Local Football Facility Plan Tandridge

Tandridge is in the South East region.

The current population of the authority (ONS 2018 Mid-Year Estimate) is 87,496. This is expected to rise to 98,874 by 2039.

Tandridge is ranked 39 out of 67 LAs in the region, and 256 out of 317 LAs nationally on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (ONS).

Tandridge's ethnic composition is primarily white (93.83%). This is higher than the national average (85.4%).

The proportion of Tanridge’s population represented by the BAME community is 6.17%. This is below the national average (14.6%).

Local authority

The Council Local Plan covers the delivery of housing, employment and other types of development to meet local need up to 2033. This will guide key planning decisions and allow local people more control over where development goes.

The Authority Playing Pitch Strategy was adopted in 2018. The key findings and stated overarching priorities in relation to football are were to address the shortfall of 3G FTPs in Tandridge potentially via providing at least three 3G pitches across the District, which includes up to two new 3g pitches within the new Garden Settlement development and to maintain the current quality of grass pitch sites.

County football association

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

Football Foundation

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

Sport England

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

Professional community club organisations (CCOs)

These offer a variety of programmes and services to support local communities (sporting and non-sporting). The Palace for Life Foundation runs a variety of health, education, engagement, football and sporting activities in the local area.

Local leisure operator

Freedom Leisure is the key leisure operator in Tandridge. It currently runs a number of key sites including:

• Tandridge Leisure Centre
• De Stafford Sports Centre
• The Village Health Club

Local consultation

This has taken place with a diverse set of community groups in Tandridge. Six individuals (representing five local organisations) were spoken to. The agencies consulted include:

• The Orpheus Centre
• Palace for Life
• Selsdon Juniors
• Caterham Pumas

(See Appendix B for full list of consultees)

Clubs

There are over 91,000 community football teams in England, spread over an expansive network of clubs and leagues. Tandridge has a total of 199 teams, which is comparable to local areas of a similar size.

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

Over the last 10-years there has been a significant national increase in the number of large multi-team football clubs. In Tandridge, seven clubs have more than 10 registered teams. These (based upon 2019-20 affiliation data) are:

• Whyteleafe FC - 28 teams
• Caterham Pumas - 25 teams
• Raw Skills - 20 teams
• Selsdon Junior - 20 teams
• Warlingham Colts - 15 teams
• Hamsey Rangers Youth - 14 teams
• Oxted & District Juniors FC - 13 teams

(* Please note that that some clubs affiliate their girls & adult sections separately; these are combined for the relevant clubs to ensure that all teams are included).

Leagues

12 leagues cater for clubs and teams in Tandridge. 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 Tandridge, suitable provision is made in neighbouring Elmbridge via the Surrey Football For All League. Some of the larger local leagues serving Tandridge (2017-18) include:

• Epsom & Youth League – 54 teams– home and away
• Surrey Youth League – 16 teams– home and away
• Redhill & District Sunday League (adult) – 12 teams– home and away

The County FA reports that there is significant cross-boundary migration to/from Tandridge due to the wider county basis of many of the leagues.

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 Tandridge there are three football teams 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.

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. Tandridge does not have a FA Wildcats girls’ football centre and the priority is to introduce and grow this activity.

At two, Tandridge’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 Surrey County Women and Girls League in which matches are played on a home and away basis. It expects to grow its provision in future years. The local adult female league is not in operation within Surrey currently, however a flexible small sided ladies league is played on a home and away basis. It too is expected to grow its provision in future years.

For talented players, the most local FA Regional Talent Club (RTC) is Chelsea FC which is located in Elmbridge . Higher level talent pathway opportunities are also provided regionally and nationally by the FA, culminating in the England Women’s national squads. The most local Women’s Super League team is Chelsea FC which provides player pathway opportunities for gifted and talented female players and a spectator interest for fans.

Small sided football

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

Small-sided teams and leagues are organised and competitive activities; typically with players registered to clubs and affiliated to leagues and their County FAs. Examples include futsal and local small-sided leagues running at venues such as sports halls, 3G FTPs or small-sided 3G centres. Key local providers include Soccer Sixes – at Sunnydown 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 no futsal teams in Tandridge. It is a priority for the County FA to grow the game for male, female, youth and adult players.

Recreational football

Recreational football is played where facilities are typically booked and there might be someone to help organise. Examples include FA Just Play sessions, walking football and casual pitch hire for small-sided match play.

There is currently no FA Just Play centre in Tandridge. Walking football sessions are delivered by a range of community organisation such as Caterham Pumas FC. The County FA has prioritised walking football and Just Play for further growth and development. Other local recreational football programmes include pro-club community scheme activity and casual bookings delivered by a range of organisations including the Palace for Life Foundation.

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 Tandridge is played particularly in the north and central part of the local authority. Queen’s Park and Westway Common are key well used site locations.

The key strengths of local football in Tandridge include large, well-run clubs and opportunity for growth across all areas provision and it is recommended that this is sustained and also encouraged to grow further. However, gaps in provision do exist, these include recreational football, female game and disability provision. It is therefore recommended that the future football development priorities for Tandridge are:

1. Growth of the female game, both at clubs and recreationally
2. Growth of male recreation football
3. Growth of disability provision

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

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

This section reviews existing football facility assets in Tandridge. 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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is one full size (11v11) 3G FTP in Tandridge located at Whyteleafe Football Club. There are also two small-sided 3G FTPs at:

• Whyteleafe FC (one 60mx30m)
• Gatwick Footgolf (one 40mx20m)

The full size and small sided 3G FTPs at Whyteleafe FC are both available for community use, whereas the 3G FTP at Gatwick Footgolf is a commercial facility. The full size 3G FTP at Whyteleafe Football Club is on the FA Register for 3G FTPs (meaning it is quality checked and can be used for football match play). It is strongly recommended that the small sided 3G FTP at Whyteleafe Football Club is also assessed and placed on the Register.

