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Local Football Facility Plan St Albans

Full report

Introduction

01

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

  • The FA
  • Football Foundation
  • Hertfordshire County FA
  • St Albans City & District Council
  • Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust
  • Sport England
  • Herts Sports Partnership

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 St Albans.

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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.

The project list sets out all priority projects for potential investment. Each is scored against two principal factors: deliverability and the five key outcomes (as stated above).

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.

How should this plan be used?

This LFFP will, in effect, be the go-to document for football facility investment in St Albans.

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 and 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 Hertfordshire 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 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 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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St Albans

02

Local area

St Albans is in the South-East Region.

The current population of the Authority (ONS 2018 Mid-Year Estimate) is 147,373. This is expected to rise to 163,727 by 2039.

St Albans is ranked 47 out of 47 LAs in the region, and 319 out of 326 LAs nationally on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (ONS).

St Alban's ethnic composition is primarily white (88.42%). This is higher than the national average (85.4%).

The proportion of St Alban’s population represented by the BAME community is 11.58%. This is below the national average (14.6%)

Demographics

  • 147,373 Current population (2018)
  • 163,727 Projected population (2039)
  • 47th most deprived out of 47 local authorities in the region
  • 319th most deprived out of 326 local authorities in England

Ethnicity data

  • Asian (6.41%)
  • Black (1.7%)
  • Mixed (2.78%)
  • Other (0.7%)
  • White (88.42%)
22%
25%
25%

% of people that are inactive

  • St Albans
  • Region
  • England

*ONS data and Sport England Active Lives Survey 2018/19

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Local partners

Local authority

The St Albans City and District Council draft Local Plan 2020-2036 sets out the planning policies and proposals for the future development of the City and District of St Albans. It establishes the Council’s long term spatial planning strategy for delivering and managing development and infrastructure, and for environmental protection and enhancement.

Underpinning research for the Authority Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS) was undertaken in 2019. Whilst it has been used as supporting evidence for the Local Plan, it has not been signed off by the relative national governing bodies of sport and has, therefore, is not used as the evidence base for the LFFP at this time.

County football association

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

Football Foundation

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

Football Foundation Investment

8 Total grants
  • £2,803,743 Total project cost
  • £1,806,807 Total grant value
  • 6 Sites improved
  • 5 New 3G FTPs
  • 1 Changing rooms / pavilions
  • 12 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 community club organisations (CCOs)

These offer a variety of programmes and services to support local communities (sporting and non-sporting). The Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust runs a variety of health, education, engagement, football and sporting activities within the local area.

Local leisure operator

1Life and Everyone Active are the key leisure operators in St Albans. They currently run several key sites across the District.

Local consultation

This has taken place with a broad and diverse set of community groups in St Albans. 40 individuals (representing 30 local organisations) were spoken to. The agencies consulted include:

  • Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School
  • Cotlandswick Leisure Centre
  • Harpenden Town Council
  • Harpenden Colts FC

(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. St Albans has a total of 387 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 St Albans, seven clubs have more than 10 registered teams. These (based upon 2018-19 affiliation data) are:

  • Harpenden Colts - 75 teams
  • St Albans City Youth - 84 teams
  • Harvesters FC - 41 teams.
  • London Colney Youth FC - 10 teams
  • London Colney Colts & Cougars - 17 teams
  • Wheathampstead Wanderers - 47 teams
  • St Albans Rangers Youth FC - 14 teams

Affiliated Teams

387 Teams
  • 70 Adult male teams
  • 5 Adult female teams
  • 31 Youth male teams
  • 25 Youth female teams
  • 11 Disability teams
  • 128 Mini-soccer teams

The FA Whole Game System- season 2018/19

Leagues

19 leagues operate across the county of Hertfordshire. They offer competitive opportunity for many different players, including girls, disability, youth and adults. There are suitable arrangements for women’s football via a combined county Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Women’s League that hosts 20 Hertfordshire teams. The leagues operating across the county are:

  • East Herts Corinthian League – 57 teams– home and away fixtures on a Sunday morning.
  • Escolla Junior League – 4 teams–Futsal League
  • Garston Vets Over 35s League – 12 teams. Vets League
  • Hertford & District ORC Sports Football League– 32 teams– home and away fixtures on a Saturday morning
  • Hertfordshire Development League – 166 teams– home and away fixtures on a Saturday morning for U7-U11 age groups, with festivals throughout the season for certain age groups.
  • Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League – 257 teams– home and away fixtures on a Saturday morning for youth teams, with festivals for certain age groups throughout the season
  • Herts Advertiser Sunday Football League – 45 teams– home and away fixtures on a Sunday morning.
  • Herts Senior County League – 59 teams– home and away fixtures on a Saturday afternoon.
  • Hitchin Sunday League – 33 teams– home and away fixtures on a Sunday morning
  • Mid Herts Rural Minors League – 756 teams– home and away fixtures on a Saturday or Sunday for Youth teams
  • Mid Herts Vets Football League – 15 teams– home and away fixtures on a Sunday
  • Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League – 36 teams– U18s home and away fixtures during midweek
  • Terry Reed North West Essex Sunday League – 18 teams– home and away fixtures on a Sunday
  • The Hertfordshire and Borders Churches Football League – 13 teams– home and away fixtures on a Saturday
  • The TrophyUK.net Royston Crow Youth Football League – 409 teams– home and away youth fixtures on a Saturday or Sunday
  • Watford Friendly League – 616 teams– home and away Youth fixtures on a Sunday
  • Watford Sunday Football League – 43 teams– home and away fixtures on a Sunday
  • West Herts Saturday League – 19 teams– home and away fixtures on a Saturday
  • West Herts Youth League – 554 teams– home and away Youth fixtures on a Sunday.

The County FA reports some cross boundary migration between the various local authorities in Hertfordshire.

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 St Albans there are 11 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. St Albans has two FA Wildcats girls football centres and the priority is to grow this activity.

