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Local Football Facility Plan Worthing

Full report

Introduction

01

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

  • The FA
  • Football Foundation
  • Sussex County Football Association
  • Adur District and Worthing Borough Councils

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 Worthing.

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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?

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

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

What are the priorities for investment?

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

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

What outcomes will be achieved?

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

How should this plan be used?

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

Whilst it identifies priority projects for potential investment, it does not guarantee the success of future funding applications. Each must still follow an application process to show how it will deliver key participation outcomes, become a quality & sustainable facility and demonstrate suitable match-funding.

When a project is in a position to proceed, the Football Foundation will determine a suitable timeframe to submit a grant application and pre-application support will be provided by Sussex County FA and the Football Foundation.

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

How should this plan NOT be used?

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

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

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Worthing

02

Local area

Worthing is located in the South East region. The current population of the Authority (ONS 2016 Mid-Year Estimate) is 108,605. This is expected to rise to 128,279 by 2039.

Worthing’s ethnic composition is primarily white (93.78%). This is higher than the national average (85.4%).

The proportion of Worthing’s population represented by the BAME community is 6.22%. This is below the national average (14.6%).

Demographics

  • 108,605 Current population (2016)
  • 128,279 Projected population (2039)
  • 21st most deprived out of 67 local authorities in the region
  • 171st most deprived out of 326 local authorities in England

Ethnicity data

  • Asian (3.22%)
  • Black (0.83%)
  • Mixed (1.75%)
  • Other (0.41%)
  • White (93.78%)
23%
23%
26%

% of people that are inactive

  • Worthing
  • Region
  • England

ONS data and Sport England Active Lives Survey 2016/17

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Local partners

Local authority

The Adur and Worthing Public Health Strategy 2018 -2021 sets out priorities for enabling the better health and wellbeing of its communities. The vision is for all residents to reach their full potential, to start well, live well and age well and to be able to contribute positively to the creation of enterprising and thriving local communities. The strategy has four priority areas for action. One of these is that ‘we all have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy lifestyle through these stages (diet, weight, smoking, physical activity, alcohol, drugs and sexual health).

The local authority Playing Pitch Strategy (which was prepared jointly with Adur Council) was adopted in 2014. The key findings and stated overarching priorities are to address 3G FTP and youth football pitch shortfalls and improve pitch quality and, in so doing, increase the carrying capacity of existing pitch stock.

County football association

Worthing is covered by the Sussex County FA which provides governance and development support to all aspects of local football including coaches, referees, volunteers, clubs and leagues; supporting football for all. It 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

1 Total grants
  • £1,437,207 Total project cost
  • £453,399 Total grant value
  • 1 Sites improved
  • 0 New 3G FTPs
  • 1 Changing rooms / pavilions
  • 0 Grass pitches improved

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

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

Sport England

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

Professional club community organisations (CCOs)

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

Local leisure operator

South Downs Leisure is the key leisure operator in Worthing. It currently operates four key sites including Worthing Leisure Centre (which has a small sided 3G FTP centre).

Local consultation

This has taken place with a broad and diverse set of community groups in Worthing. 11 individuals (representing 10 local organisations) were spoken to. Agencies consulted include:

  • Adur and Worthing councils
  • Worthing College
  • Chatsmore Catholic High School
  • Futsalers UK
  • Worthing United Colts
  • Worthing Untied Strikers
  • Worthing United Youth
  • Worthing Dynamos
  • Worthing Minors
  • The Conservation Volunteers

Local Partners 3
Local Partners 4

Local football

Clubs

There are over 91,000 community football teams in England, spread over an expansive network of clubs and leagues. Worthing has a total of 155 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 Worthing, five clubs have more than 10 registered teams. These (based upon 2018-19 affiliation data) are:

  • Worthing Dynamos - 19 teams
  • Worthing Minors - 15 teams
  • Worthing Town - 41 teams
  • Worthing United Strikers -10 teams
  • Worthing United Youth- 10 teams

Affiliated Teams

155 Teams
  • 28 Adult male teams
  • 2 Adult female teams
  • 58 Youth male teams
  • 4 Youth female teams
  • 10 Disability teams
  • 53 Mini-soccer teams

FA affiliation data - season 2018-19

Leagues

Five leagues operate in Worthing. They offer competitive opportunity for many different players, including women and girls, disability, youth and adults. While there is no specific league catering for disability football within the Worthing area suitable provision is made in neighbouring Adur district.

Worthing's largest local leagues (2018-19) include:

  • Arun & Chichester Youth Football League – 331 teams (home and away)
  • West Sussex Football League– 114 teams (home and away)

The County FA reports some cross boundary migration to / from Worthing primarily due to the fact that the leagues operate across more than one local authority area.

