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Local Football Facility Plan Mid Sussex

Full report

Introduction

01

This is the Local Football Facility Plan (LFFP) for Mid Sussex. It was prepared by Knight, Kavanagh and Page (KKP) with support from local partners, including:

  • Mid Sussex District Council
  • Sussex County Football Association
  • Football Foundation
  • Sport England
  • Active Sussex
  • Crawley Town Community Foundation

What is the goal?

Every local area in the Country will have a LFFP to enable investment in football facilities to be accurately targeted.

Who is behind this?

The Football Association, the Premier League and Sport England (on behalf of Government). This partnership finances the National Football Facility Strategy (NFFS) and commissions the Football Foundation to deliver it.

What is the purpose of this plan?

The national funding partners have significantly increased investment to accelerate efforts to deliver more and better football facilities for the grassroots game. The purpose of this plan is to identify the priority projects for potential investment in Mid Sussex.

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Why invest in football facilities?

As the nation’s most popular team sport, football has the power to contribute positively to vital social outcomes and health priorities. To maximise this power, facilities have to be welcoming environments to attract first-time users and repeat visits, whether for informal, recreational or competitive football.

Research clearly and continually demonstrates the positive impact high-quality football facilities, in the right locations, can have on participation and enjoyment. Latent demand exists, but facility quantity and quality has to ‘step up’ if football is to reach out to everyone.

How are we going to do it?

£1.3billion has been spent by football and Government since 2000 to enhance existing football facilities and build new ones. However, more is needed if football and Government’s shared objectives for participation, individual well-being and community cohesion are to be achieved.

Nationally, direct investment will be increased – initially to £69 million per annum from football and Government (a 15% increase on recent years). Locally, the work has already started* - this LFFP will guide the allocation of 90% of national funds and forge stronger partnerships with local stakeholders to develop key sites. This, together with local match-funding will deliver over one billion pounds of investment into football facilities over the next 10-years.

What are the priorities for investment?

This LFFP, with guidance from local partners, has developed a list of high level projects for potential investment. Each is aligned to the investment priorities set out in the National Football Facilities Strategy, which include:

  • 1,000 new 3G football turf pitches (FTPs): in a mix of sizes and settings, dependent upon local needs. All aimed at enhancing the quality of the playing experience.
  • 20,000 improved natural-turf pitches: to help address drop-off due to a poor playing experience.
  • 1,000 new changing pavilions / clubhouses: all linked to priority sites.
  • Small-sided facilities: to grow the small-sided game for teams & leagues, recreational and informal play.

What outcomes will be achieved?

The priority projects for potential investment identified in this plan will help develop a sustainable network of quality facilities to drive participation across all parts of the game. Central to this are five key success factors: quality, inclusivity, sustainability, engagement and usage. Each identified project takes account of these factors.

How should this plan be used?

This LFFP will, in effect, be the go-to document for football facility investment in Mid Sussex. Whilst it identifies priority projects for potential investment, it does not guarantee the success of future funding applications. Each project must still follow an application process to show how it will deliver key participation outcomes, become a quality & sustainable facility and demonstrate suitable match-funding. When a project is in a position to proceed, the Football Foundation will determine a suitable timeframe to submit a grant application and pre-application support will be provided by Sussex County FA and the Football Foundation.

Set a 10-Year vision to transform local football facilities
Identify priority projects to be delivered
Act as an investment portfolio for projects that require funding
Be updated up on a regular basis

How should this plan NOT be used?

A LFFP is an investment portfolio of priority projects for potential investment - it is not a detailed demand and supply analysis of all pitch provision in a local area. It cannot be used as a replacement for a playing pitch strategy (PPS) and it will not be accepted as an evidence base for site change of use or disposal.

A LFFP will however build on available/existing local evidence and strategic plans and may adopt relevant actions from a PPS and / or complement these with additional investment priorities.

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Mid Sussex

02

Local area

Mid Sussex is located in the South East region. The current population of the Authority (ONS 2017 Mid-Year Estimate) is 148,345. This is expected to rise to 172,100 by 2039.

The ethnic composition of Mid Sussex is primarily white (95.11%). This is considerably higher than the national average (85.4%).

The proportion of Mid Sussex's population represented by the BAME community is 4.89%. This is well below the national average (14.6%).

Demographics

  • 148,345 Current population (2017)
  • 172,100 Projected population (2039)
  • 62nd most deprived out of 67 local authorities in the region
  • 321st most deprived out of 326 local authorities in England

Ethnicity data

  • Asian (2.69%)
  • Black (0.56%)
  • Mixed (1.41%)
  • Other (0.23%)
  • White (95.11%)
21%
23%
26%

% of people that are inactive

  • Mid Sussex
  • Region
  • England

ONS data and Sport England Active lives survey 2016/17

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Local partners

Local authority

The local authority is in the process of developing a new playing pitch strategy (PPS). This will replace its previous PPS, which was adopted in 2006. The emerging strategy is currently at Stage B of the process.

The Mid Sussex District Plan (2014 – 2031) sets out a vision for it to be ‘a thriving and attractive District, a desirable place to live, work and visit'. It states an aim to maintain, and where possible improve, the social, economic and environmental well-being of the District and the quality of life for all, both now and in the future.

The above vision is underpinned by the following four priority themes that promote the development of sustainable communities:

  • Protecting and enhancing the environment.
  • Promoting economic vitality.
  • Ensuring cohesive and safe communities; and,
  • Supporting healthy lifestyles.

One of the strategic objectives of the supporting healthy lifestyles theme is to create places that encourage a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle via provision of first class cultural and sporting facilities, informal leisure space and the opportunity to walk, cycle or ride to common destinations.

The Authority's Leisure and Cultural Strategy (2009 - 2020) has the stated aim to increase the participation in arts and culture, sport and physical activity of those living and working in the District by:

  • Ensuring that leisure is integral to the lives of individuals and communities.
  • Making people fully aware of the health and well-being benefits of participating in regular leisure activity.
  • Helping to achieve wider policy objectives in the areas of crime reduction, education, social inclusion and economic development.

