean Trust Ardwick School (100m x 60m)

*NB MEA Central site is a 100m x 48m pitch.

There are also 54 small-sided 3G FTPs in Manchester of which seven are 60m x 40m sized. In addition to the sites listed below, MCC notes that it intends to refurbish Whalley Range Stadium and Active Lifestyle centre small sided football facilities to bring the sites back into use for the local community. Small-sided 3G FTPs are located at:

• Armitage Centre (4)
• Sugden Sports Centre
• Trinity Sports Centre (2)
• Manchester Metropolitan University; Platt Lane Sports Complex (2)
• Manchester Health Academy
• Cheetwood Primary School
• Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre (4)
• Benchill Community Centre
• Sporting Edge Community Sports Centre
• Manchester Tennis And Football Centre (3)
• Powerleague (Manchester Central) (12)
• Kd Grammar School For Boys
• Goals Soccer Centre (Manchester (8)
• Burnage Academy For Boys
• Levenshulme High School
• Manchester Enterprise Academy (5)
• The Barlow Roman Catholic High School
• Factory Youth Zone
• Stanley Grove Primary Academy
• Park View Community School
• Broughton Park FC

The Manchester PPS was updated in 2017 . It indicated that, based on a total of 780 affiliated teams there was no shortfall of full size 3G FTPs. FA 2018/19 affiliation data suggests that Manchester currently has 902 teams; based on the FA training ratio model 1:38 this equates to requirement for 24 full sized 3G FTPs. There is, thus, based upon this measure, no current shortfall of 3G FTPs. LFFP consultation however identified that the availability of midweek/winter training slots for clubs in south/central areas of the City is extremely limited, indicating that additional provision in this area of the City may be required.

19 3G FTPs are on the FA Register (meaning they are quality checked and can be used for football match play). It is strongly recommended that the remaining 11 (Armitage Centre, Belle Vue, Ten Acres, Manchester Academy, Cedar Mount Academy, St Pauls Catholic High School, Co-op Academy - both sites, Enterprise Academy) are assessed and placed on the Register to enable more match play on 3G.

With the exception of pitches at the Eithad stadium, all are available for community use.

The geographic spread of 3G FTP venues is relatively even. South/central areas (Withington /M60 corridor) are less well served however it should be born in mind that planned future new 3G FTP provision in Trafford may cater for a portion of the demand in this part of the city.

Nine pitches on school sites (Chorlton HS, Manchester Academy, Cedar Mount Academy, St Paul's RC High, Our Lady's RC High, The Manchester College, East Manchester Academy, Abraham Moss High School, Manchester Communications Academy (older and smaller pitch) were installed in the period 2005-10. These are likely to need to be resurfaced within the life of the LFFP. Additionally, Manchester College intend to vacate its Nicholls Rd Campus and relocate to a site in Audenshaw. The future of its current site should, thus, be considered. Further site investigation and consultation with regard to current sinking fund provision will be required in respect of the facilities at all of the above school sites in order to determine eligibility and priorities in respect of funding via the LFFP.

In Manchester, school sites are not considered to be protected sites for community use and the Council reports the risk that school facilities could close for community use at anytime unless a binding community use agreement is in place between the school and the City Planning Authority. It is the intention of the Council that all future school developments will be subject to such agreements and related sports development plans secured by planning condition.

Five priority projects are identified. In respect of full size 3G FTPs, one new build and three refurbishments of existing school based pitches are proposed. Hough End Playing Fields has been identified for development of a new strategic football hub site. It has the potential to address the identified shortfall in training demand in south / central areas of the City and provide a central venue to cater for junior matchplay demand.

It should be noted that Heaton Park, which is, technically part of the Manchester City Council area is also a potential site for a 3G FTP hub facility. This site, whilst subject to further feasibility work could be capable of serving an area of neighbouring local authorities including Rochdale (Middleton) and Bury (Prestwich) which has an identified shortfall in provision. This could be brought forward in a future iteration of the Manchester LFFP.

