Local Football Facility Plan Sheffield

Sheffield is in the Yorkshire and The Humber region.

The current population of the Authority (ONS 2017 Mid-Year Estimate) is 577,789. This is expected to rise to 639,334 by 2039.

32.0% of the Sheffield population is within NS SEC classification 6-8 (lower socio-economic groups). This is higher than the national average (30.6%).

Sheffield’s ethnic composition is primarily classed as White (83.7%) which is comparable to the national average (85.4%).

The proportion of Sheffield’s population represented by the BAME community is 16.3%. This is slightly above the national average (14.6%)

Local Authority

Sheffield City Council’s ‘Move More’ plan (2014-2019 ) sets out its five year plan for the promotion of physical activity. Under the banner ‘Move more, do something’, the plan identifies a number of key interventions which aim to re-engineer physical activity back into daily life with a specific focus on four key areas; schools, communities, workplaces and healthcare.

The City Council is currently updating its Playing Pitch Strategy, which is expected to be complete by spring 2019.

Sheffield’s green space strategy aims to ensure that every area of the City has high quality green and open spaces for current and future generations to enjoy. A number of strategic outcomes have been established; these include improving the quality of all open spaces and engaging communities in the decision making process. It is anticipated that engaging people will have a long term benefit, as it will promote long term health and activity in green spaces. This will also be supported by a range of regular activities and events.

County Football Association

Sheffield is covered by the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA. They provide governance and development support to all aspects of local football including coaches, referees, volunteers, clubs and leagues; supporting football for all. The County FA has a designated facilities investment lead officer who works to ensure the right facilities are located in the right locations.

Football Foundation

The Regional Engagement Manager and Regional Technical Project Manager at the Football Foundation work collaboratively with the County FA to provide pre-application support to priority projects for potential investment.

Sport England

Has a network of planning managers who have a statutory role in the planning system to protect playing fields and provide consultation responses to planning applications relating to sporting facilities . They also play a key role in strategic planning for sports facilities, providing advice and support to Local Authorities to assess need for facilities in their local area.

Professional Club Community Organisations (CCOs)

These continue to expand and enhance their range of community delivery, offering a variety of programmes and services to support local communities (sporting and non-sporting). Sheffield United Community Foundation's key objectives focus on Education, Sports Participation (including disability), Community Cohesion and Health & Well-being. Sheffield Wednesday FC’s community programme’s key objectives focus on health, education and participation.

Local leisure operator

Sheffield’s three Parklife SGP Hub facilities are operated by Pulse Leisure. Sheffield International Venues (SIV) operates three indoor facilities at Ponds Forge (at which a large amount of indoor football takes place) , Hillsborough and Concord Park Places for People runs two indoor leisure centres at Graves and Thorncliffe and a football foundation funded 60 x 40m 3G FTP.

Local consultation

This has taken place with a broad and diverse set of community groups in Sheffield. A total of 24 individuals (representing 19 local organisations) were consulted. These include:

• Football Unites Racism Divides
• The Zest Healthy Living Centre
• Manor & Castle Development Trust
• Aden Steelers JFC

Clubs

There are over 91,000 community football teams in England, spread over an expansive network of clubs and leagues. Sheffield has a total of 737 teams, which is higher than local areas of a similar size.

The FA is investing to support clubs both on and off the pitch which includes an aim to have a qualified FA coach with every youth team by 2020/21. In addition, it will support 1,000 clubs to create full player pathways from youth to adult teams and develop 150 community football hubs with male and female pathways, disability and recreational playing opportunities.

Over the last 10-years there has been a significant national increase in the number of large multi-team football clubs. In Sheffield, 23 clubs have more than 10 registered teams. The largest of these (based upon 2017-18 affiliation data) are:

• Abbey Lane FC - 20 teams
• AFC Norton Woodseats - 21 teams
• Beighton Magpies - 24 teams
• Brunsmeer Athletic AFC- 22 teams
• Crosspool Juniors - 27 teams
• Ecclesall Rangers F.C. (Sun)- 21 teams
• Handsworth Boys J.F.C.- 28 teams
• Hillsborough Pumas - 24 teams
• Thorncliffe Juniors - 24 teams
• Wisewood Juniors - 22 teams
• Stocksbridge Park Steels - 20 teams

Five leagues operate in Sheffield. They offer competitive opportunities for many different players, including women and girls, youth and adults. While there is no specific league opportunity for disability football within Sheffield , suitable provision is made across the broader county.