Within this, the Council's vision for leisure is ‘to improve the health and well being of local residents by raising levels of awareness of the benefits of participating in arts, culture, physical activity and sports, increasing opportunities for residents to take part in these activities, developing the local infrastructure and strengthening local partnerships'. The four strategic aims to enable the delivery of this are:

  • Widening access.
  • Improving and strengthening local partnerships.
  • Providing facilities and services.
  • Raising the profile of Culture and Physical activity opportunities.

County football association

Mid Sussex is covered by the Sussex 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.

Football Foundation Investment

4 Total grants
  • £875,267 Total project cost
  • £340,795 Total grant value
  • 3 Sites improved
  • 1 New 3G FTPs
  • 1 Changing rooms / pavilions
  • 5 Grass pitches improved

See Football foundation website for more info (http://www.footballfoundation.org.uk/impact/where-our-money-goes)

Grant data above represents Football Foundation investment during the period 2000–2018.

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 offer a variety of programmes and services to support local communities (sporting and non-sporting). The Crawley Town Community Foundation is currently active across a number of areas in Sussex, running a variety of health, education, engagement, football and sporting activities. It has aspirations to become more active in Mid Sussex, with the aim of developing a site in the District.

Local leisure operator

Places Leisure is the key leisure operator in Mid Sussex. It currently runs three key sites including sports centres and one full size sand based AGP.

The Local Authority currently provides 80% of all grass pitch provision within the District.

Local consultation

This has taken place with a broad and diverse set of community groups in Mid Sussex. 22 individuals (representing 18 local organisations) were spoken to. Agencies consulted include:

  • Mid Sussex District Council
  • Crawley Town Community Foundation
  • Mid Sussex Football League
  • Sussex County Women & Girls League
  • Mid Sussex Youth & Minor League
  • Burgess Hill Town Council
  • East Grinstead Town Council

(See Appendix B for full list of consultees)

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Local football

Clubs

There are over 91,000 community football teams in England, spread over an expansive network of clubs and leagues. Mid Sussex has total of 264 teams,; this is comparable to 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 ten years there has been a significant national increase in the number of large multi-team football clubs. In Mid Sussex, seven clubs have more than ten registered teams. These (based upon 2018-19 affiliation data) are:

  • Ashurst Wood Junior FC - 15 teams
  • Crawley Down Gatwick Youth FC - 17 teams
  • Cuckfield Cosmos United FC - 10 teams
  • East Grinstead Meads FC - 24 teams
  • Hassocks Juniors FC - 19 teams
  • Hurstpierpoint Colts FC - 12 teams
  • Lindfield Juniors FC - 18 teams

Affiliated Teams

264 Teams
  • 66 Adult male teams
  • 2 Adult female teams
  • 109 Youth male teams
  • 8 Youth female teams
  • 3 Disability teams
  • 76 Mini-soccer teams

FA affiliation data - season 2018-19

Leagues

Eight leagues have coverage in Mid Sussex. They offer competitive opportunities for many different players, including women and girls, youth, disability and adults.

The largest local leagues in Mid Sussex (2018-19) include:

  • Mid Sussex Youth & Minor Football League – 182 teams – home and away
  • Mid Sussex Football League – 137 teams – home and away

The County FA reports some cross boundary migration to / from Mid Sussex primarily due to the fact that leagues cover more than one area.

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 Mid Sussex there are five football teams / sessions specifically for people with a disability. It is a priority of the County FA to grow this provision. For talented players the FA runs regional centres and England national squads.

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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. Mid Sussex has no FA Wildcats girls football centres so the priority is to initiate and grow this activity.

At ten, Mid Sussex’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 Sussex County Women & Girls Football League. Its matches are played on a home and away basis and it is expected to grow its provision in future years. The local adult female league is also the Sussex County Women & Girls Football League.

For talented players, the most local FA Regional Talent Club (RTC) is Brighton & Hove Albion Women FC, located in Adur. 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 also Brighton & Hove Albion Women FC which provides player pathway opportunities for gifted and talented female players and a spectator interest for fans.

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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.

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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

  • FirmBalls - Unaffiliated
  • Power Play – East Grinstead Sport Club
  • Soccer Sixes – The Triangle, Oathall College and East Grinstead Sport Club

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 Futsal is available across the country.

Although there are currently no futsal teams in Mid Sussex, The Mid Sussex Youth & Minor Football League, Sussex County Women & Girls League and Mid Sussex Active are running youth Futsal tournaments at the Triangle Leisure Centre and at the K2 in neighbouring Crawley. Teams are invited to participate through the winter months when their outdoor fixtures are suspended. It is a priority for the County FA to grow Futsal for youth players further.

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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 Mid Sussex. Just Play and walking football are areas that the County FA has prioritised for further growth and development.

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 Mid Sussex is played particularly in the north, south and south west of the District. East Court Recreation Ground, Court Bushes Recreation Ground and Bolney Recreation Ground are key heavily used site locations.

Summary

The key strengths of local football in Mid Sussex include youth and its fledgling Futsal provision. It is recommended that this is sustained and also encouraged to grow further. However, there are aspects of football provision that are less well developed than that in local authorities of a similar size.

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

  1. Introduce Walking Football
  2. Grow Female Football
  3. Grow Youth Futsal
  4. Introduce FA Mars Just Play

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

In addition, 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.

Assets and opportunities

03

This section reviews existing football facility assets in Mid Sussex. 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.

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3G football turf pitches (FTPs)

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Improved grass pitches

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Changing room pavilions/ clubhouses

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Small-sided facilities

3G football turf pitches (FTPs)

04

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.

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Assets and opportunities

FA data states that there are currently five full-sized (11v11) 3G FTPs in Mid Sussex. Although this is an undersupply of two when using the FA 3G FTP demand and supply model, there is considered to be scope for a further full-sized 3G FTP to be provided when accounting for potential future demand through housing growth.