Following consultation in respect of small sided 3G pitches , and in addition to those sites identified above by MCC it is identified that one facility, at Woodhouse Lifestyle Centre is need of refurbishment.

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 17 grass pitch sites in Manchester with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three pitches but deemed to be of strategic importance). These contain 111 grass pitches. Of the 17 sites, three are considered to have good quality pitches, eight are of standard quality and six of poor quality. Local consultation confirms common issues with poor quality and it is recommended that this is addressed.

15 pitch sites have been prioritised for improvements. This will result in quality improvements to 58 pitches:

Fifteen priority projects for potential investment have been identified. Pitch quality rating was evidenced by PPS and ratified by local partners. Prioritisation was based on a rationale of selecting sites in the poorest condition and with strategic focus to improve local authority / club 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 17 key grass pitch sites in Manchester with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three but deemed to be of strategic importance) nine have suitable changing rooms, six require improvement/replacement and two have no facilities and require new changing rooms.

Eight priority projects for potential investment are identified:

Good facilities are important to all small sided football players, but it is important to understand the different formats of the small-sided game and the various facility types they relate to.

Research suggests that small-sided players in teams and leagues, and in recreational sessions, prefer a 3G surface type because it replicates a good standard natural turf pitch. These facilities have already been covered in the 3G FTP section of this LFFP.

Indoor environments currently accommodate 20% of football participation and are also popular with players in teams and leagues and recreational sessions . Indoor sports halls are most popular, along with some community halls and indoor 3G centres. Environments need to be engaging, have clear line-marking and the correct size goalposts.

Informal players require facilities that are open and free to access as this enables play opportunities that are often spontaneous. In these circumstances multi-use games areas (MUGAs) can be effective in areas of high urban population and limited green space. Such facilities can be modern, bright, creative and engaging. While this plan will identify suitable locations for such facilities, the design and specifics of the facility type can be agreed at a later stage with Football Foundation staff when projects are ready to progress to pre-application stage.

Parks and open green spaces are also important to informal play and require goalposts and zones that are free from litter and dog fouling.

Local consultation indicates that, at present, one indoor facility, the Mellands Centre (which is currently closed due to its poor condition) requires improvement to develop small sided football.

It should be noted that the National Futsal League club - Manchester Futsal Club is growing and operating across a number of venues in the City including Belle Vue Sports Village and the National Cycle Centre. In addition, futsal activity in the Manchester Futsal league has been impacted by the closure / remodelling of the Trafford Soccerdome .

In view of the above there is potential need for additional dedicated futsal space in the City. Future versions of the LFFP should be updated to reflect this.

Local consultation reveals that 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 / good connectivity to existing services / relatively high proportion of people from lower socioeconomic groups and corresponding high local demand for informal football. In partnership with CITC, The FF and Sport England, the Council is now seeking to progress a number of innovative small sided football facilities. Insight from this work should be used to inform future versions of the LFFP.

Manchester City Council launched its Parks Strategy in 2017. It recognises the City's 143 parks and open spaces and the huge contribution they make to encouraging healthier lifestyles as community focal points, or even destinations in their own right. A component part of this strategy is a new park investment strategy which will be informed by individual park plans. This work is in development and will inform investment priorities for sport activity in parks for the next 5 years.

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:

• Principal Policy Officer - Manchester City Council
• Sport Specialist - (School Sport & Capital lead) - Manchester City Council
• Business Development Specialist, Capital projects - Manchester City Council
• Football Development Officer - Manchester FA
• CEO, Manchester United Foundation
• Football Partnerships Manager - CITC
• Manchester Partnership Manager - Leisure GLL North
• Representative - Fletcher Moss Rangers
• Representative - Hough End Griffins Juniors
• Representative - Moston Juniors
• Representative - St Johns (Chorlton)
• Representative - West Gorton JFC
• Representative - Moston Brook (Lancs)
• Representative -West Didsbury & Chorlton
• Representative - Manchester Futsal Club
• Representative - Wythenshawe amateurs
• Representative - Wythenshaw Forum