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 Worthing there are 10 football teams / sessions specifically for people with a disability. It is a priority of the County FA to sustain this provision. For talented players the FA runs regional centres and England national squads.

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

At 12, Worthing’s number of female teams is lower than local areas of a similar size. The County FA’s priority is to support existing clubs to grow and encourage more clubs to develop playing opportunities for females. The local girls’ league is the Sussex County Women & Girls Football League. League and matches are played on a home and away basis. The league is expected to grow its provision in future years. The local adult female league is the Sussex County Women & Girls Football League. League and matches are played on a home and away basis and the league is expected to grow its provision in future years.

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

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Small-sided football

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

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Small-sided teams & leagues are organised and competitive activities; typically with players registered to clubs and affiliated to leagues and their County FAs. Examples include Futsal and local small-sided leagues running at venues such as sports halls, 3G FTPs or small-sided 3G centres.

Key local providers include:

  • FirmBalls – Worthing (Unaffiliated)

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

There are currently no futsal teams in Worthing. It is a priority for the County FA to grow Futsal for youth 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 Worthing. Walking football sessions are delivered by a range of community organisation such as South Downs Leisure (at Worthing Leisure Centre). Walking football and Just Play have been prioritised by the County FA for further growth and development. Other local recreational football programmes include Man vs Fat which is delivered by a range of organisations.

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 Worthing is played particularly in the north, east and central part of the Borough. The Gallops, Pond Lane Recreation Ground and Tarring Recreation Ground are key site locations that are heavily used.

Summary

The key strengths of local football in Worthing include youth provision and it is recommended that this is sustained and also encouraged to grow further. However, there are aspects of provision that lower than local authorities of a similar size, these include female football.

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

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

The facilities required to assist this are 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 Worthing. It identifies current issues and presents opportunities for improvements, including a list of priority projects for potential investment.

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

  1. 3G FTPs
  2. Improved grass pitches
  3. Changing room pavilions / clubhouses
  4. Small-sided facilities

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

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

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3G football turf pitches (FTPs)

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Improved grass pitches

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Changing room pavilions/ clubhouses

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Small-sided facilities

3G football turf pitches (FTPs)

04

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

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

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

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

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Assets and opportunities

FA data states that there are currently three full-sized 3G FTPs in Worthing; this is a shortfall of one pitch relative to assessed demand.

The existing full size 3G FTPs in Worthing are at:

  • Durrington High School
  • Worthing High School
  • Worthing Football Club

In addition, there is currently one small-sided 3G FTP centre in Worthing:

  • Worthing Leisure Centre (6 floodlit 3G FTPs)

All three of the full sized pitches are available for community use. Worthing 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 recommend that the remaining two (at Durrington High School and Worthing High School) are assessed and placed on the Register to enable more match play on 3G.

The geographic spread of existing facilities is even; the majority are located in the centre of the local area. There are no specific facilities gaps.

Local consultation reveals common issues with high pricing and low availability and it is recommended that these are addressed.

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

Priority projects

One priority project for potential investment has been identified. Under-supply was calculated using the FA 3G FTP demand and supply model. The site was selected based upon a rationale of good access, high population, geographic spread and the quality of existing facilities.

1

Palatine Park

Location

PALATINE PARK PALATINE ROAD, GORING-BY-SEA, WORTHING, West Sussex, BN12 6JN

Facilities
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (5)
Owner

Football club

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

4.0/4

Overall score

92% (11.0/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - five full size grass pitch equivalents and good quality ancillary facilities

Current users - Worthing Town FC (41 teams)

Rationale - development of adult, junior, women and girls football

Project Focus

Adult female; Adult male; BAME; Disability; IMD / lower social economic groups; Mini-soccer; Pro-club; 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.

3G football turf pitches (FTPs)

Pitchfinder

Improved grass pitches

05

Playing fields are one of the most important resources for sport in England. All football players should have the opportunity to play on good quality grass pitches. However, FA data shows that 63% of pitches in England are poor / low standard and one in six games is cancelled. As such, poor pitch quality is consistently cited as the number one issue for players.

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

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

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

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

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

For more information click here.

PitchPower

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

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

Learn more by clicking here.

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Assets and opportunities

There are currently five key grass pitch sites in Worthing with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or with fewer than three pitches but deemed to be of strategic importance). These contain 21 grass pitches. Of the five, one site is considered to have good quality pitches and four contain pitches of standard or poor quality.

Local consultation highlights common issues related to poor quality grass pitches and it is recommended that these are addressed.

5 Key grass pitch sites
4 Sites prioritised for improvement
17 Full-sized pitch equivalents at these sites

Priority projects

Four priority projects for potential investment have been identified. Each either has three or more full-size pitch equivalents, or has fewer but is deemed to be of strategic importance. All presently have either poor or standard quality pitches (pitch quality rating was ratified by local partners). Prioritisation was based upon the rationale of selecting sites in the poorest condition that had the most pitches or of key importance servicing demand for local football.