Sheffield ‘s largest local leagues (2017-18) include:

• Sheffield & District Junior Sunday league – 1033 teams playing home and away.
• Sheffield Fair Play League 38 teams playing home and away.
• Blades Superdraw – 35 teams playing home and away.

The County FA reports some cross boundary migration in Sheffield primarily due to teams migrating inwards to the Sheffield & District Junior Sunday League.

Disability football

There are 9.4million people in England with a long-standing limiting disability, illness or condition which equates to 18% of the population – almost one in five. Football playing opportunities should be flexible, inclusive and accessible for everyone, whatever their level of ability. This could entail inclusion in mainstream activity or teams / sessions specifically for people with a disability.

In Sheffield there are 8 football clubs with 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 run Regional Centres and England national squads.

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. Sheffield has 14 FA Wildcats girls football centres and the priority is to grow this activity.

At 67, Sheffield’s 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 Sheffield & Hallamshire Girls & Women’s County League and matches are played on a home and away basis. This league is expected to grow its provision in future years. The local adult female league is the Sheffield & Hallamshire Girls & Women’s County League; matches are played on a home and away basis and its is also expected to grow its provision in future years.

For talented players, the most local FA Regional Talent Club (RTC) is Sheffield United located in the City. 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 Sheffield United Women. It 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 & 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 smallsided 3G centres.

Key local providers include

• Goals – circa 200 teams
• Goodwin Sports Centre - (Powerplay, Sport Sheffield & Back of the Net) circa 150 teams.
• Powerleague – circa 50 teams

Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced, small sided team game that is widely played across the world. Typically it’s 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.

There are currently 8 futsal teams in Sheffield. They play in the FA Futsal 5’s League at key site locations including Goodwin Sports Centre. It is a priority for the County FA to grow Futsal for male youth 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 two FA Just Play Centres in Sheffield. Walking football sessions are delivered by a range of community organisation such as the Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday community foundations. Walking football and Just Play are programmes that the County FA has prioritised for further growth and development. Other local recreational football programmes and providers include Football Unites Racism Divides. The SGP Parklife Hub sites and Goodwin Sports Centre provide casual bookings.

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 Sheffield is played particularly in the West of the Borough. Endcliffe, Millhouses, Graves, Meersbrook and Stannington parks are key site locations that are heavily used.

The key strengths of local football in Sheffield include affiliated league teams, junior football and female participation . It is recommend that this is sustained and also encouraged to grow further. However, gaps in provision do exist , these include recorded recreational football - Just Play.

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

1. Growth in adult male football
2. Growth in adult female football.
3. Growth in girls football generally
4. Growth in boys mini soccer.
5. Growth in recreational football

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

Additionally, 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 Sheffield’s existing football facility assets. 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 interreliant; 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, pitches can be heavily used all year round with no decline in quality. They almost completely negate annoying fixture cancellations during winter months, helping football to be a key part of a regular physical activity habit.

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

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

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

FA data states that there are currently 20 11v11 3G FTPs in Sheffield; this is a shortfall of one pitch relative to assessed demand.

Existing 3G FTPs in Sheffield include:

• SGP Westfield (double pitch site)
• SGP Thorncliffe (double pitch site)
• SGP Graves (double pitch site)
• Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park

There are four 60 x 40 pitches in the City (Wisewood Sports Centre, FURD, Sheffield Utd Academy x 2)

There are also currently four small-sided 3G FTP centres in Sheffield:

• Powerleague(Attercliffe)
• Goals (Adjacent to Norfolk Park) ,
• University of Sheffield (Goodwin Centre)
• SIV (Concorde Park)

16 of the 20 pitches are presently available for community use and it is recommend that options to introduce community use are explored at the remaining four sites . Until such time as this has been resolved, these sites are regarded as part of the local 3G FTP supply and demand and no additional / replacement pitches will be identified in lieu of this. 16 of the 11v11 FTPs are on the FA Register for 3G FTPs (meaning they are quality checked and can be used for football match play). It is strongly recommend that the four remaining pitches are checked and added to the register to enable more match play on 3G

A number of secondary school sites in Sheffield have been identified as potential 3G FTP development sites without funding via the Football Foundation.