Existing full-sized 3G FTPs in Mid Sussex are located at:

  • Warden Park Academy
  • Oathall Community College
  • Hassocks Sports Centre/Downlands Community College
  • East Grinstead Sports Club
  • Burgess Hill Academy

All five of the full-sized pitches are available for community use and 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 FTPs developed in the future are on the register to enable more match play on 3G.

The geographic spread of existing facilities is uneven; the majority are located in the centre of the local area. There is also provision in the north and south east of the District. The main facilities / provision gap is in the west of the Authority and there is a need for additional provision in high demand areas including the north of the local area. It is recommended that these are addressed.

Local consultation reveals common issues with the costs of hiring existing provision and limited availability; it is recommended that these are addressed.

5 Current 3G FTPs
3 More 3G FTPs required
1 More small-sided 3G FTPs required

Priority projects

Four priority projects for potential investment have been identified (three full size and one small size 3G FTP). Whilst three full-sized 3G FTP projects are proposed in this plan, the FA training demand model (based on affiliated teams) identifies a present requirement for only two. Therefore, in the short-term, just two of the projects need to be delivered. This being said, potential future demand is considered to warrant development of a third 3G FTP and the project at Northern Arc may be the one best positioned to accommodate this - given that its development is likely to be a few years down the line.

There is also a need to consider the potential of a full size 3G FTP being developed in Worth (Copthorne), which sits in the neighbouring authority of Tandridge, Surrey, despite catering for residents of Mid Sussex. This will be considered as part of the LFFP for Tandridge District.

The small sided 3G FTP proposed would accommodate recreational demand in an area with high economic units and residential dwellings.

Sites were selected based upon a rationale of good access, serving a substantial local population and acheiving an equitable geographic spread.

1

Northern Arc

Location

Location details: Burgess Hill - new development near Cuckfield Road

Facilities
  • New Indoor Football Facility (1)
  • New Changing Pavilion (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (1)
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: currently no users due to not having been developed; however, this site would likely be used by a wide range of football participants across a number of formats of football.

Rationale: a future development that will have potential to provide a 3G FTP as well as grass pitches (exact number and configuration unknown) and Futsal provision. Futsal provision can support high demand from Mid Sussex Youth & Minor League, Sussex County Women's & Girl's League and School Games (Mid Sussex Active). Will also have ancillary provision with wider community use - a centre for community sport. Football Foundation have fed into Sport England regarding need for 3G at this site.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Disability; Mini-soccer; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

2

Pease Pottage

Location

Location details: Pease Pottage - land off The Hemsleys Road

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (1)
  • New Changing Pavilion (1)
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.2/4

Overall score

70% (8.4/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: currently no users due to not having been developed; however, this site would likely be used by a wide range of football participants across a number of formats of football.

Rationale: Crawley Town Foundation aspires to better facilitate to deliver its current range of health, education, engagement, football and sporting activities in the local area through the creation of a dedicated centre to base itself from. The project would enable the Foundation to operate activity throughout the authority.

This project should be considered against a 3G FTP proposal at Holy Trinty C of E School (Crawley LFFP). Both proposed projects are to facilitate the growth of Crawley Community Foundation (as well as wider community access). The organisation requires one site to facilitate this growth.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Disability; IMD / lower social economic groups; Mini-soccer; Pro-club; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

3

Victoria Business Park

Location

Location details: Victoria Business Park - Burgess Hill

Facilities
  • New 5v5 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Not known

Deliverability score

Low (1/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.4/4

Overall score

31% (3.7/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: currently no users due to not having been developed; however, this site would likely be used by a wide range of football participants.

Rationale: Opportunity to provide a small sided 3G FTP for recreational play. Located within an area with both residential and commercial units. Potential for this to be operated via phone application or online booking system.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Small-sided recreational

12

Imberhorne Upper School

Location

IMBERHORNE UPPER SCHOOL Imberhorne Lane, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1QY

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (6)
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Education

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

67% (8.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: six full size pitch equivalents with some ancillary facilities in school building.

Current users: currently accessed by five teams from East Grinstead Meads FC, including girls' teams. Site also used for School Games tournaments.

Rationale: site has potential for 3G FTP due to high football activity in the area (49 teams in total) including two large junior clubs (Ashurst Wood Junior FC and East Grinstead Meads FC). This site is also used by Mid Sussex Active for running School Games. As part of this, improvement to grass pitches on upper school site (six full size pitch equivalents) and lower school site (one full size pitch equivalent) could be supported. This project needs to be considered in line with the East Grinstead Sports Field (Dave's Lane) Project.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Mini-soccer; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

A project's overall score provides an indication of its potential outcomes and deliverability only (weighted twice as much towards the outcomes score). It does not impact the likelihood or level of any potential investment.

Current and proposed 3G FTPs

Pitchfinder

Improved grass pitches

05

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, many 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.

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Assets and opportunities

PitchFinder data indicates that there are currently 19 grass pitch sites in Mid Sussex with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with less than 3 pitches but of strategic importance determined by the steering group), containing 81 grass pitches. There are also three new additional sites which will require pitch improvements.

Of the 19 key pitch sites referenced above the steering group agreed that 11 of these should be prioritised for improvements, totalling 26 pitches.

All pitches at the key sites noted are considered to be of standard quality. Local consultation shows common issues with lower quality pitches, which is likely attributed to the make up of the soil in the area. It is recommended that this is addressed.

19 Key grass pitch sites
11 Sites prioritised for improvement
26 Full-sized pitch equivalents at these sites

Priority projects

Eleven priority projects for potential investment have been identified. Each has three or more full-size pitch equivalents of standard quality, or has been identified as a locally strategically important site for affiliated football. Pitch quality rating was evidenced by PPS data and ratified by the steering group.