1

Palatine Park

Location

PALATINE PARK PALATINE ROAD, GORING-BY-SEA, WORTHING, West Sussex, BN12 6JN

Facilities
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (5)
Owner

Football club

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

4.0/4

Overall score

92% (11.0/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - five full size grass pitch equivalents and good quality ancillary facilities

Current users - Worthing Town FC (41 teams)

Rationale - development of adult, junior, women and girls football

Project Focus

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

2

Rotary / Hillbarn Recreation Ground

Location

HILLBARN RECREATION GROUND Hill Barn Lane, Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 9QF

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

67% (8.0/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - four full size grass pitch equivalents and two poor quality pavilions (of which one is used for football)

Current users - Worthing United Youth FC (10 teams) and Worthing United Colts FC (six teams).

Rationale - development of youth football

Project Focus

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

3

Durrington High School

Location

DURRINGTON HIGH SCHOOL THE BOULEVARD, WORTHING, West Sussex, BN13 1JX

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (5)
Owner

Education

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.8/4

Overall score

64% (7.6/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - five full size grass pitch equivalents

Current users - Worthing Dynamos FC (four teams), Albion in the Community (five teams) and Goring Galaxy FC (one team)

Rationale - development of ancillary facilities to support youth football (toilet facilities)

Project Focus

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

4

Goring Hall Field

Location

GORING HALL RECREATION GROUND Aldsworth Avenue, Goring-by-Sea, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 5AT

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.4/4

Overall score

57% (6.8/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - three full size grass pitch equivalents

Current users - Worthing United Strikers FC (10 teams) and AFC Worthing Youth FC (one team)

Rationale - development of ancillary facilities to support youth football (toilet facilities)

Project Focus

BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Mini-soccer; 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.

Improved grass pitches

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.

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Assets and opportunities

Of the five key sites with three or more full-size pitch equivalents in Worthing (or with less than three pitches but of strategic importance), two have suitable changing room pavilions / clubhouses, one has facilities that needs improvement / replacement and two have no facilities and require a new pavilion.

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

Priority projects

Three priority projects for potential investment have therefore been identified. Each has three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or fewer than three pitches but is of strategic importance), and has either no changing facilities or was deemed to have an unsuitable pavilion.

2

Rotary / Hillbarn Recreation Ground

Location

HILLBARN RECREATION GROUND Hill Barn Lane, Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 9QF

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

67% (8.0/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - four full size grass pitch equivalents and two poor quality pavilions (of which one is used for football)

Current users - Worthing United Youth FC (10 teams) and Worthing United Colts FC (six teams).

Rationale - development of youth football

Project Focus

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

4

Goring Hall Field

Location

GORING HALL RECREATION GROUND Aldsworth Avenue, Goring-by-Sea, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 5AT

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.4/4

Overall score

57% (6.8/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - three full size grass pitch equivalents

Current users - Worthing United Strikers FC (10 teams) and AFC Worthing Youth FC (one team)

Rationale - development of ancillary facilities to support youth football (toilet facilities)

Project Focus

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

9

Thomas A Becket Junior School

Location

THOMAS A BECKET JUNIOR SCHOOL THOMAS A BECKET SCHOOL BUNGALOW GLEBESIDE AVENUE, WORTHING, West Sussex, BN14 7PR

Facilities
  • New Changing Pavilion (1)
Owner

Education

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.1/4

Overall score

52% (6.2/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - one full size grass pitch equivalent

Current users - Worthing Minors FC (seven teams)

Rationale - development of ancillary facilities to support youth football (toilet facilities)

Project Focus

BAME; IMD / lower social economic groups; Mini-soccer; 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 projects for changing room pavilions/clubhouses

Pitchfinder

Small-sided facilities

07

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

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

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

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

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

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Priority projects

0 Better Indoor spaces
2 MUGAs
4 Better parks/ open green spaces

Indoor

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

Multi-use games areas (MUGAs)

Two potential opportunities for MUGAs have been identified. In each case the rationale is based on the site being in an area of high urban population, with limited green space, locally relatively high levels of deprivation and proportions of people from lower social economic groups and corresponding high local demand for informal football.

Parks and open green spaces

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

5

Dominion Road

Location

Dominion Road Open Space Dominion Road, Worthing, , BN14 8JW

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - disused MUGA

Current users - informal/recreational users

Rationale - identified as an open space site with high amounts of informal football play.

Project Focus

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

6

Pond Lane Recreation Ground

Location

POND LANE RECREATION GROUND Pond Lane, Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 2RH

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - disused MUGA

Current users - informal/recreational users

Rationale - identified as an open space site with high amounts of informal football play.