The geographic spread of existing 3G FTP facilities is relatively even although a higher proportion is located in the north & central areas of the City. There are provision gaps in the south- west of the City which has a high concentration of large affiliated football clubs which need access to venues to accommodate club training and match play. It is recommended that this requirement is addressed.

Four priority projects for potential investment have been identified. Undersupply was calculated using the FA 3G FTP demand and supply model. The selection of four projects reflects the Steering Group’s aspiration to grow the formal and recreational side of the game. The selection of each site was endorsed by local partners based on a rationale which encompasses good access, high population, geographic spread, the quality of existing facilities, high levels of deprivation and a high local proportion of lower social economic groups.

Although not listed in the project list below at this stage, the Powerleague site at Attercliffe has been highlighted as a potential priority project in Sheffield. Partners will need to work together to finalise the details of the project including partner users and an operator.

1 - Handsworth JFC (Olivers Mount) – install new full size FTP

• Existing facilities – 2 full size grass, 2 junior, 1 mini soccer pitch
• Existing users – 27 affiliated teams including Handsworth Boys, Handsworth Junior Sporting Club (girls), Handsworth
  Parramore reserves (Step 7)
• Rationale – important site for affiliated football, growth of women & girls and adult football.

2- Concord Sports Centre – refurbishment of existing FTP and small sided pitches

• Existing facilities – 1 full sized FTP, 9 small sand-dressed FTPs
• Existing users – 10 affiliated teams , casual & block bookings
• Rationale – important site for affiliated football, growth of women & girls and adult football.

3- South West Sheffield- install new full size FTP (precise site to be confirmed)

• Existing facilities - n/a
• Existing users – n/a
• Rationale – important area of the City for affiliated football, growth of women & girls and adult football with acknowledged poor
  access to full sized FTP provision.
• NB the rationale and strategic justification for this site should be validated within the City’s updated Playing Pitch Strategy

Olympic Legacy Park – improvements to stadia infrastructure (not mapped)

• Existing facilities - 1 x full sized FTP
• Existing users – Sheffield Utd Community Foundation
• Rationale – Improved stadia infrastructure (spectator accommodation) required to support Sheffield Utd women’s participation in
  FA women’s super league.

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 1 in 6 games are 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.

In many local areas the key challenge is to create a sustainable approach to provide good quality football pitches for the long-term. Many 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.

There are currently 30 grass pitch sites in Sheffield with three or more full-size pitch equivalents containing 125 grass pitch equivalents. Pitch quality ratings will be re-assessed as part of the audit for the current Playing Pitch Strategy assessment which is due to be completed in Spring 2019 Local consultation shows common issues in respect of poor quality grass pitches. It is recommended that these are addressed . It is also a priority of the Sheffield Football Trust that maintenance regimes on public pitches are reviewed/ improved as part of the PPS action plan.

Eleven priority projects for potential investment have been identified. Each site (with the exception of East Park and Mather Rd) has three or more full-size pitch equivalents which are presently of poor quality. Pitch quality ratings will be validated by the forthcoming PPS assessment. Prioritisation was endorsed by local partners the primary rationale being the selection of sites aligned to the Council’s strategic focus to create better quality grass pitch hubs with improved maintenance regimes

5- Steel City recreation ground – works to natural grass pitches

• Existing facilities - 4 grass pitch equivalents (2 full size, 2 junior)
• Current users – Steel City Dons (7 teams), Langsett Puma’s, Malin Vets.
• Rationale – the site is in the process of being leased to Steel City Dons. It has no current changing provision and is a priority for grass pitch improvement in the emerging PPS. Improvements will facilitate growth in junior boys/girls and women’s game.

6- East Park – works to natural grass pitches

• Existing facilities - 2 full size grass pitch equivalents (1 full size, 1 junior)
• Current users - Woodman Juniors (3 teams)
• Rationale – this is a priority site in the emerging PPS and on the list of sites to transfer to the Sheffield Football Trust as a grass
  hub site. This investment will provide better quality facilities and allow for growth in junior boys/ girls and women’s game. The
  proposed housing development adjacent to the pitches will lead to the loss of the current changing facility. There are plans for a
  capital receipt to provide new changing rooms and car park.