Although there is a substantial number of grass pitch sites in Mid Sussex, local partners prioritised 11 - containing 26 full-size pitch equivalents. This process was informed by local partners based upon a rationale of selecting sites in the poorest condition, with the most pitches, that are of strategic significance and that were, or have the potential to be, best-utilised.

1

Northern Arc

Location

Location details: Burgess Hill - new development near Cuckfield Road

Facilities
  • New Indoor Football Facility (1)
  • New Changing Pavilion (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (1)
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: currently no users due to not having been developed; however, this site would likely be used by a wide range of football participants across a number of formats of football.

Rationale: a future development that will have potential to provide a 3G FTP as well as grass pitches (exact number and configuration unknown) and Futsal provision. Futsal provision can support high demand from Mid Sussex Youth & Minor League, Sussex County Women's & Girl's League and School Games (Mid Sussex Active). Will also have ancillary provision with wider community use - a centre for community sport. Football Foundation have fed into Sport England regarding need for 3G at this site.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Disability; Mini-soccer; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

2

Pease Pottage

Location

Location details: Pease Pottage - land off The Hemsleys Road

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (1)
  • New Changing Pavilion (1)
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.2/4

Overall score

70% (8.4/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: currently no users due to not having been developed; however, this site would likely be used by a wide range of football participants across a number of formats of football.

Rationale: Crawley Town Foundation aspires to better facilitate to deliver its current range of health, education, engagement, football and sporting activities in the local area through the creation of a dedicated centre to base itself from. The project would enable the Foundation to operate activity throughout the authority.

This project should be considered against a 3G FTP proposal at Holy Trinty C of E School (Crawley LFFP). Both proposed projects are to facilitate the growth of Crawley Community Foundation (as well as wider community access). The organisation requires one site to facilitate this growth.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Disability; IMD / lower social economic groups; Mini-soccer; Pro-club; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

4

Hickmans Lane (Lindfield)

Location

HICKMANS LANE THE PAVILION HICKMANS LANE, LINDFIELD, HAYWARDS HEATH, West Sussex, RH16 2PX

Facilities
  • Refurbish Changing Pavilion (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (3)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.1/4

Overall score

51% (6.1/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: three full size pitch equivalents and a pavilion.

Current users: currently accessed by eight teams, including a girls team from Lindfield Juniors FC.

Rationale: a site with three full size pitch equivalents, which requires improvement to pitch quality. A reasonable amount of affiliated football demand, including girls participation. Pavilion on site also needs refurbishment to provide better changing facilities and area for nursery which uses the building all year round.

Project Focus

Mini-soccer; Youth female; Youth male

5

Whitemans Green (Cuckfield)

Location

WHITEMANS GREEN - CUCKFIELD 5 LEYTON LEA, CUCKFIELD, HAYWARDS HEATH, West Sussex, RH17 5AT

Facilities
  • Refurbish Changing Pavilion (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (4)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.5/4

Overall score

59% (7.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: four full size pitch equivalents and a pavilion.

Current users: currently accessed by 33 teams from Cuckfield Cosmos Athletic, Cuckfield Cosmos Girls, Cuckfield Cosmos Rovers, Cuckfield Cosmos, Cuckfield Cosmos United, Cuckfield Rangers (Step 7 club) and Sporting Lindfield (Step 7 club) football clubs.

Rationale: a site with four full size pitch equivalents that requires pitch improvement. Local Authority identifies this as its busiest site. The Pavilion on site also requires improvement.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Mini-soccer; Youth female; Youth male

6

Haven Field (Crawley Down)

Location

HAVEN FIELD HOPHURST LANE, CRAWLEY DOWN, CRAWLEY, West Sussex, RH10 4LJ

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (3)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.3/4

Overall score

55% (6.6/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: four full size pitch equivalents and ancillary provision.

Current users: currently accessed by 13 teams from Crawley Down Gatwick Youth FC and Crawley Down Gatwick FC (Step 5 club).

Rationale: A site with three full size pitch equivalents that requires pitch improvement and has high affiliated demand.

Project Focus

Adult male; Mini-soccer; Youth female; Youth male

7

Imberhorne Lane Recreation Ground (East Grinstead)

Location

IMBERHORNE LANE RECREATION GROUND 30 HALSFORD GREEN, EAST GRINSTEAD, West Sussex, RH19 1PB

Facilities
  • New Changing Pavilion (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (2)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.5/4

Overall score

59% (7.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: two full size pitch equivalents

Current users: currently accessed by eight teams from East Grinstead Meads FC.

Rationale: a site with two full size pitch equivalents, with reasonable affiliated football demand. There is currently no ancillary provision on site, as such providing some should be explored.

Project Focus

Mini-soccer; Youth male

9

Lindfield Common

Location

LINDFIELD COMMON 7 OLD SCHOOL COURT LEWES ROAD, LINDFIELD, HAYWARDS HEATH, West Sussex, RH16 2LD

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (2)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.1/4

Overall score

51% (6.1/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: two full size pitch equivalents with ancillary facilities.

Current users: currently accessed by eight teams from two clubs; Lindfield Juniors FC and Lindfield FC (first team is Step 7).

Rationale: a site with two full size pitch equivalent which is reasonably well used for affiliated football, including play from a Step club.

Project Focus

Adult male; Mini-soccer; Youth male

10

Clayton Green Recreation Ground (Hassocks)

Location

CLAYTON GREEN RECREATION GROUND CLAYTON GREEN RECREATION GROUND UNDERHILL LANE, CLAYTON, West Sussex, BN6 9PJ

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (2)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.1/4

Overall score

51% (6.1/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: two full size pitch equivalents with ancillary facilities.

Current users: currently accessed by seven teams from four clubs; Burgess Hill Rhinos FC, AFC Hurst, Hassocks Fatboys FC and Hassocks Juniors FC.

Rationale: a site with two full size pitch equivalent which is reasonably well used for affiliated football, which includes play from a Step club.

