Local Football Facility Plan Richmond upon Thames

The London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames is in the Greater London region.

The current population of the authority (ONS 2016 Mid-Year Estimate) is 195,846. This is expected to rise to 218,906 by 2039.

It is ranked 33 out of 33 LAs in Greater London, and 298 out of 326 LAs nationally on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (ONS).

Its ethnic composition is primarily white (85.95%). This is broadly comparable to the national average (85.4%).

The proportion of the Borough's population represented by the BAME community is 14.05%. This is similar to the national average (14.6%)

Local authority

The London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames Council’s Local Plan (adopted July 2018) commits it to protecting and improving its natural environment and green infrastructure network, including parks and open spaces used for sports, games and recreation. In order to meet people's needs, the Local Plan also highlights a need to encourage opportunities for leisure and sport.

The London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames' PPS was originally adopted in 2014, with it last being updated in March 2019. The key findings are that, despite a relatively good quality stock of pitches, there is a shortfall of both grass and 3G provision in the Borough (significantly so in regards to 3G provision). Furthermore, some sites have security of tenure issues, whilst development at sites is restricted due to the make-up of the area and planning restrictions.

County football association

The London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames is covered by both Middlesex County FA and Surrey County FA. They provide governance for, and development support to, all aspects of local football including coaches, referees, volunteers, clubs and leagues; supporting football for all. Both have 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). Both the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust and the Chelsea Foundation run a variety of education, engagement, football and sporting activities in the local area.

Local leisure operator

There is no leisure operator for community football facilities in the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames. The majority of pitches are managed by the Council, Royal Parks, educational establishments or trusts.

Local consultation

This has taken place with a broad and diverse set of community groups in the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames. 21 individuals (representing 19 local organisations) were spoken to. The agencies consulted include:

• London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames Council
• Sport Richmond
• Brentford FC Community Sports Trust
• Chelsea FC Foundation

(See Appendix B for full list of consultees)

Clubs

There are over 91,000 community football teams in England, spread over an expansive network of clubs and leagues. The London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames has a total of 494 teams' this is a higher number than local areas of a similar size.

The FA is investing to support clubs both on and off the pitch; this 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 Richmond-upon-Thames, 10 clubs have more than 10 registered teams. The largest of these (based upon 2018-19 affiliation data) are:

• Hearts of Teddlothian FC - 39 teams
• Teddington Athletic FC - 39 teams
• Whitton Wanderers Youth FC - 31 teams
• Hampton & Richmond Borough YFC - 27 teams
• Kew Association FC - 21 teams

Leagues

17 leagues operate in the Borough, they offer competitive opportunity for many different players, including women and girls, youth and adults. While there is no specific league opportunity for disability football based in Richmond, suitable provision is made in neighbouring Hillingdon.

The largest local leagues (2018-19) include:

• Surrey Youth League
• East Berks Football Alliance
• Epson and Ewell Youth League
• Chiswich and District Sunday Football League
• Surrey County Women's and Girls' League

All of the above operate on a home and away basis.

The County FA reports that there is significant cross boundary migration to/from Richmond due to teams migrating outwards to leagues in Surrey.

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 Richmond there are six football teams / sessions specifically for people with a disability. It is a priority of the County FA to sustain 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. The London Borough of Richmond has three FA Wildcats girls football centre and the priority is to grow this activity.

At 39, the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames number of female teams is higher than 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 Capital Girls' League in which matches are played on both a home and away and central venue basis (depending on age). It is expected to grow its provision in future years. The local adult female league is the Greater London Women's Football League in which matches are played on a home and away basis. It is expected to grow its provision in future years.

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

Small sided football

Many different types of small-sided football are played in England, from teams and leagues to recreational and informal. It is an established and important part of the modern game.

Small-sided teams and leagues are organised and competitive activities; typically with players registered to clubs and affiliated to leagues and their County FAs. Examples include futsal and local small-sided leagues running at venues such as sports halls, 3G FTPs or small-sided 3G centres. Key local providers include the Council's dual use sports and fitness centres, Goals (Gillette Corner) and Powerleague (Nallhead Road, Feltham).

Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced, small sided team game that is widely played across the world. Typically it is played on an indoor surface with hockey-sized goals and a size 4 football with reduced ball bounce. It is the FA’s aim to ensure that futsal is available across the country.

There are currently three futsal teams in the Borough; they play in the BUCS League at key site locations including St Marys University. It is a priority for the County FA to grow Futsal for all types of 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 no FA Just Play centres in London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames. Walking football and Just Play are County FA priorities for further growth.

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 London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames is played across the local authority.

The key strengths of local football in the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames include male, female and youth provision and it is recommended that this is sustained and also encouraged to grow further. However, gaps in provision do exist including disability and recreational football. It is therefore recommended that the future football development priorities are:

1. Recreation
2. SSE Wildcats
3. Disability

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

Each priority project that progresses to a funding application via the Football Foundation will produce a detailed ‘site development plan’ specifying all football development activity, usage and key partner engagement.