7- Heliport – works to natural grass pitches

• Existing facilities - 3 full size grass pitch equivalents, 1 junior pitch, 2 mini soccer pitches.
• Current users – Aden SteelersJFC (4 teams), Angel Grenoside First, Crookes Crusaders First, Rose House FC First, Staffordshire
  Arms First, Tusale United Junior U13
• Rationale - Aden Steelers is an emerging club delivering on wider social outcomes in the BAME community. The existing changing
  pavilion is in very poor condition. Improved facilities will allow for growth in junior boys/ girls and women’s game. This venue is a
  PPS priority and is on the list of those scheduled to transfer to the Sheffield Football Trust as a grass hub site.

8- Parson Cross Park – works to natural grass pitches

• Existing facilities - 4 full size grass pitch equivalents (4 full-sized, 2 mini soccer)
• Current users – Southey Wolves (8 teams), Fox & Hound First.
• Rationale - site will provide better quality facilities and allow for growth in the girls and women’s game. It is a PPS priority site and
  on the list of those scheduled to transfer to the Sheffield Football Trust as a grass hub site

9 - Mather Rd – works to natural grass pitches

• Existing facilities - 2 full size grass pitch equivalents (1 full size, 1 junior, 1 mini)
• Current users - Darnall Diamonds (2 teams), Darnall Football Academy (4 teams)
• Rationale – site is a strategic priority in the emerging PPS. It will provide better quality facilities and allow for growth in junior
  boys/ girls and women’s game and amongst BAME groups. It is on the list of sites to transfer to the Sheffield Football Trust as grass
  hub site or lease to Darnall FA.

10 - Ecclesfield Park - works to natural grass pitches

• Existing facilities - 4 full size grass pitch equivalents (2 full size, 2 junior)
• Current users - Junior Fox (6 teams), Ecclesfield Spartans Junior F.C (4 teams) Civil Sports F.C (3 teams)
• Rationale - Ecclesfield Park is a strategic priority in the emerging PPS and as an Active Park priority with Sport England and the
  LTA. This project will provide better quality facilities, improve pitches, make the site more secure and allow for growth in junior
  boys/ girls and women’s game. It on the list of sites scheduled to be a grass hub site and receive possible investment through the
  Sheffield Football Trust.

11 - Reignhead Farm - works to natural grass pitches

• Existing facilities - 3 full size grass pitch equivalents (2 full size, 1 mini soccer)
• Current users - MDS Falcons (five teams)
• Rationale - this is a priority site in the PPS and on the list of those scheduled to be a grass hub sites. It will provide better quality
  facilities, pitch improvements, secure site and allow for growth in junior boys/ girls and women’s game.

12 - High Storrs School – works to natural grass pitches

• Existing facilities - 3 full size grass pitch equivalents (2 full size, 1 junior)
• Current users - Millhouses Juniors (9 teams)
• Rationale - Pitches need improvement to levels and drainage. This scheme will provide better quality facilities, pitch
  improvements, secure the site and allow for growth in junior boys/ girls and women’s game. It is a priority site in the PPS and on
  the list of those sites scheduled to be a grass hub site and possibly receive investment via the Sheffield Football Trust.

13 - Mercia School – works to natural grass pitches

• Existing facilities - n/a
• Current users - site is currently not in use due to new school development. Both ‘tenant clubs’ are being catered for on a
  temporary basis at other sites: Ecclesall Rangers JFC (at Whirlow Playing Fields) and MillhousesJFC (at High Storrs).
• Rationale - this is an opportunity to work in partnership with the new secondary school to create new pitches, new changing
  rooms and access via a lease or community use agreement to remaining grass pitches. The new facility should be available in
  September 2019. It will mean better quality facilities, pitch improvements, secure site and allow for growth in junior boys/ girls and
  women's game.

14 -Bents Green – works to natural grass pitches

• Existing facilities - 6 grass pitches (2 full sized, 2 junior, 2 mini)
• Current users – Nether Green (10 teams)
• Rationale - provide better quality facilities and allow for growth in junior boys/ girls and women’s game. Priority site within the
  emerging PPS and on the list of sites to transfer to the Sheffield Football Trust as grass hub site.

24 -Sheffield Works Dept Sports & Social Club

• Existing facilities - 3 full size pitch equivalents
• Current users – AFC Norton Woodseats (23 teams)
• Rationale – the site is in the process of being leased to AFC Norton Woodseats. The existing changing pavilion is in very poor condition. Improved facilities will allow for growth in junior boys/ girls and women’s game.