Project Focus

Adult male; Youth male

12

Imberhorne Upper School

Location

IMBERHORNE UPPER SCHOOL Imberhorne Lane, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1QY

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (6)
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Education

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

67% (8.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: six full size pitch equivalents with some ancillary facilities in school building.

Current users: currently accessed by five teams from East Grinstead Meads FC, including girls' teams. Site also used for School Games tournaments.

Rationale: site has potential for 3G FTP due to high football activity in the area (49 teams in total) including two large junior clubs (Ashurst Wood Junior FC and East Grinstead Meads FC). This site is also used by Mid Sussex Active for running School Games. As part of this, improvement to grass pitches on upper school site (six full size pitch equivalents) and lower school site (one full size pitch equivalent) could be supported. This project needs to be considered in line with the East Grinstead Sports Field (Dave's Lane) Project.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Mini-soccer; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

14

East Grinstead Sports Club (Dave's Field)

Location

EAST GRINSTEAD SPORTS CLUB SAINT HILL ROAD, EAST GRINSTEAD, West Sussex, RH19 4JU

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (4)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.6/4

Overall score

68% (8.1/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: currently no users due to not having been developed; however, this site would be used by East Grinstead Meads FC, which has 24 teams in total.

Rationale: potential to provide additional grass provision on site adjacent to East Grinstead Sports Club. PPS consultation highlights that East Grinstead Meads FC has plans to develop this site, which already has supporting ancillary and parking provision. This could act as a home ground and allow it to achieve aspirations of growing.

Project Focus

Adult male; IMD / lower social economic groups; Mini-soccer; Youth female; Youth male

19

Adastra Park

Location

ADASTRA PARK 15 FIR TREE WAY, HASSOCKS, West Sussex, BN6 8BT

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (3)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: three full size pitch equivalents with changing facilities.

Current users: currently accessed by 16 teams from two clubs; Hassocks Juniors FC and Keymer & Hassocks FC.

Rational: a site with three full size pitch equivalents which is well used for affiliated football, including mixed mini teams.

Project Focus

Adult male; Mini-soccer; Youth female; Youth male

A project's overall score provides an indication of its potential outcomes and deliverability only (weighted twice as much towards the outcomes score). It does not impact the likelihood or level of any potential investment.

Pitchfinder

Changing room pavilions / clubhouses

06

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.

Changing room 1.png
Changing room 2.png

Assets and opportunities

Of the 22 key sites in Mid Sussex, 19 have suitable changing room pavilions / clubhouses, two have facilities that need improvement/ replacement and one has no facility and requires a new changing pavilion.

In addition, two potential 3G FTP sites will, if developed, require new ancillary facilities.

19 key sites have suitable changing rooms/ pavilions/ clubhouses
2 require improvement/ replacement
3 have no facilities and require new builds

Priority projects

Five priority projects for potential investment are, thus, identified:

1

Northern Arc

Location

Location details: Burgess Hill - new development near Cuckfield Road

Facilities
  • New Indoor Football Facility (1)
  • New Changing Pavilion (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (1)
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: currently no users due to not having been developed; however, this site would likely be used by a wide range of football participants across a number of formats of football.

Rationale: a future development that will have potential to provide a 3G FTP as well as grass pitches (exact number and configuration unknown) and Futsal provision. Futsal provision can support high demand from Mid Sussex Youth & Minor League, Sussex County Women's & Girl's League and School Games (Mid Sussex Active). Will also have ancillary provision with wider community use - a centre for community sport. Football Foundation have fed into Sport England regarding need for 3G at this site.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Disability; Mini-soccer; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

2

Pease Pottage

Location

Location details: Pease Pottage - land off The Hemsleys Road

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (1)
  • New Changing Pavilion (1)
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.2/4

Overall score

70% (8.4/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: currently no users due to not having been developed; however, this site would likely be used by a wide range of football participants across a number of formats of football.

Rationale: Crawley Town Foundation aspires to better facilitate to deliver its current range of health, education, engagement, football and sporting activities in the local area through the creation of a dedicated centre to base itself from. The project would enable the Foundation to operate activity throughout the authority.

This project should be considered against a 3G FTP proposal at Holy Trinty C of E School (Crawley LFFP). Both proposed projects are to facilitate the growth of Crawley Community Foundation (as well as wider community access). The organisation requires one site to facilitate this growth.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Disability; IMD / lower social economic groups; Mini-soccer; Pro-club; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

4

Hickmans Lane (Lindfield)

Location

HICKMANS LANE THE PAVILION HICKMANS LANE, LINDFIELD, HAYWARDS HEATH, West Sussex, RH16 2PX

Facilities
  • Refurbish Changing Pavilion (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (3)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.1/4

Overall score

51% (6.1/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: three full size pitch equivalents and a pavilion.

Current users: currently accessed by eight teams, including a girls team from Lindfield Juniors FC.

Rationale: a site with three full size pitch equivalents, which requires improvement to pitch quality. A reasonable amount of affiliated football demand, including girls participation. Pavilion on site also needs refurbishment to provide better changing facilities and area for nursery which uses the building all year round.

Project Focus

Mini-soccer; Youth female; Youth male

5

Whitemans Green (Cuckfield)

Location

WHITEMANS GREEN - CUCKFIELD 5 LEYTON LEA, CUCKFIELD, HAYWARDS HEATH, West Sussex, RH17 5AT

Facilities
  • Refurbish Changing Pavilion (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (4)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.5/4

Overall score

59% (7.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: four full size pitch equivalents and a pavilion.

Current users: currently accessed by 33 teams from Cuckfield Cosmos Athletic, Cuckfield Cosmos Girls, Cuckfield Cosmos Rovers, Cuckfield Cosmos, Cuckfield Cosmos United, Cuckfield Rangers (Step 7 club) and Sporting Lindfield (Step 7 club) football clubs.