At 30, St Alban’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 Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League in which matches are played on a central venue basis. It is expected to grow its provision in future years. The local adult female league is the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire County Women’s League. It too plays matches on a home and away basis and is expected to sustain its provision in future years.

For talented players, the most local FA Regional Talent Club (RTC) is Arsenal Ladies. Higher level talent pathway opportunities are also provided regionally and nationally by the FA, culminating in the England Women’s national squads. The nearest Women’s Super League team is Arsenal FC, whilst Stevenage Women’s FC plays in the FA Women’s National League Division 1 and Watford FC Ladies plays in the FA WPL Premier Division (South). All three clubs provide 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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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 in the County include:

  • Railway Friendly Flexi League
  • Herts 6s at Westfield Academy & Wodson Park
  • Futsal 5s (Herts at Longdean School and The Hemel Hempstead School
  • Youth Futsal Series at Longdean School and The Hemel Hempstead School
  • Ultimate Football at Monks Walk School
  • Roundwood Park Vets League at Roundwood Park School

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 43 futsal teams in Hertfordshire playing in ad-hoc tournaments and one-off events delivered by Hertfordshire FA, Regional Youth Futsal Series and leagues run at key site locations including the University of Hertfordshire, Ridgeway Academy, Aldenham Sports Centre, Ashlyns School, Longdean School, The Hemel Hempstead School, Clement Danes School, Hitchin Girls School and The Royal Masonic School. It is a priority for the County FA to grow futsal for youth and adult players.

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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 St Albans. Walking football sessions are delivered by a range of community organisations such as Watford CSE Trust that are supported by St Albans Council. Other local recreational football programmes include community based recreational programmes and active lifestyle programmes which are delivered by a range of organisations including Herts Sports Partnership and Watford CSE Trust.

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 St Albans is played at a variety of sites across the Authority area.

Summary

The key strength of local football in St Albans has been club growth and development. This had led to five clubs having 20+ teams and it is recommended that it is further encouraged. However, there are issues one of which is the conversion rate for male and female youth teams/players into adult teams. It is therefore recommended that the future football development priorities for St Albans are:

  1. Increase the number of senior adult male football teams.
  2. Increase the number of adult female football teams.
  3. Support the transition of youth teams (and players) into adult football.
  4. Increase the range of recreational programmes across the area.
  5. Increase the provision of activities for those with a disability, be this through an increase in the number of teams or recreational football opportunity.

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.

Assets and opportunities

03

This section reviews existing football facility assets in St Albans. It identifies current issues and presents opportunities for improvements, including a list of priority projects for potential investment. Local assets and opportunities have been reviewed in line with four investment priorities:

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

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

While 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

2019 assets and ops 3

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

There are full-sized (11v11) 3G FTPs in St Albans located at:

  • Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School (1)
  • Roundwood Park School (1)
  • Samuel Ryder Academy (1)
  • Sandringham School (1)

In addition there are currently four small-sided 3G FTPs in St Albans:

  • Cotlandswick Leisure Centre (1 x 5v5 FTP plus eight recreational cages) (0.25)
  • Harpenden Sports Centre (1 x 5v5) (0.25)
  • Harvesters Football Club (1 x 7v7) (0.5)
  • Marfold Field (1 x 5v5 FTP) (0.25)

In addition, a full size 3G FTP is currently in development without funding via the Football Foundation at Oaklands College. It has been agreed that, at the point of development of this Plan, this facility should be discounted until it is operational and the level of community access is fully understood.

St Columba's College also has planning permission for a youth 11v11 3G FTP. If developed, this facility will also be developed without funding from the Football Foundation.

There is no current PPS and, therefore, demand for full sized 3G FTPs has been calculated using the FA training ratio model 1:38. On the basis that there are 387 teams in St Albans, there is a requirement for ten full sized 3G FTP equivalents . Given that current supply is calculated at 5.5 (including the four small sided sites) the shortfall is 4.5 full-sized pitch equivalents.

All the current full size 3G FTPs in St Albans are on the FA Register for 3G FTPs (meaning they are quality checked and can be used for football match play). The small sided 3G FTP at Harvesters Football Club is also on the register.

The geographic spread of existing facilities is even. There are however provision gaps in Redbourn, Wheathampstead, Harpenden, London Colney and Central St Albans which have high levels of population and in which there is substantial demand for affiliated football. It it is recommended that these are addressed.

4 Current full sized 3G FTPs
4 Full sized 3G FTP project(s)
2 Small sided 3G FTP project(s)

Priority projects

Six priority projects for potential investment are identified to address the shortfall in St Albans. This includes four new 3G FTPs, a potential project to reconfigure existing 3G provision at Coltslandwick Leisure Centre (to increase match play at the site) plus the proposed youth 11v11 3G FTP at Harvesters FC. Projects have been put forward on the basis of the need to service training and match play demand for affiliated football and generic demand in the key settlements in the District.

1

Coltslandwick Leisure Centre

Location

COTLANDSWICK LEISURE CENTRE 341 HIGH STREET, LONDON COLNEY, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL2 1EB

Facilities
  • Refurbish existing 5v5 3G FTP (6)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: Eight recreational cages and 1 x 5v5 FTP

Current users: London Colney Youth FC

Rationale: The current 3G facilities were built in 2015. Whilst the 5v5 pitch is operating at capacity, there is spare capacity on the cages. One of the key challenges is there is a lack of match play at the site, as there is only one pitch of the recognised dimensions. Consequently, there is a need to reconfigure the current facilities (potentially to a number of 7v7s or 9v9s) following consultation with the leisure operator, Local Authority and a number of community clubs in order to support youth football.

London Colney has been identified as one of the five deprivation areas within the District.