Project Focus

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

7

Tarring Recreation Ground

Location

Tarring Recreation Ground South Street, Worthing, , BN13 1EU

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - disused MUGA

Current users - informal/recreational users

Rationale - identified as an open space site with high amounts of informal football play.

Project Focus

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

8

The Gallops

Location

The Gallops Bost Hill, Worthing, , BN13 3DD

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - n/a

Current users - informal/recreational users

Rationale - identified as an open space site with high amounts of informal football play.

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.

Small-sided facilities

Pitchfinder

Appendix A: Priority project list

08

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

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

1

Palatine Park

Location

PALATINE PARK PALATINE ROAD, GORING-BY-SEA, WORTHING, West Sussex, BN12 6JN

Facilities
  • New 11v11 Floodlit 3G FTP (1)
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (5)
Owner

Football club

Deliverability score

High (3/4)

NFFS outcome score

4.0/4

Overall score

92% (11.0/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - five full size grass pitch equivalents and good quality ancillary facilities

Current users - Worthing Town FC (41 teams)

Rationale - development of adult, junior, women and girls football

Project Focus

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

2

Rotary / Hillbarn Recreation Ground

Location

HILLBARN RECREATION GROUND Hill Barn Lane, Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 9QF

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

3.0/4

Overall score

67% (8.0/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - four full size grass pitch equivalents and two poor quality pavilions (of which one is used for football)

Current users - Worthing United Youth FC (10 teams) and Worthing United Colts FC (six teams).

Rationale - development of youth football

Project Focus

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

3

Durrington High School

Location

DURRINGTON HIGH SCHOOL THE BOULEVARD, WORTHING, West Sussex, BN13 1JX

Facilities
  • Natural grass pitch improvements (5)
Owner

Education

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.8/4

Overall score

64% (7.6/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - five full size grass pitch equivalents

Current users - Worthing Dynamos FC (four teams), Albion in the Community (five teams) and Goring Galaxy FC (one team)

Rationale - development of ancillary facilities to support youth football (toilet facilities)

Project Focus

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

4

Goring Hall Field

Location

GORING HALL RECREATION GROUND Aldsworth Avenue, Goring-by-Sea, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 5AT

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.4/4

Overall score

57% (6.8/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - three full size grass pitch equivalents

Current users - Worthing United Strikers FC (10 teams) and AFC Worthing Youth FC (one team)

Rationale - development of ancillary facilities to support youth football (toilet facilities)

Project Focus

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

9

Thomas A Becket Junior School

Location

THOMAS A BECKET JUNIOR SCHOOL THOMAS A BECKET SCHOOL BUNGALOW GLEBESIDE AVENUE, WORTHING, West Sussex, BN14 7PR

Facilities
  • New Changing Pavilion (1)
Owner

Education

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.1/4

Overall score

52% (6.2/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - one full size grass pitch equivalent

Current users - Worthing Minors FC (seven teams)

Rationale - development of ancillary facilities to support youth football (toilet facilities)

Project Focus

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

5

Dominion Road

Location

Dominion Road Open Space Dominion Road, Worthing, , BN14 8JW

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - disused MUGA

Current users - informal/recreational users

Rationale - identified as an open space site with high amounts of informal football play.

Project Focus

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

6

Pond Lane Recreation Ground

Location

POND LANE RECREATION GROUND Pond Lane, Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 2RH

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - disused MUGA

Current users - informal/recreational users

Rationale - identified as an open space site with high amounts of informal football play.

Project Focus

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

7

Tarring Recreation Ground

Location

Tarring Recreation Ground South Street, Worthing, , BN13 1EU

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - disused MUGA

Current users - informal/recreational users

Rationale - identified as an open space site with high amounts of informal football play.

Project Focus

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

8

The Gallops

Location

The Gallops Bost Hill, Worthing, , BN13 3DD

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

Local Authority

Deliverability score

Medium (2/4)

NFFS outcome score

2.0/4

Overall score

50% (6.0/12)

Notes

Existing facilities - n/a

Current users - informal/recreational users

Rationale - identified as an open space site with high amounts of informal football play.

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.

Appendix B: Consultation list

09

  • Adur and Worthing councils - Head of Environment
  • Adur and Worthing councils - Parks and Foreshore Manager
  • Worthing College - Principal
  • Futsalers UK - Founder
  • Worthing United Colts FC - Secretary
  • Worthing Untied Strikers FC - Secretary
  • Worthing United Youth FC - Secretary
  • Worthing Dynamos FC - Secretary
  • Worthing Minors FC- Chairman
  • The Conservation Volunteers - Operations Manager
  • Chatsmore Catholic High School - Lettings Coordinator

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