Rationale: a site with four full size pitch equivalents that requires pitch improvement. Local Authority identifies this as its busiest site. The Pavilion on site also requires improvement.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Mini-soccer; Youth female; Youth male

7

Imberhorne Lane Recreation Ground (East Grinstead)

Location

IMBERHORNE LANE RECREATION GROUND 30 HALSFORD GREEN, EAST GRINSTEAD, West Sussex, RH19 1PB

Facilities
  • New Changing Pavilion (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (2)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.5/4

Overall score

59% (7.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: two full size pitch equivalents

Current users: currently accessed by eight teams from East Grinstead Meads FC.

Rationale: a site with two full size pitch equivalents, with reasonable affiliated football demand. There is currently no ancillary provision on site, as such providing some should be explored.

Project Focus

Mini-soccer; Youth male

A project's overall score provides an indication of its potential outcomes and deliverability only (weighted twice as much towards the outcomes score). It does not impact the likelihood or level of any potential investment.

Current and proposed changing room pavilions/clubhouses

Pitchfinder

Small-sided facilities

07

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.

SS Facilities 1.png
SS Facilities 2.png

Priority projects

2 Better Indoor spaces
3 MUGAs
1 Better parks/ open green spaces

Indoor

Local consultation highlights one indoor facility that requires improvement and one which could be provided as an additional indoor facility to further develop small-sided football. These projects will need to be considered together due to the fact that they are in close proximity to each other. It is considered likely that only one will need to be delivered.

Multi-use games areas (MUGAs)

Three potential opportunities for MUGAs have been identified. In each case the rationale is based on the site being in an area of relatively high population density and serving an area in which there is substantial local demand for informal football:

Parks and open green spaces

Following local consultation, one location has been identified to support small-sided informal football. Here, the rationale is based on development in popular local parks and open green spaces with suitable space / areas to increase informal football:

1

Northern Arc

Location

Location details: Burgess Hill - new development near Cuckfield Road

Facilities
  • New Indoor Football Facility (1)
  • New Changing Pavilion (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (1)
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: currently no users due to not having been developed; however, this site would likely be used by a wide range of football participants across a number of formats of football.

Rationale: a future development that will have potential to provide a 3G FTP as well as grass pitches (exact number and configuration unknown) and Futsal provision. Futsal provision can support high demand from Mid Sussex Youth & Minor League, Sussex County Women's & Girl's League and School Games (Mid Sussex Active). Will also have ancillary provision with wider community use - a centre for community sport. Football Foundation have fed into Sport England regarding need for 3G at this site.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Disability; Mini-soccer; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

13

The Triangle

Location

THE TRIANGLE THE TRIANGLE TRIANGLE WAY, BURGESS HILL, West Sussex, RH15 8WA

Facilities
  • Refurbish Indoor Football Facility (1)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: leisure centre with full size sand dressed AGP and tennis courts.

Current users: currently accessed for football training (some indoor and outdoor on AGP). Site used by Mid Sussex Youth & Minor League, Sussex County Women's & Girl's League and Mid Sussex Active for Futsal tournaments.

Rationale: opportunity to provide better Futsal line markings at this site. High Futsal use at present from Mid Sussex Youth & Minor League, Sussex County Women's & Girl's League and Mid Sussex Active. Representatives form the leagues have highlighted how full the spaces allocated for Futsal at this site are.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Disability; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

15

Bolney Recreation Ground

Location

Location details: Bolney Recreation Ground

Facilities
  • Small sided informal (MUGA) (1)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.3/4

Overall score

38% (4.6/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: Recreational users

Rationale: A well used open space site with a MUGA in need of upgrade.

Project Focus

Small-sided informal

16

Court Bushes Recreation Ground

Location

COURT BUSHES RECREATION GROUND 47 WILLOW WAY, HURSTPIERPOINT, HASSOCKS, West Sussex, BN6 9TH

Facilities
  • Small sided informal (MUGA) (1)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.3/4

Overall score

38% (4.6/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: two full size pitch equivalents and a community hub building which is currently under construction.

Current users: one team from Hurstpierpoint Colts FC and recreational users.

Rationale: a soon to be community hub site with a MUGA which requires refurbishment to increase activity.

Project Focus

Small-sided informal

17

East Court Recreation Ground

Location

EAST COURT RECREATION GROUNDS - EAST GRINSTEAD 47 ESTCOTS DRIVE, EAST GRINSTEAD, West Sussex, RH19 3DA

Facilities
  • Small sided informal (MUGA) (1)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.3/4

Overall score

38% (4.6/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: three full size pitch equivalents with accompanying changing facilities.

Current users: one team from Ashurst Wood Junior FC and recreational users.

Rationale: A well used open space site with a MUGA in need of upgrading.

Project Focus

Small-sided informal

18

Mount Noddy (East Grinstead)

Location

Location details: Mount Noddy

Facilities
  • Small sided informal (Park) (1)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.5/4

Overall score

42% (5.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: recreational users

Rationale: A well used open space site with hard court space. Potential to provide some informal provision here. Located in the middle of a densely populated area.

Project Focus

Small-sided informal; Youth female; Youth male

A project's overall score provides an indication of its potential outcomes and deliverability only (weighted twice as much towards the outcomes score). It does not impact the likelihood or level of any potential investment.

Current and proposed indoor facilities

Pitchfinder

Current and proposed outdoor small sided facilites

Pitchfinder

Appendix A: Priority project list

08

This list compiles all of the priority projects for potential investment. Each has been scored against two principal factors: deliverability and outcomes (quality, inclusivity, sustainability, engagement and usage).

The list will be used flexibly; project ‘rating’ does not determine the exact order in which it will progress to a funding application to the Football Foundation as many factors influence this. The process for moving a project from this list and into the ‘pre-application stage’ will be managed by the Football Foundation.

1

Northern Arc

Location

Location details: Burgess Hill - new development near Cuckfield Road

Facilities
  • New Indoor Football Facility (1)
  • New Changing Pavilion (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (1)
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: currently no users due to not having been developed; however, this site would likely be used by a wide range of football participants across a number of formats of football.