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 pitches 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 30 key sites with three or more full-size pitch equivalents in Sheffield, 20 have suitable changing room pavilions/clubhouses, Six have existing facilities that need improvement/ replacement and four have no facilities and require a new changing pavilion.

Ten priority projects for potential investment have therefore been identified. Each project (with the exceptions of Mather Rd & East Park) have three or more full-size pitch equivalents and have either no facilities or were assessed against a standard criteria to have an unsuitable pavilion:

5- Steel City – new build changing pavilion

• Existing facilities - 4 grass pitch equivalents (2 full size, 2 junior)
• Current users – Steel City Dons (7 teams), Langsett Puma’s, Malin Vets.
• Rationale – the site is in the process of being leased to Steel City Dons. It has no current changing provision and is a priority for grass pitch improvement in the emerging PPS. Improvements will facilitate growth in junior boys/girls and women’s game.

6- East Park – new build changing pavilion

• Existing facilities - 2 full size grass pitch equivalents (1 full size, 1 junior)
• Current users - Woodman Juniors (3 teams)
• Rationale – this is a priority site in the emerging PPS and on the list of sites to transfer to the Sheffield Football Trust as a grass hub site. This investment will provide better quality facilities and allow for growth in junior boys/ girls and women’s game. The proposed housing development adjacent to the pitches will lead to the loss of the current changing facility. There are plans for a capital receipt to provide new changing rooms and car park.

7- Heliport – refurbish changing pavilion

• Existing facilities - 3 full size grass pitch equivalents, 1 junior pitch, 2 mini soccer pitches.
• Current users – Aden SteelersJFC (4 teams), Angel Grenoside First, Crookes Crusaders First, Rose House FC First, Staffordshire Arms First, Tusale United Junior U13
• Rationale - Aden Steelers is an emerging club delivering on wider social outcomes in the BAME community. The existing changing pavilion is in very poor condition. Improved facilities will allow for growth in junior boys/ girls and women’s game. This venue is a PPS priority and is on the list of those scheduled to transfer to the Sheffield Football Trust as a grass hub site.

8- Parson Cross Park – refurbish changing pavilion

• Existing facilities - 4 full size grass pitch equivalents (4 full-sized, 2 mini soccer)
• Current users – Southey Wolves (8 teams), Fox & Hound First.
• Rationale - site will provide better quality facilities and allow for growth in the girls and women’s game. It is a PPS priority site and on the list of those scheduled to transfer to the Sheffield Football Trust as a grass hub site

9 - Mather Rd – refurbish changing pavilion

• Existing facilities - 2 full size grass pitch equivalents (1 full size, 1 junior, 1 mini)
• Current users - Darnall Diamonds (2 teams), Darnall Football Academy (4 teams)
• Rationale – site is a strategic priority in the emerging PPS. It will provide better quality facilities and allow for growth in junior boys/ girls and women’s game and amongst BAME groups. It is on the list of sites to transfer to the Sheffield Football Trust as grass hub site or lease to Darnall FA.

10 - Ecclesfield Park - refurbish changing pavilion

• Existing facilities - 4 full size grass pitch equivalents (2 full size, 2 junior)
• Current users - Junior Fox (6 teams), Ecclesfield Spartans Junior F.C (4 teams) Civil Sports F.C (3 teams)
• Rationale - Ecclesfield Park is a strategic priority in the emerging PPS and as an Active Park priority with Sport England and the LTA. This project will provide better quality facilities, improve pitches, make the site more secure and allow for growth in junior boys/ girls and women’s game. It on the list of sites scheduled to be a grass hub site and receive possible investment through the Sheffield Football Trust.

14 - Bents Green Playing Fields – refurbish pavilion

• Existing facilities - 6 grass pitches (2 full sized, 2 junior, 2 mini)
• Current users – Nether Green (10 teams)
• Rationale - provide better quality facilities and allow for growth in junior boys/ girls and women’s game. Priority site within the
  emerging PPS and on the list of sites to transfer to the Sheffield Football Trust as grass hub site

15 - Waverley Lane - new build changing pavilion

• Existing facilities - 3 grass pitches (2 full size, 1 mini -soccer), temporary changing pavilion.
• Current users – Middlewood Rovers JFC (15 teams)
• Rationale – Opportunity to maximise the value of a S106 investment, confirmed during consultation with the club and steering group. This will generate growth in junior, girls and women’s
• football at one of the longest established junior clubs in the City.