Project Focus

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

2

Redbourn Leisure Centre

Location

REDBOURN LEISURE CENTRE 75 DUNSTABLE ROAD, REDBOURN, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL3 7PP

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

Other

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: six full size grass pitch equivalents, adequate ancillary facilities

Current users: Harpenden Colts (21 teams affiliated)

Rationale: Redbourn Leisure Centre and Playing Fields Trust is looking to provide a full size all weather pitch (preferably 3G) as per the Redbourn Neighbourhood Plan. This facility could be built on land adjacent to the existing Leisure Centre and secured through residential development of part of this land under Policies RED8 (Blackhorse Lane) and RED9 (land off Dunstable Road). Whilst a partner club for the site has not been identified at this stage, it is expected that the area will experience a significant increase in population growth as part of future housing development in the surrounding area. The site also has the potential to support the area of Flamstead.

Following consultation, the site was also highlighted for potential grass pitch improvement. A PIP visit has been undertaken on the site.

Project Focus

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

4

Harpenden Town FC

Location

HARPENDEN TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB HARPENDEN TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB AMENBURY LANE, HARPENDEN, Hertfordshire, AL5 2EF

Facilities
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: one full size floodlight grass pitch, ancillary facilities

Current users: Harpenden Town FC (2 teams affiliated), Harpenden Colts FC

Rationale: Harpenden Town FC (Step 5) have aspirations to convert their grass pitch to full size 3G FTP in conjunction with Harpenden Colts who currently have 77 teams affiliated. Further feasibility works of the Football Club site and Rothamsted Park are required to determine the most appropriate provision and layout of facilities to support both clubs.

Project Focus

Adult female

6

Harvesters Football Club

Location

HARVESTERS FOOTBALL CLUB HARVESTERS FOOTBALL CLUB OAKLANDS LANE, SMALLFORD, ST ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL4 0HR

Facilities
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
  • Refurbish Changing Pavilion (1)
Owner

Football club

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

67% (8.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: four full size grass pitch equivalents, one 7v7 3G FTP (Football Foundation funded in 2003), ancillary facilities.

Current users: Harvesters FC (41 teams affiliated)

Rationale: Aspirations to convert one grass pitch into a youth 11v11 3G FTP (9v9) at the site as their current 3G pitch is at capacity and the club is having to hire additional 3G slots at nearby school sites. Consultation highlighted that the current 3G FTP requires resurfacing, and there is a sinking fund in place to undertake this work. The onsite ancillary facilities require reconfiguring to make best use of the asset as the changing rooms do not currently get used. Consultation highlighted that the grass pitches are adequate and no investment is required currently.
At present the club has a 15 year lease with Hertfordshire County Council on the site. The Football Foundation would require an extension of the lease on the site before any further investment can be considered.

Project Focus

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

8

Wheathampstead 3G Project

Location

Location details:

Facilities
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

67% (8.0/12)

Notes

Need for a 3G pitch in the Wheathampstead area. The Steering Group identified two possible options:

- Butterfield Road
- Katherine Warrington School

The pitch would primarily support Wheathampstead Wanderers which has c. 50 teams. Further feasibility required to identify the preferred site.

Project Focus

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

27

Central St Albans 3G project

Location

Location details:

Facilities
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Not known

Deliverability score

Low (1/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.0/4

Overall score

25% (3.0/12)

Notes

There is an additional need for a second 3G pitch in the centre of St Albans to support St Albans City FC and St Albans Rangers (a combined total of 100 teams) and also to provide a recreational offer for the City Centre.
No site currently identified- further feasibility required.

Project Focus

Adult female; Disability; IMD / lower social economic groups; Pro-club; Small-sided informal; 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.

Priority 3G FTP projects

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 quality and one in six games is cancelled. As such, poor pitch quality is consistently cited as the number one issue for players.

The priority is, therefore, to sustainably improve grass pitch quality across all main pitch owners (local authorities, education establishments and clubs). However, the level of maintenance required to obtain good quality standards is regularly affected by restricted budgets and limited knowledge/ training. Compaction and grass coverage are two key causes of poor quality pitches. Both are commonly treated via a maintenance driven solution (and do not necessarily require costly drainage schemes).

Playing fields are also a valuable resources for informal play and open-access sites are encouraged but, for many, problems such as dog fouling and vandalism mean that they need to be protected with mitigation measures such as fencing.

The key challenge is to create a sustainable approach to provide good quality football pitches for the long term. Most local authorities (78%) intend to increase pitch hire fees in the future. However, the majority of players (63%) believe facilities are already expensive and some (16%) believe prices are prohibitive. A sustainable solution should, therefore, carefully balance pitch quality and affordability.

While the education sector (37%) and local authorities (32%) are still the principal asset owners of grass pitches, clubs / leagues own or maintain an increasing share (currently 25%). Assets and opportunities have been considered across each sector.

Although large (3+ pitch) strategic sites are important and make up much of the project list within the LFFPs, this does not mean that other club, league and community/voluntary sites are not important or eligible for funding. These sites are key to the Football Foundation's Grass Pitch Programme to deliver 20,000 good quality pitches.

For more information click here.

PitchPower

The PitchPower app is the gateway to any grass pitch improvement funding. It is the tool that will allow clubs and organisations to complete pitch inspections and access funds.

If you haven't signed up and completed a PitchPower pitch inspection, you will need to do this before you can apply for the Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund.

Learn more by clicking here.

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2019 grass pitch 2

Assets and opportunities

There are currently 20 grass pitch sites in St Albans with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three but deemed to be of strategic importance). These contain 66 grass pitches.

Of the 20 key pitch sites referenced above it was determined that 10 should be prioritised. This will result in quality improvements to 41 pitches.

Local consultation confirms the issue of poor grass pitch quality and it is recommended that this is addressed.

Priority projects

20 Key grass pitch sites
10 Sites prioritised for improvement
41 Full size pitch equivalents at these sites

10 priority projects for potential investment are identified. Prioritisation was based on a rationale of selecting sites in poor condition that are, or offer the potential to be, well utilised and reflect the strategic focus to improve football participation.