Rationale: a future development that will have potential to provide a 3G FTP as well as grass pitches (exact number and configuration unknown) and Futsal provision. Futsal provision can support high demand from Mid Sussex Youth & Minor League, Sussex County Women's & Girl's League and School Games (Mid Sussex Active). Will also have ancillary provision with wider community use - a centre for community sport. Football Foundation have fed into Sport England regarding need for 3G at this site.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Disability; Mini-soccer; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

13

The Triangle

Location

THE TRIANGLE THE TRIANGLE TRIANGLE WAY, BURGESS HILL, West Sussex, RH15 8WA

Facilities
  • Refurbish Indoor Football Facility (1)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: leisure centre with full size sand dressed AGP and tennis courts.

Current users: currently accessed for football training (some indoor and outdoor on AGP). Site used by Mid Sussex Youth & Minor League, Sussex County Women's & Girl's League and Mid Sussex Active for Futsal tournaments.

Rationale: opportunity to provide better Futsal line markings at this site. High Futsal use at present from Mid Sussex Youth & Minor League, Sussex County Women's & Girl's League and Mid Sussex Active. Representatives form the leagues have highlighted how full the spaces allocated for Futsal at this site are.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Disability; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

2

Pease Pottage

Location

Location details: Pease Pottage - land off The Hemsleys Road

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (1)
  • New Changing Pavilion (1)
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.2/4

Overall score

70% (8.4/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: currently no users due to not having been developed; however, this site would likely be used by a wide range of football participants across a number of formats of football.

Rationale: Crawley Town Foundation aspires to better facilitate to deliver its current range of health, education, engagement, football and sporting activities in the local area through the creation of a dedicated centre to base itself from. The project would enable the Foundation to operate activity throughout the authority.

This project should be considered against a 3G FTP proposal at Holy Trinty C of E School (Crawley LFFP). Both proposed projects are to facilitate the growth of Crawley Community Foundation (as well as wider community access). The organisation requires one site to facilitate this growth.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Disability; IMD / lower social economic groups; Mini-soccer; Pro-club; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

14

East Grinstead Sports Club (Dave's Field)

Location

EAST GRINSTEAD SPORTS CLUB SAINT HILL ROAD, EAST GRINSTEAD, West Sussex, RH19 4JU

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (4)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.6/4

Overall score

68% (8.1/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: currently no users due to not having been developed; however, this site would be used by East Grinstead Meads FC, which has 24 teams in total.

Rationale: potential to provide additional grass provision on site adjacent to East Grinstead Sports Club. PPS consultation highlights that East Grinstead Meads FC has plans to develop this site, which already has supporting ancillary and parking provision. This could act as a home ground and allow it to achieve aspirations of growing.

Project Focus

Adult male; IMD / lower social economic groups; Mini-soccer; Youth female; Youth male

12

Imberhorne Upper School

Location

IMBERHORNE UPPER SCHOOL Imberhorne Lane, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1QY

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (6)
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Education

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

67% (8.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: six full size pitch equivalents with some ancillary facilities in school building.

Current users: currently accessed by five teams from East Grinstead Meads FC, including girls' teams. Site also used for School Games tournaments.

Rationale: site has potential for 3G FTP due to high football activity in the area (49 teams in total) including two large junior clubs (Ashurst Wood Junior FC and East Grinstead Meads FC). This site is also used by Mid Sussex Active for running School Games. As part of this, improvement to grass pitches on upper school site (six full size pitch equivalents) and lower school site (one full size pitch equivalent) could be supported. This project needs to be considered in line with the East Grinstead Sports Field (Dave's Lane) Project.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Mini-soccer; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

5

Whitemans Green (Cuckfield)

Location

WHITEMANS GREEN - CUCKFIELD 5 LEYTON LEA, CUCKFIELD, HAYWARDS HEATH, West Sussex, RH17 5AT

Facilities
  • Refurbish Changing Pavilion (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (4)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.5/4

Overall score

59% (7.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: four full size pitch equivalents and a pavilion.

Current users: currently accessed by 33 teams from Cuckfield Cosmos Athletic, Cuckfield Cosmos Girls, Cuckfield Cosmos Rovers, Cuckfield Cosmos, Cuckfield Cosmos United, Cuckfield Rangers (Step 7 club) and Sporting Lindfield (Step 7 club) football clubs.

Rationale: a site with four full size pitch equivalents that requires pitch improvement. Local Authority identifies this as its busiest site. The Pavilion on site also requires improvement.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Mini-soccer; Youth female; Youth male

7

Imberhorne Lane Recreation Ground (East Grinstead)

Location

IMBERHORNE LANE RECREATION GROUND 30 HALSFORD GREEN, EAST GRINSTEAD, West Sussex, RH19 1PB

Facilities
  • New Changing Pavilion (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (2)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.5/4

Overall score

59% (7.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: two full size pitch equivalents

Current users: currently accessed by eight teams from East Grinstead Meads FC.

Rationale: a site with two full size pitch equivalents, with reasonable affiliated football demand. There is currently no ancillary provision on site, as such providing some should be explored.

Project Focus

Mini-soccer; Youth male

6

Haven Field (Crawley Down)

Location

HAVEN FIELD HOPHURST LANE, CRAWLEY DOWN, CRAWLEY, West Sussex, RH10 4LJ

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (3)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.3/4

Overall score

55% (6.6/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: four full size pitch equivalents and ancillary provision.

Current users: currently accessed by 13 teams from Crawley Down Gatwick Youth FC and Crawley Down Gatwick FC (Step 5 club).

Rationale: A site with three full size pitch equivalents that requires pitch improvement and has high affiliated demand.

Project Focus

Adult male; Mini-soccer; Youth female; Youth male

4

Hickmans Lane (Lindfield)

Location

HICKMANS LANE THE PAVILION HICKMANS LANE, LINDFIELD, HAYWARDS HEATH, West Sussex, RH16 2PX

Facilities
  • Refurbish Changing Pavilion (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (3)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.1/4

Overall score

51% (6.1/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: three full size pitch equivalents and a pavilion.