This section reviews existing football facility assets in the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames. It identifies current issues and presents opportunities for improvements, including a list of priority projects for potential investment.

Local assets and opportunities have been reviewed in line with four investment priorities:

• 3G FTPs
• Improved grass pitches
• Changing room pavilions / clubhouses
• Small sided facilities

To ensure a consistent and high quality approach, each local area has been reviewed applying a standard approach, supplemented by input from consultation with local partners and stakeholder organisations.

While each investment priority is reviewed individually, it is understood that they can be inter-reliant; account is, thus, taken of these potential connections.

3G FTPs are a high quality and indispensable part of modern football facilities; their impact cannot be underestimated. In recent years the industry has seen major innovations and improvements to artificial surfaces (and sports lighting). This has created playing surfaces that replicate a good standard natural turf pitch whilst significantly increasing levels of use (x20). All FTPs must have sports lighting to achieve this.

The high quality, consistent playing surface is the ideal environment to play the game and for young people to learn. With regular maintenance programmes, FTPs can be heavily used all year round with no decline in quality. They almost completely negate annoying fixture cancellations during winter months, helping football to be a key part of a regular physical activity habit.

High capacity levels offer a great opportunity to embrace all formats and engage all participants. A full-sized 3G caters for an average of 1,200 participants per week and is suitable for various location types. That means being fully inclusive to all sections of the community, with a particular focus on under-represented groups such as women and girls, people with a disability, BAME communities and people from lower socio-economic groups.

The way 3G FTPs are used is rapidly changing; current line-marking systems allow for match play across all formats of football (5v5, 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11). This enables significant levels of match-play to be transferred from grass to 3G.

Existing full-sized (11 v 11) 3G FTPs in the London Borough of Richmond-upon Thames are located at:

• Hampton School
• Hampton Sport and Fitness Centre
• The Swedish School
• Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre

In addition, there are currently eight sites with small-sided 3G FTPs in the Borough:

• Ham Playing Fields (three 5v5 pitches)
• Hampton Rangers (one 9v9 and one 5v5 pitch)
• Richmond Athletic Ground (one 5v5 pitch)
• Rocks Lane Multi Sports Centre (three 5v5 pitches)
• The Swedish School (one 5v5 pitch)
• East Sheen Primary School (one 5v5 pitch)
• Lensbury at Teddington Lock (one 5v5 pitch)
• The Queens Primary School (one 5v5 pitch)

As noted above, the Borough PPS was updated in 2017. It indicates that there is a shortfall of five full size 3G FTPs. However, due to a change in the FA training ratio model (now 1:38) and because demand has since increased, a shortfall of seven full size pitches is now identified.

Three of the four existing full size pitches are available for community use. It is recommended that community use opportunities are explored at Hampton School, where access is currently limited. Three are floodlit and on the FA Register for 3G FTPs (meaning they are quality checked and can be used for football match play); the pitch at the Swedish School is neither floodlit nor on the FA Register. It is, thus, discounted from calculations as it cannot meet the required community participation outcomes (it is also infilled with cork rather than rubber crumb).

The geographic spread of existing facilities is uneven, with all three currently provided to the west of the local authority area. There are provision gaps throughout, particularly in the east and centrally, and implementation of this pan will help to address this.

Local consultation reveals common issues with limited 3G pitch availability, long travel times to play on 3G and poor quality lighting at existing 3G pitch sites (such as at Hampton Rangers) and it is recommended that these are addressed. Nevertheless, it is important to note that due to specific planning constraints in the Borough, providing the required number of pitches with floodlighting is difficult.

Full sized 3G pitches are proposed as part of development/mitigation at Udney Park Playing Fields and Stag Brewery; however, both developments face opposition. Therefore, neither are considered as part of this plan.

Six priority projects (across seven sites) for potential investment are identified. This equates to four new full sized 3G FTP proposals (including two at one site), two new small-sided 3G FTP proposals and the refurbishment of an existing small-sided 3G FTP site (Hampton Rangers Junior Football Club). Each was selected based upon a rationale of good access, high population, improving geographic spread and existing facility quality.

Despite the identified shortfall of seven full sized 3G FTPs, it has not been possible to identify seven potential projects. This is, as noted above, because of planning restraints which limit the capacity of many sites to host floodlights (it is also open to question as to whether or not some of the identified projects will gain planning approval). It is therefore recommended that other options are explored to counter the shortfalls identified, including the installation of hybrid pitches as well as improving/developing alternative provision for recreational football. Creating additional provision in neighbouring authorities, close to the Richmond-upon-Thames border, could also be considered.

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). Education on this should be a priority for the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames.

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 currently 27 grass pitch sites in London Borough of Richmond with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three pitches but deemed to be of strategic importance), containing 94 grass pitches. Of these, 19 sites have pitches considered to be of good quality and the pitches at the other eight are rated standard.

Local consultation shows common issues with overuse and low availability and it is recommended that these are addressed. Security of tenure is also an issue at multiple sites, including Stag Brewery and Udney Park Playing Fields, as well as Kingsfield, where football provision may be lost in the future.