2

Redbourn Leisure Centre

Location

REDBOURN LEISURE CENTRE 75 DUNSTABLE ROAD, REDBOURN, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL3 7PP

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

Other

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: six full size grass pitch equivalents, adequate ancillary facilities

Current users: Harpenden Colts (21 teams affiliated)

Rationale: Redbourn Leisure Centre and Playing Fields Trust is looking to provide a full size all weather pitch (preferably 3G) as per the Redbourn Neighbourhood Plan. This facility could be built on land adjacent to the existing Leisure Centre and secured through residential development of part of this land under Policies RED8 (Blackhorse Lane) and RED9 (land off Dunstable Road). Whilst a partner club for the site has not been identified at this stage, it is expected that the area will experience a significant increase in population growth as part of future housing development in the surrounding area. The site also has the potential to support the area of Flamstead.

Following consultation, the site was also highlighted for potential grass pitch improvement. A PIP visit has been undertaken on the site.

Project Focus

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

10

Highfield Park

Location

HIGHFIELD PARK PLAYING FIELDS HIGHFIELD LANE, TYTTENHANGER, ST ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL4 0EZ

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

Football club

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: four full size grass pitch equivalents, ancillary facilities

Current users: St Albans City Youth (50 teams affiliated)

Rationale: The site is a key site for affiliated youth football in St Albans and supports 50 teams from St Albans City Youth. Whilst there are ancillary facilities on site, additional toilet facilities may be required due to the level of demand at the site. Consultation also highlighted a need for natural grass pitch improvement at the site. Maintenance of the site is currently undertaken by Highfield Park Trust.

Project Focus

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

11

Morris Playing Fields

Location

MORRIS PLAYING FIELDS White Horse Lane, London Colney, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 1JR

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

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: three full size grass pitch equivalents, inadequate ancillary provision

Current users: Six teams affiliated

Rationale: Consultation highlighted a need for natural grass pitch improvement and a refurbishment of the existing ancillary facilities

Project Focus

Adult male; Youth female; Youth male

12

Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School

Location

NICHOLAS BREAKSPEAR CATHOLIC SCHOOL COLNEY HEATH LANE, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL4 0TT

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (4)
Owner

Education

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: four full size grass pitch equivalents, one full size 3G FTP (Football Foundation funded in 2012), inadequate ancillary provision

Current users: St Albans City Youth (9 teams affiliated)

Rationale: Following consultation, the site has been highlighted for natural grass pitch improvement. The School have aspirations to develop external ancillary facilities close to the 3G pitch (which would also have classroom/office space). No partner funding has been identified at present for the development of this facility.

Project Focus

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

14

Rothamstead Park

Location

ROTHAMSTEAD PARK Leyton Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2HU

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (5)
  • New Changing Pavilion (2)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: five full size grass pitch equivalents,

Current users: Harpenden Colts (30 teams affiliated)

Rationale: Following consultation, the site has been highlighted for potential natural grass pitch improvement, a PIP visit has been arranged and any potential investment needs into the grass pitches will be highlighted as part of the PIP report. Harpenden Colts have aspirations to develop a two-storey ancillary facility to support both football and wider community engagement, additional toilet facilities may be required across the site due to the size and demand of the site.

Further feasibility works of the Harpenden Town FC site and Rothamsted Park are required to determine the most appropriate provision and layout of facilities to support both clubs.

Project Focus

BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Mini-soccer; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

16

Shenley Lane Playing Fields

Location

SHENLEY LANE PLAYING FIELD SHENLEY LANE PLAYING FIELDS, NAPSBURY HOSPITAL SITE SHENLEY LANE, LONDON COLNEY, Hertfordshire, AL2 1GY

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (2)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: two full size grass pitch equivalents, adequate ancillary facilities

Current users: London Colney Colts & Cougars (10 teams affiliated)

Rationale: following consultation, the site has been highlighted for potential natural grass pitch improvement. The site is a key site for youth football in London Colney.

Project Focus

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

17

Marford Field

Location

MARFORD FIELD MARFORD ROAD, WHEATHAMPSTEAD, Hertfordshire, AL4 8AT

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

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: two full size grass pitch equivalents, one 46x26m 3G FTP (Football Foundation funded in 2014), inadequate ancillary facilities

Current users: 15 teams inc Wheathampstead Wanderers Youth (12)

Rationale: Potential to refurbish existing ancillary facilities at the site. Highlighted for natural grass pitch improvement. Potential S106 identified for this site.

Project Focus

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

18

Samuel Ryder Academy

Location

SAMUEL RYDER ACADEMY DRAKES DRIVE, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL1 5AR

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

Education

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: One full size 3G FTP (Football Foundation funded in 2018), two full size grass pitch equivalents, inadequate ancillary provision

Current users: Seven teams affiliated from London Colney Colts & Cougars and St Albans City Youth

Rationale: The site is scheduled to have a PIP visit and any potential investment needs into the grass pitches will be highlighted as part of the PIP report. The school have aspirations to develop an external ancillary facility to support the onsite 3G.

Project Focus

Youth male

19

Toulmin Drive (William Bird)

Location

TOULMIN DRIVE Toulmin Drive, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6DZ

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (9)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: nine full size grass pitch equivalents

Current users: six teams affiliated

Rationale: key site for adult football, highlighted for natural grass pitch improvement

Project Focus

Adult male

26

Butterfield Playing Fields

Location

BUTTERFIELD ROAD 50 OLD SCHOOL DRIVE, WHEATHAMPSTEAD, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL4 8FH

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: 4 full sized pitch equivalents. Ahanging provision

Current users: Wheathampstead Wanderers

Rationale: Poor quality grass pitches and changing provision. Investment required.

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.

Priority grass pitch projects

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.