Current users: currently accessed by eight teams, including a girls team from Lindfield Juniors FC.

Rationale: a site with three full size pitch equivalents, which requires improvement to pitch quality. A reasonable amount of affiliated football demand, including girls participation. Pavilion on site also needs refurbishment to provide better changing facilities and area for nursery which uses the building all year round.

Project Focus

Mini-soccer; Youth female; Youth male

9

Lindfield Common

Location

LINDFIELD COMMON 7 OLD SCHOOL COURT LEWES ROAD, LINDFIELD, HAYWARDS HEATH, West Sussex, RH16 2LD

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (2)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.1/4

Overall score

51% (6.1/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: two full size pitch equivalents with ancillary facilities.

Current users: currently accessed by eight teams from two clubs; Lindfield Juniors FC and Lindfield FC (first team is Step 7).

Rationale: a site with two full size pitch equivalent which is reasonably well used for affiliated football, including play from a Step club.

Project Focus

Adult male; Mini-soccer; Youth male

10

Clayton Green Recreation Ground (Hassocks)

Location

CLAYTON GREEN RECREATION GROUND CLAYTON GREEN RECREATION GROUND UNDERHILL LANE, CLAYTON, West Sussex, BN6 9PJ

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (2)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.1/4

Overall score

51% (6.1/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: two full size pitch equivalents with ancillary facilities.

Current users: currently accessed by seven teams from four clubs; Burgess Hill Rhinos FC, AFC Hurst, Hassocks Fatboys FC and Hassocks Juniors FC.

Rationale: a site with two full size pitch equivalent which is reasonably well used for affiliated football, which includes play from a Step club.

Project Focus

Adult male; Youth male

19

Adastra Park

Location

ADASTRA PARK 15 FIR TREE WAY, HASSOCKS, West Sussex, BN6 8BT

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (3)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: three full size pitch equivalents with changing facilities.

Current users: currently accessed by 16 teams from two clubs; Hassocks Juniors FC and Keymer & Hassocks FC.

Rational: a site with three full size pitch equivalents which is well used for affiliated football, including mixed mini teams.

Project Focus

Adult male; Mini-soccer; Youth female; Youth male

18

Mount Noddy (East Grinstead)

Location

Location details: Mount Noddy

Facilities
  • Small sided informal (Park) (1)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.5/4

Overall score

42% (5.0/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: recreational users

Rationale: A well used open space site with hard court space. Potential to provide some informal provision here. Located in the middle of a densely populated area.

Project Focus

Small-sided informal; Youth female; Youth male

15

Bolney Recreation Ground

Location

Location details: Bolney Recreation Ground

Facilities
  • Small sided informal (MUGA) (1)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.3/4

Overall score

38% (4.6/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: Recreational users

Rationale: A well used open space site with a MUGA in need of upgrade.

Project Focus

Small-sided informal

16

Court Bushes Recreation Ground

Location

COURT BUSHES RECREATION GROUND 47 WILLOW WAY, HURSTPIERPOINT, HASSOCKS, West Sussex, BN6 9TH

Facilities
  • Small sided informal (MUGA) (1)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.3/4

Overall score

38% (4.6/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: two full size pitch equivalents and a community hub building which is currently under construction.

Current users: one team from Hurstpierpoint Colts FC and recreational users.

Rationale: a soon to be community hub site with a MUGA which requires refurbishment to increase activity.

Project Focus

Small-sided informal

17

East Court Recreation Ground

Location

EAST COURT RECREATION GROUNDS - EAST GRINSTEAD 47 ESTCOTS DRIVE, EAST GRINSTEAD, West Sussex, RH19 3DA

Facilities
  • Small sided informal (MUGA) (1)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.3/4

Overall score

38% (4.6/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: three full size pitch equivalents with accompanying changing facilities.

Current users: one team from Ashurst Wood Junior FC and recreational users.

Rationale: A well used open space site with a MUGA in need of upgrading.

Project Focus

Small-sided informal

3

Victoria Business Park

Location

Location details: Victoria Business Park - Burgess Hill

Facilities
  • New 5v5 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Not known

Deliverability score

Low (1/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.4/4

Overall score

31% (3.7/12)

Notes

Exiting facilities: n/a

Current users: currently no users due to not having been developed; however, this site would likely be used by a wide range of football participants.

Rationale: Opportunity to provide a small sided 3G FTP for recreational play. Located within an area with both residential and commercial units. Potential for this to be operated via phone application or online booking system.

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; Small-sided recreational

A project's overall score provides an indication of its potential outcomes and deliverability only (weighted twice as much towards the outcomes score). It does not impact the likelihood or level of any potential investment.

Appendix B: Consultation list

09

  • Strategic Relationship Manager - Active Sussex
  • Consultant - BELAP consultancy
  • Secretary - Burgess Hill Albion FC
  • General Manager - Burgess Hill Town FC
  • Clarke - Burgess Hill Town Council
  • Representative - Burgess Hill Town Council
  • Chief Executive Officer - Crawley Town Community Foundation
  • Events Coordinator - East Grinstead Sports Club
  • Chairman - East Grinstead Town FC
  • Secretary - Hassocks FC
  • Chairman - Haywards Heath Town FC
  • Strategic Manager - Mid Sussex Active
  • Business Unit Leader – Waste, Landscapes and Leisure - Mid Sussex District Council
  • Development Officer - Mid Sussex District Council
  • Outdoor Services Officer - Mid Sussex District Council
  • General Secretary - Mid Sussex Football League
  • Chairman - Mid Sussex Football League
  • Chairman - Mid Sussex Youth & Minor League
  • Chairman - Sussex County Womens and Girls League
  • Centre/Contract Manager - Places Leisure
  • Chairman - St Francis Rangers FC
  • Clarke - Worth Parish Council

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