16 - Flockton Park – new build changing pavilion

• Existing facilities - 5 grass pitches (3 full sized, 2 junior)
• Current users - Woodhouse JFC (8 teams)
• Rationale - Woodhouse JFC has a lease on the site and wishes to invest in changing facilities, pitch improvements and provide
  fencing around the pitches. This scheme will provide better quality facilities and allow for growth in junior boys/ girls and women’s
  game.

24 -Sheffield Works Dept Sports & Social Club

• Existing facilities - 3 full size pitch equivalents
• Current users – AFC Norton Woodseats (23 teams)
• Rationale – the site is in the process of being leased to AFC Norton Woodseats. The existing changing pavilion is in very poor condition. Improved facilities will allow for growth in junior boys/ girls and women’s game.

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 & 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 & leagues and recreational sessions . Indoor sports halls are most popular, along with some community halls and indoor 3G centres. Environments need to be engaging, have clear line-marking and the correct size goalposts.

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

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

Local consultation reveals there is one indoor facility that requires improvement to develop small-sided football.

17 - Springs Leisure Centre - Sports hall floor refurbishment and line marking required

• Existing facilities - 4 court hall used for small sided sessions delivered by the
• Existing Users - SUFC Community Academy.
• Rationale – Opportunity to grow small sided / recreational and SUFC programmed sessions in a deprived heavily urban area of the City with relatively poor walk time access to football facilities.

Three potential opportunities for MUGA’s have been identified. In each case, the rationale is based on the site being in an area of high urban population, limited green space, high levels of deprivation, high levels of lower social economic groups and corresponding high local demand for informal football. Further clarification is required to identify the exact location of sites for MUGAs.

18 - Burngreave/ Pitsmoor - refurbish existing MUGA

• Existing facilities - concrete MUGA
• Existing users – children & young people
• Rationale –Opportunity to improve small sided football provision in a deprived, densely urban area of the City lacking in open green space.

19 - Darnall – refurbish existing MUGA

• Existing facilities - concrete MUGA
• Existing users – children & young people
• Rationale –Opportunity to improve small sided football provision in a deprived, densely urban area of the City lacking in open green space.

20 - Netherthorpe / Upperthorpe – install new MUGA

• Existing facilities – n/a
• Existing users – children & young people
• Rationale –Opportunity to improve small sided football provision in a deprived, densely urban area of the City lacking in open green space.

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

21 - Manor Fields Park - provision of small football goals

• Existing facilities - large grassed park .
• Current users – children & young people , adults
• Rationale - city park operated / maintained by social enterprise in the Manor area of the City (heavily urban, deprived, high levels
  of ASB).

22 - Ruskin Park – provision of small football goals

• Existing facilities - large grassed park.
• Current users – children & young people , adults
• Rationale – this is a popular City park in the Netherthorpe area of the City which is a highly urban area with a diverse BAME
  population)

23 - Arbourthorne Playing Fields – provision of small football goals

• Existing facilities - large grassed park.
• Current users – children & young people , adults.
• Rationale - green / open space adjacent to significant City centre housing estate which presently lacks sporting facilities. It will
  benefit lower socio economic groups, children & young people and the BAME community.

Manager – Hillsborough Arena Sports Association.

• Secretary - Aden Steelers JFC.
• Secretary- Darnall Football Academy.
• Sports Programme & Engagement Manager – Sheffield International Venues .
• Head of football administration–Sheffield United FC.
• Finance Director Sheffield Wednesday FC
• Community Manager – Sheffield Wednesday FC
• Director of Soccer- Pulse .
• Chairman - Sheffield District Junior Sunday League
• Assistant Principal - Sheffield College.
• Green Space Project Officer- Sheffield City Council.
• Sport & Physical Activity lead - Sheffield City Council
• Head of Sport Services Sheffield Hallam University.
• Locality Officer Sheffield City Council.
• Head of Capital Delivery Service - Sheffield City Council.
• Head of Property - Sheffield City Council.
• Business development co-Ordinator - Sheffield Futures.
• CEO – Manor & Castle Development Trust.
• CEO - Zest Healthy Living Centre.
• Head of Research and Development - South Yorkshire Housing Association.
• Football Development Co-ordinator– Football Unites Racism Divides.
• Chairperson -Hillsborough Pumas JFC
• Chairperson- Charnock Ridgeway JFC
• Chairperson- MiddlewoodRovers JFC