2019 clubhouse 1
Changing room 2.png

Assets and opportunities

Of the 20 key grass pitch sites in St Albans with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three but deemed to be of strategic importance) 13 have suitable changing rooms, four require improvement/replacement and three require a new changing pavilion.

In addition to the 20 key sites noted above, new ancillary provision may be required should a 3G FTP be developed as part of the Central 3G project in St Albans, however, this is not listed as a priory project below.

13 Key sites have suitable changing rooms / pavilions / clubhouses
4 Require improvement / replacement
3 Have no facilities and require new builds

Priority projects

Seven priority projects for potential investment are identified.

6

Harvesters Football Club

Location

HARVESTERS FOOTBALL CLUB HARVESTERS FOOTBALL CLUB OAKLANDS LANE, SMALLFORD, ST ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL4 0HR

Facilities
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
  • Refurbish Changing Pavilion (1)
Owner

Football club

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

67% (8.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: four full size grass pitch equivalents, one 7v7 3G FTP (Football Foundation funded in 2003), ancillary facilities.

Current users: Harvesters FC (41 teams affiliated)

Rationale: Aspirations to convert one grass pitch into a youth 11v11 3G FTP (9v9) at the site as their current 3G pitch is at capacity and the club is having to hire additional 3G slots at nearby school sites. Consultation highlighted that the current 3G FTP requires resurfacing, and there is a sinking fund in place to undertake this work. The onsite ancillary facilities require reconfiguring to make best use of the asset as the changing rooms do not currently get used. Consultation highlighted that the grass pitches are adequate and no investment is required currently.
At present the club has a 15 year lease with Hertfordshire County Council on the site. The Football Foundation would require an extension of the lease on the site before any further investment can be considered.

Project Focus

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

10

Highfield Park

Location

HIGHFIELD PARK PLAYING FIELDS HIGHFIELD LANE, TYTTENHANGER, ST ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL4 0EZ

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

Football club

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: four full size grass pitch equivalents, ancillary facilities

Current users: St Albans City Youth (50 teams affiliated)

Rationale: The site is a key site for affiliated youth football in St Albans and supports 50 teams from St Albans City Youth. Whilst there are ancillary facilities on site, additional toilet facilities may be required due to the level of demand at the site. Consultation also highlighted a need for natural grass pitch improvement at the site. Maintenance of the site is currently undertaken by Highfield Park Trust.

Project Focus

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

11

Morris Playing Fields

Location

MORRIS PLAYING FIELDS White Horse Lane, London Colney, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 1JR

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

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: three full size grass pitch equivalents, inadequate ancillary provision

Current users: Six teams affiliated

Rationale: Consultation highlighted a need for natural grass pitch improvement and a refurbishment of the existing ancillary facilities

Project Focus

Adult male; Youth female; Youth male

14

Rothamstead Park

Location

ROTHAMSTEAD PARK Leyton Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2HU

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (5)
  • New Changing Pavilion (2)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: five full size grass pitch equivalents,

Current users: Harpenden Colts (30 teams affiliated)

Rationale: Following consultation, the site has been highlighted for potential natural grass pitch improvement, a PIP visit has been arranged and any potential investment needs into the grass pitches will be highlighted as part of the PIP report. Harpenden Colts have aspirations to develop a two-storey ancillary facility to support both football and wider community engagement, additional toilet facilities may be required across the site due to the size and demand of the site.

Further feasibility works of the Harpenden Town FC site and Rothamsted Park are required to determine the most appropriate provision and layout of facilities to support both clubs.

Project Focus

BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Mini-soccer; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

17

Marford Field

Location

MARFORD FIELD MARFORD ROAD, WHEATHAMPSTEAD, Hertfordshire, AL4 8AT

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

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: two full size grass pitch equivalents, one 46x26m 3G FTP (Football Foundation funded in 2014), inadequate ancillary facilities

Current users: 15 teams inc Wheathampstead Wanderers Youth (12)

Rationale: Potential to refurbish existing ancillary facilities at the site. Highlighted for natural grass pitch improvement. Potential S106 identified for this site.

Project Focus

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

18

Samuel Ryder Academy

Location

SAMUEL RYDER ACADEMY DRAKES DRIVE, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL1 5AR

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

Education

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: One full size 3G FTP (Football Foundation funded in 2018), two full size grass pitch equivalents, inadequate ancillary provision

Current users: Seven teams affiliated from London Colney Colts & Cougars and St Albans City Youth

Rationale: The site is scheduled to have a PIP visit and any potential investment needs into the grass pitches will be highlighted as part of the PIP report. The school have aspirations to develop an external ancillary facility to support the onsite 3G.

Project Focus

Youth male

26

Butterfield Playing Fields

Location

BUTTERFIELD ROAD 50 OLD SCHOOL DRIVE, WHEATHAMPSTEAD, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL4 8FH

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: 4 full sized pitch equivalents. Ahanging provision

Current users: Wheathampstead Wanderers

Rationale: Poor quality grass pitches and changing provision. Investment required.

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.

Priority changing room and pavilion projects

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.

2019 small sided 4
132248.JPG

Priority projects

2 Improved indoor spaces
2 MUGAs
2 Better parks / open green spaces

Indoor

Local consultation indicates two indoor facilities that require improvement to develop small-sided football.

Multi use games areas

One potential opportunity to upgrade a MUGA has been identified based upon site being positioned so as to service areas of substantial population with, for the area, relatively high proportions of people from lower social economic groups and corresponding high local demand for informal football.

Parks and open green spaces

Following local consultation, and assisted by the Sport England Green Spaces Mapping Tool three locations are identified to support small sided informal football. These will be based in key local parks and open green spaces which have suitable space / areas to develop informal football provision.

20

Marlborough Open Space

Location

MARLBOROUGH OPEN SPACE Cottonmill Lane, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 2EF

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

Other

Deliverability score

Low (1/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

42% (5.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: one full size grass pitch equivalents, MUGA

Current users: Marshalswick Rovers (1 team affiliated), informal and recreational users, Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust.