Of the 27 key pitch sites referenced above it was determined that 12 should be prioritised for improvements. Combined, these will provide 28 full-size pitch equivalents. Two of the sites (Hampton Common and Hampton Hill Cricket Club - at Bushy Park) offer potential for additional pitches to be marked out

In addition, four of the sites have been identified as having the potential to host a hybrid pitch. This is because they are considered to be key, strategic sites that are well used not only for affiliated football but also from a recreational perspective. The sites are:

• Bushy Park
• Marble Hill Park
• North Sheen Recreation Ground
• Old Deer Park

It is considered that the provision of hybrid pitches will somewhat offset the shortfall of 3G pitches that cannot be fully affiliated via provision of more 3G FTPs due to floodlight restrictions, potentially making hybrid provision more suited to the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames than the majority of other local authorities. Nevertheless, it must be stated that hybrid pitch development is still currently in the pilot stages. It is, thus, not yet eligible for funding and a full assessment of surface quality, durability and the associated business model has been undertaken.

12 priority projects for potential investment are identified. Pitch quality rating was evidenced by the PPS and ratified by local partners. Prioritisation was based on a rationale of selecting sites with a high number of pitches and that are (or have the potential to be) the best-utilised.

These can provide a number of different benefits. While the primary function is normally the provision of changing rooms to accommodate match-play and training (for players and officials), there can be equal value in facilities such as community and education rooms, catering facilities and spectator toilets.

Each project will take a progressive approach to pavilions and clubhouses (beyond the provision of changing rooms) and be open to new opportunities to engage the whole community. That means, creating environments that are welcoming to players, spectators, volunteers, officials and all sections of the community.

Such assets should support other investment priorities (e.g. 3G FTPs and grass pitches) and be located at sites that will have the greatest impact on local communities. To ensure this, focus is given to sites with three or more full-size pitch equivalents. However, as pitch quality is the number one priority for players this is prioritised before investment in changing room pavilions /clubhouses.

Clearly, facilities need to be well managed and maintained to keep them in a good state of repair. Consideration will be given to reviewing the best operator solution for key sites and the installation of revenue generating features such as catering facilities and community rooms. To achieve this, business plan support will be given to each priority project as it progresses to an application to the Football Foundation.

Of the 27 key grass pitch sites in the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three but deemed to be of strategic importance), 19 have suitable changing rooms, six sites require improvement and two require a new changing room.

Eight priority projects for potential investment are identified. These are all considered to be key sites that either have existing poor quality provision or no community available provision at all.

Included within the priority projects are developments at St Mary's University and Marble Hill Park. The former has an aspiration for a new pavilion to be created to support its potential 3G FTP development, with classroom space to be provided within the build, whilst the latter has a master plan in place that includes development of the existing pavilion. It has previously contacted the FA and the Football Foundation regarding design and potential funding opportunities.

The project at Moormead Recreation Ground is not for a traditional pavilion with changing rooms to be developed. Given the users of the site, it is felt that improved changing rooms would not be utilised. Instead, there is a need for toilets and a social facility (i.e. a cafe) to be developed.

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 there are two indoor facilities that require improvement to develop small-sided football.

In addition, it should be noted that two new sports hall are being built at the site of Richmond-upon-Thames College, exclusive of this plan. Both will contain markings for futsal and be available for community football.

Eight potential opportunities for MUGAs have been identified. In each case the rationale is based on the site being well used and in an area of high urban population with corresponding high local demand for informal football.

This is a high number of potential MUGA opportunities, which is considered to be warranted due to the lack of potential 3G projects within the Borough. This said, given the number of projects identified, it is recommended that the Steering Group initially priorities the sites that will generate the greatest benefits from a usage, physical activity and socio-economic perspective.

Following local consultation one location has been identified to support small sided informal football. Here, the rationale is based on it being a highly popular local park and open green space with suitable space / areas to accommodate increased informal football.

A range of local agencies and larger (usually 10 plus team) local football clubs was invited to participate in the LFFP consultation. Those that contributed are listed below:

• Councillor - Arts, Culture and Sport
• Commercial Facilities Manager - Richmond-upon-Thames College
• Youth Work Lead - Achieving for Children
• Head of Community Development - Chelsea FC Foundation
• Community Development Manager - Brentford FC Sports Trust
• Sports Development Manager - Richmond-upon-Thames Council
• Parks Operation Manager - Richmond-upon-Thames Council
• Parks Service Manager - Richmond-upon-Thames Council
• Partnership Development Manager - School Sports Partnership
• Committee Member - Sport Richmond
• Relationship Manager - London Sport
• Secretary - Barnes Eagles FC
• Secretary - Hampton & Richmond Borough Youth FC
• Secretary - Hampton Rangers FC
• Secretary - Hearts of Teddlothian FC
• Secretary - Kew Rangers FC
• Secretary - NPL FC
• Secretary - Richmond Park FC
• Secretary - Sheen Lions FC
• Secretary - Teddington Athletic FC
• Secretary - Twickenham Tigers FC