The 3G FTPs at Whyteleafe FC are located to the north of the local area. Despite this, there are still provision gaps in the north and central areas of the District because of the large number of affiliated teams. This may also be exacerbated by anticipated high levels of housing growth. Currently, clubs and teams face issues relating to 3G FTP availability and cost, which as a consequence can occasionally lead to long travel times.

Using latest affiliation data, the FA's training ratio model (1:38) indicates a current shortfall of 3.8 full size 3G FTPs. This differs from the 2018 Tandridge PPS which identified a current shortfall of two 3G FTPs and a future shortfall of around three 3G FTPs ; the difference is due to a number of factors including a growth in demand, a change in the training ratio model used (it was previously 1:42), and because the PPS does not take into account all affiliated teams. For example, it discounts affiliated futsal, disability and small-sided adult teams as these do not play traditional forms of the game. Nevertheless, the future shortfall of 3G FTPs in the PPS equates to three full size pitches, thus aligning closer to the current recognised shortfall.

The PPS stated that one option to mitigate the loss of three playing field sites in the West Warlingham area -Greenacres Leisure Centre, John Fisher Sports Club (disused) and Shelton Sports and Social Club (disused) are allocated for development in the emerging Local Plan. To replace this loss the proposal is to create full size 3G pitches as part of the South Godstone Garden Community development (construction earmarked to begin in 2025). It was suggested in the PPS that three 3G pitches would be required to mitigate the loss of the sites. Subsequently Local Plan policies have been developed in light of the PPS, objections, Inspector’s comments and the emergence of the LFFP. As a consequence, the Local Plan has updated the earlier PPS in light of evolving circumstances. The current policy position, which is not yet adopted, stipulates at least 3x3g pitches District wide, including up to two 3g pitches at the new Garden Community (likely to be delivered as shared community use alongside a new secondary school). The loss of the West Warlingham grass pitches is now proposed to be mitigated in the Local Plan via equivalent provision in the local Warlingham area, comprising one 3g pitch as well as new grass pitches as part of the overall compensation mix. The above would result in the need for one additional full size 3G pitch to fully alleviate shortfalls.

It should be noted that the FA football hub development in neighbouring Croydon at Purley Way will deliver three additional 3G pitches by 2022 and have potential to contribute to demand shortfalls in Tandridge. The full impact of this should be monitored in future versions of the LFFP.

It should also be noted that the PPS is background evidence to the Tandridge District Local Plan 2033 and has helped inform policies within it. However, the final wording of the Local Plan is still subject to the forthcoming Local Plan Examination in Public, the approval of the Planning Inspector, further modifications and subsequent adoption.

One priority project for potential investment is identified for the North Tandridge area. Following completion of the Purley Way (Croydon) football hub project, its impact on levels of demand in Tandridge should be monitored in future versions of the LFFP in order to determine whether additional projects should be identified.

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, 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 eight grass pitch sites in Tandridge with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three pitches but deemed to be of strategic importance). These contain 29 grass pitches. Of these eight sites, six are considered to have good quality pitches and two are of standard quality.

Tandridge DC note that many pitches in the district become flooded as they are in high flood risk areas or extensive surface / ground water issues.

At this time the two standard quality sites are prioritised for improvements; this will result in quality improvements to five pitches. A third site; John Fisher Sports Club, is being considered for development and has not, as a consequence, been prioritised for improvement at this time.

In addition to the two priority projects there are five further possible sites that could be better utilised for football if improvements could be made. These sites have not been included in the project list at this stage as they suffer from surface flooding and a pitch assessment is required, however, the possibilty of improvements to these sites should be further explored. The sites are:

• Bletchingley Sports Association, Grange Meadow, Bletchingley
• Lingfield Sports Association, Godstone Road, Lingfield
• Felbridge Sports & Recreation Association, Felbridge
• Smallfield Sports Association, Plough road, Smallfield
• Tatsfield Players, Furze Corner, Tatsfield

Two priority projects for potential investment are identified. Pitch quality rating was evidenced by PPS and ratified by local partners. Prioritisation was based on a rationale of selecting sites with standard quality pitches which offer potential to be better-utilised and reflect the strategic focus to improve football participation.

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

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

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

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

Of the eight key grass pitch sites in Tandridge with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three pitches but of strategic importance) seven have suitable changing rooms and one site requires improvement. In addition, a new changing pavilion will be required should a full size 3G FTP be developed in North Tandridge.

Two priority project for potential investment are identified.

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

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

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

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

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

Local consultation indicates that no indoor facilities presently require improvement to develop small-sided football.

Two potential opportunity for MUGAs are identified. The rationale is based on the site serving an area of significant population density and with corresponding high local demand for informal football.

Local consultation indicates two parks and open green spaces that would benefit from improvement designed to develop small-sided football.

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:

• Sports Development Manager - Palace for Life
• Selsdon Juniors - Secretary
• Orpheus Centre - Trust Fundraiser
• Caterham Pumas - Chairman
• Policy, Projects and Performance Specialist - Tandridge District Council
• Principal Planning Officer - Tandridge District Council
• South Godstone FC - Secretary and Treasurer (via survey)
• Farleigh Rovers - Secretary (via survey)
• Shelton Athletic FC - Secretary (via survey)
• Nutfield Youth FC - Treasurer (via survey)
• Lingfield Youth FC - Chairman (via survey)
• Oxted & District FC - Chairman (via survey)
• Holland Sports FC - Secretary (via survey)