Rationale: MUGA requires refurbishment (surface to be determined). Site is used by Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust. Located in Sopwell which has high levels of deprivation.

Project Focus

IMD / lower social economic groups; Small-sided informal; Small-sided recreational; Youth female; Youth male

21

Flamsteadbury Lane, Redbourn

Location

Flamsteadbury Lane, Redbourn , AL3 7AE

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

Other

Deliverability score

Low (1/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.9/4

Overall score

40% (4.8/12)

Notes

Current facilities: area of open space

Current users: Informal and recreational users

Rationale: As per Redbourn Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan, investigate kick about football pitch with goal posts

Project Focus

IMD / lower social economic groups; Small-sided informal; Small-sided recreational; Youth female; Youth male

22

Harpenden New Leisure Centre Development

Location

HARPENDEN SPORTS CENTRE HARPENDEN SPORTS CENTRE, ROTHAMSTED PARK LEYTON ROAD, HARPENDEN, Hertfordshire, AL5 2HU

Facilities
  • New Indoor Football Facility (1)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: site is currently under development

Current users: Informal and recreational users

Rationale: new five court sports hall due for completion January 2021 – potential to enhance to support futsal.

Project Focus

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

23

Katherine Warington School

Location

Katherine Warington School , AL5 5AF

Facilities
  • Refurbish Indoor Football Facility (1)
Owner

Education

Deliverability score

Low (1/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.9/4

Overall score

40% (4.8/12)

Notes

Current facilities: two full size grass pitch equivalents, sports hall

Current users: school users

Rationale: A new sports hall has been developed on site. Potential to enhance to support futsal, needs to be considered in like of a similar potential project at Harpenden Leisure Centre.

Project Focus

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

24

Victoria Playing Fields

Location

VICTORIA PLAYING FIELDS VICTORIA PLAYING FIELD FOLLY LANE, ST ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL3 4DP

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

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: Open space

Current users: Informal and recreational users (Victoria Playing Fields FC - club not affiliated)

Rationale: The site is heavily used for recreational play by Victoria Playing Fields FC). There is potential to support the football offer at this site by providing a toilet/storage facility to support the Club.

Project Focus

BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Small-sided informal; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

25

London Colney Geographical Area

Location

Location details: London Colney Geographical Area

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

Not known

Deliverability score

Low (1/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.9/4

Overall score

40% (4.8/12)

Notes

Current facilities: N/A - site unknown

Current users: Informal and recreational users

Rationale: opportunity to enhance informal and recreational football in London Colney. The project needs to be considered in light of the potential project at Coltslandwick Leisure Centre which currently caters for some of the informal and recreational demand in the area.

London Colney has been identified as one of the five deprivation areas within the District.

Project Focus

BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Small-sided informal; Small-sided recreational; 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.

Priority indoor projects

Pitchfinder

Priority park and open space projects

Pitchfinder

Appendix A: Priority project list

08

This list sets out all priority projects for potential investment. Each is 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

Coltslandwick Leisure Centre

Location

COTLANDSWICK LEISURE CENTRE 341 HIGH STREET, LONDON COLNEY, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL2 1EB

Facilities
  • Refurbish existing 5v5 3G FTP (6)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: Eight recreational cages and 1 x 5v5 FTP

Current users: London Colney Youth FC

Rationale: The current 3G facilities were built in 2015. Whilst the 5v5 pitch is operating at capacity, there is spare capacity on the cages. One of the key challenges is there is a lack of match play at the site, as there is only one pitch of the recognised dimensions. Consequently, there is a need to reconfigure the current facilities (potentially to a number of 7v7s or 9v9s) following consultation with the leisure operator, Local Authority and a number of community clubs in order to support youth football.

London Colney has been identified as one of the five deprivation areas within the District.

Project Focus

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

2

Redbourn Leisure Centre

Location

REDBOURN LEISURE CENTRE 75 DUNSTABLE ROAD, REDBOURN, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL3 7PP

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

Other

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: six full size grass pitch equivalents, adequate ancillary facilities

Current users: Harpenden Colts (21 teams affiliated)

Rationale: Redbourn Leisure Centre and Playing Fields Trust is looking to provide a full size all weather pitch (preferably 3G) as per the Redbourn Neighbourhood Plan. This facility could be built on land adjacent to the existing Leisure Centre and secured through residential development of part of this land under Policies RED8 (Blackhorse Lane) and RED9 (land off Dunstable Road). Whilst a partner club for the site has not been identified at this stage, it is expected that the area will experience a significant increase in population growth as part of future housing development in the surrounding area. The site also has the potential to support the area of Flamstead.

Following consultation, the site was also highlighted for potential grass pitch improvement. A PIP visit has been undertaken on the site.

Project Focus

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

10

Highfield Park

Location

HIGHFIELD PARK PLAYING FIELDS HIGHFIELD LANE, TYTTENHANGER, ST ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL4 0EZ

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

Football club

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: four full size grass pitch equivalents, ancillary facilities

Current users: St Albans City Youth (50 teams affiliated)

Rationale: The site is a key site for affiliated youth football in St Albans and supports 50 teams from St Albans City Youth. Whilst there are ancillary facilities on site, additional toilet facilities may be required due to the level of demand at the site. Consultation also highlighted a need for natural grass pitch improvement at the site. Maintenance of the site is currently undertaken by Highfield Park Trust.

Project Focus

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

14

Rothamstead Park

Location

ROTHAMSTEAD PARK Leyton Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2HU

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (5)
  • New Changing Pavilion (2)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

75% (9.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: five full size grass pitch equivalents,

Current users: Harpenden Colts (30 teams affiliated)

Rationale: Following consultation, the site has been highlighted for potential natural grass pitch improvement, a PIP visit has been arranged and any potential investment needs into the grass pitches will be highlighted as part of the PIP report. Harpenden Colts have aspirations to develop a two-storey ancillary facility to support both football and wider community engagement, additional toilet facilities may be required across the site due to the size and demand of the site.

Further feasibility works of the Harpenden Town FC site and Rothamsted Park are required to determine the most appropriate provision and layout of facilities to support both clubs.

Project Focus

BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Mini-soccer; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

6

Harvesters Football Club

Location

HARVESTERS FOOTBALL CLUB HARVESTERS FOOTBALL CLUB OAKLANDS LANE, SMALLFORD, ST ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL4 0HR

Facilities
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
  • Refurbish Changing Pavilion (1)
Owner

Football club

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

67% (8.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: four full size grass pitch equivalents, one 7v7 3G FTP (Football Foundation funded in 2003), ancillary facilities.

Current users: Harvesters FC (41 teams affiliated)

Rationale: Aspirations to convert one grass pitch into a youth 11v11 3G FTP (9v9) at the site as their current 3G pitch is at capacity and the club is having to hire additional 3G slots at nearby school sites. Consultation highlighted that the current 3G FTP requires resurfacing, and there is a sinking fund in place to undertake this work. The onsite ancillary facilities require reconfiguring to make best use of the asset as the changing rooms do not currently get used. Consultation highlighted that the grass pitches are adequate and no investment is required currently.
At present the club has a 15 year lease with Hertfordshire County Council on the site. The Football Foundation would require an extension of the lease on the site before any further investment can be considered.

Project Focus

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

8

Wheathampstead 3G Project

Location

Location details:

Facilities
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

67% (8.0/12)

Notes

Need for a 3G pitch in the Wheathampstead area. The Steering Group identified two possible options:

- Butterfield Road
- Katherine Warrington School

The pitch would primarily support Wheathampstead Wanderers which has c. 50 teams. Further feasibility required to identify the preferred site.

Project Focus

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

4

Harpenden Town FC

Location

HARPENDEN TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB HARPENDEN TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB AMENBURY LANE, HARPENDEN, Hertfordshire, AL5 2EF

Facilities
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: one full size floodlight grass pitch, ancillary facilities

Current users: Harpenden Town FC (2 teams affiliated), Harpenden Colts FC

Rationale: Harpenden Town FC (Step 5) have aspirations to convert their grass pitch to full size 3G FTP in conjunction with Harpenden Colts who currently have 77 teams affiliated. Further feasibility works of the Football Club site and Rothamsted Park are required to determine the most appropriate provision and layout of facilities to support both clubs.

Project Focus

Adult female

11

Morris Playing Fields

Location

MORRIS PLAYING FIELDS White Horse Lane, London Colney, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 1JR

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

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: three full size grass pitch equivalents, inadequate ancillary provision

Current users: Six teams affiliated

Rationale: Consultation highlighted a need for natural grass pitch improvement and a refurbishment of the existing ancillary facilities

Project Focus

Adult male; Youth female; Youth male

12

Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School

Location

NICHOLAS BREAKSPEAR CATHOLIC SCHOOL COLNEY HEATH LANE, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL4 0TT

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (4)
Owner

Education

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: four full size grass pitch equivalents, one full size 3G FTP (Football Foundation funded in 2012), inadequate ancillary provision

Current users: St Albans City Youth (9 teams affiliated)

Rationale: Following consultation, the site has been highlighted for natural grass pitch improvement. The School have aspirations to develop external ancillary facilities close to the 3G pitch (which would also have classroom/office space). No partner funding has been identified at present for the development of this facility.

Project Focus

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

16

Shenley Lane Playing Fields

Location

SHENLEY LANE PLAYING FIELD SHENLEY LANE PLAYING FIELDS, NAPSBURY HOSPITAL SITE SHENLEY LANE, LONDON COLNEY, Hertfordshire, AL2 1GY

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (2)
Owner

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: two full size grass pitch equivalents, adequate ancillary facilities

Current users: London Colney Colts & Cougars (10 teams affiliated)

Rationale: following consultation, the site has been highlighted for potential natural grass pitch improvement. The site is a key site for youth football in London Colney.

Project Focus

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

17

Marford Field

Location

MARFORD FIELD MARFORD ROAD, WHEATHAMPSTEAD, Hertfordshire, AL4 8AT

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

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: two full size grass pitch equivalents, one 46x26m 3G FTP (Football Foundation funded in 2014), inadequate ancillary facilities

Current users: 15 teams inc Wheathampstead Wanderers Youth (12)

Rationale: Potential to refurbish existing ancillary facilities at the site. Highlighted for natural grass pitch improvement. Potential S106 identified for this site.

Project Focus

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

18

Samuel Ryder Academy

Location

SAMUEL RYDER ACADEMY DRAKES DRIVE, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL1 5AR

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

Education

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: One full size 3G FTP (Football Foundation funded in 2018), two full size grass pitch equivalents, inadequate ancillary provision

Current users: Seven teams affiliated from London Colney Colts & Cougars and St Albans City Youth

Rationale: The site is scheduled to have a PIP visit and any potential investment needs into the grass pitches will be highlighted as part of the PIP report. The school have aspirations to develop an external ancillary facility to support the onsite 3G.

Project Focus

Youth male

19

Toulmin Drive (William Bird)

Location

TOULMIN DRIVE Toulmin Drive, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6DZ

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (9)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: nine full size grass pitch equivalents

Current users: six teams affiliated

Rationale: key site for adult football, highlighted for natural grass pitch improvement

Project Focus

Adult male

22

Harpenden New Leisure Centre Development

Location

HARPENDEN SPORTS CENTRE HARPENDEN SPORTS CENTRE, ROTHAMSTED PARK LEYTON ROAD, HARPENDEN, Hertfordshire, AL5 2HU

Facilities
  • New Indoor Football Facility (1)
Owner

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: site is currently under development

Current users: Informal and recreational users

Rationale: new five court sports hall due for completion January 2021 – potential to enhance to support futsal.

Project Focus

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

24

Victoria Playing Fields

Location

VICTORIA PLAYING FIELDS VICTORIA PLAYING FIELD FOLLY LANE, ST ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL3 4DP

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

Other

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: Open space

Current users: Informal and recreational users (Victoria Playing Fields FC - club not affiliated)

Rationale: The site is heavily used for recreational play by Victoria Playing Fields FC). There is potential to support the football offer at this site by providing a toilet/storage facility to support the Club.

Project Focus

BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Small-sided informal; Small-sided recreational; Small-sided teams and leagues; Youth female; Youth male

26

Butterfield Playing Fields

Location

BUTTERFIELD ROAD 50 OLD SCHOOL DRIVE, WHEATHAMPSTEAD, ST. ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL4 8FH

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: 4 full sized pitch equivalents. Ahanging provision

Current users: Wheathampstead Wanderers

Rationale: Poor quality grass pitches and changing provision. Investment required.

20

Marlborough Open Space

Location

MARLBOROUGH OPEN SPACE Cottonmill Lane, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 2EF

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

Other

Deliverability score

Low (1/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

42% (5.0/12)

Notes

Current facilities: one full size grass pitch equivalents, MUGA

Current users: Marshalswick Rovers (1 team affiliated), informal and recreational users, Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust.

Rationale: MUGA requires refurbishment (surface to be determined). Site is used by Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust. Located in Sopwell which has high levels of deprivation.

Project Focus

IMD / lower social economic groups; Small-sided informal; Small-sided recreational; Youth female; Youth male

21

Flamsteadbury Lane, Redbourn

Location

Flamsteadbury Lane, Redbourn , AL3 7AE

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

Other

Deliverability score

Low (1/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.9/4

Overall score

40% (4.8/12)

Notes

Current facilities: area of open space

Current users: Informal and recreational users

Rationale: As per Redbourn Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan, investigate kick about football pitch with goal posts

Project Focus

IMD / lower social economic groups; Small-sided informal; Small-sided recreational; Youth female; Youth male

23

Katherine Warington School

Location

Katherine Warington School , AL5 5AF

Facilities
  • Refurbish Indoor Football Facility (1)
Owner

Education

Deliverability score

Low (1/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.9/4

Overall score

40% (4.8/12)

Notes

Current facilities: two full size grass pitch equivalents, sports hall

Current users: school users

Rationale: A new sports hall has been developed on site. Potential to enhance to support futsal, needs to be considered in like of a similar potential project at Harpenden Leisure Centre.

Project Focus

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

25

London Colney Geographical Area

Location

Location details: London Colney Geographical Area

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

Not known

Deliverability score

Low (1/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.9/4

Overall score

40% (4.8/12)

Notes

Current facilities: N/A - site unknown

Current users: Informal and recreational users

Rationale: opportunity to enhance informal and recreational football in London Colney. The project needs to be considered in light of the potential project at Coltslandwick Leisure Centre which currently caters for some of the informal and recreational demand in the area.

London Colney has been identified as one of the five deprivation areas within the District.

Project Focus

BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Small-sided informal; Small-sided recreational; Youth female; Youth male

27

Central St Albans 3G project

Location

Location details:

Facilities
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
Owner

Not known

Deliverability score

Low (1/4)

NFFS outcome score

1.0/4

Overall score

25% (3.0/12)

Notes

There is an additional need for a second 3G pitch in the centre of St Albans to support St Albans City FC and St Albans Rangers (a combined total of 100 teams) and also to provide a recreational offer for the City Centre.
No site currently identified- further feasibility required.

Project Focus

Adult female; Disability; IMD / lower social economic groups; Pro-club; Small-sided informal; 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.

Appendix B: Consultation list

09

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

  • Leisure Contracts Officer - St Albans City & District Council
  • Leisure Services Manager - St Albans City & District Council
  • Green Spaces and Cemeteries Team Leader - St Albans City and District Council
  • St Albans City and District Council – Spatial Planning Officer
  • Head of Facilities and Inclusion - Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust
  • Herts Sports Partnership - Strategic Lead for Sport
  • Sports Development Officer - 1Life
  • St Albans Girl's School - Trust Business Manager
  • Samuel Ryder Academy - Assistant Headteacher
  • Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School – Business Manager
  • Katherine Warington School – Business Manager
  • Cotlandswick Leisure Centre – General Manager
  • Oaklands College – Football and Training Coordinator
  • Hertfordshire County Council – Cllr Anthony Rowlands
  • City Neighbourhood Committee – Chair
  • Wheathampstead Parish Council - Clerk
  • St Stephens Parish Council - Assistant Clerk
  • St Stephens Parish Council - Senior Groundsman
  • Sandridge Parish Council - Clerk
  • Sir John Lawes School - Head of PE
  • Harpenden Town Council - Town Clerk
  • Redbourn Recreation Centre & Playing Fields Trust - Chair
  • Redbourn Recreation Centre & Playing Fields Trust - Director
  • Herts Advertiser Sunday Football League
  • London Colney Colts & Cougars FC - Chairman
  • St Albans City Youth - Secretary
  • St Albans City Youth - Football Development Officer
  • St Albans City Youth - Football Development Officer
  • Harpenden Town FC - Chairman
  • Victoria Playing Fields FC - Chairman
  • Harpenden Colts FC - Chairman
  • Harpenden Colts FC - Secretary
  • London Colney Youth FC - Chairman
  • London Colney Youth FC - Welfare Officer
  • Harvesters FC - Secretary
  • St Albans City FC - Owner
  • St Albans City FC - Stadium Manager
  • St Albans Rangers Youth FC - Chairman
  • The Gate FC (via club survey)
  • Hansbury FC (via club survey)

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