Local Football Facility Plan Wyre Forest

Wyre Forest is in the West Midlands region.

The current population of the authority (ONS 2017 Mid-Year Estimate) is 100,715 . This is expected to rise to 105,745 by 2039.

Wyre Forest is ranked 10 out of 30 LAs in the region, and 123 out of 326 LAs nationally on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (ONS).

Wyre Forest's ethnic composition is primarily white (97%). This is higher than the national average (85.4%).

The proportion of Wyre Forest’s population represented by the BAME community is 3%. This is below the national average (14.6%).

Local authority

The Wyre Forest Council adopted Core Strategy (2006-2026) sets out five core policies, including creating a desirable place to live. As part of this, the Council commits to supporting community wellbeing. It acknowledges that community facilities and services are key in providing for the health, welfare, social, educational, spiritual, recreational, leisure and cultural needs of the community and are essential to the quality of life of local residents.

On this basis it states the importance of good quality facilities being available in accessible locations throughout the whole of the Authority. Ensuring appropriate provision of community facilities reduces the need for people to travel to obtain essential services, which particularly benefits the less mobile and more deprived members of society. This Core Policy seeks to ensure that future development fully considers the needs of local communities and seeks to promote and enhance facilities wherever practicable. The Council states that it will:

• Resist the loss of any community services and facilities unless an appropriate alternative is provided or, evidence is presented that the facility is no longer required and suitable alternative uses have been considered.
• Ensure any alternative provision is of equal or better quality and located in an appropriate and, where feasible, sustainable location.
• Explore opportunities to expand, enhance or maximise existing community uses with the shared use of community and educational facilities will generally be promoted.
• Safeguard open space provision and sport and recreation facilities within the District and enhance such facilities in accordance with the standards set out in the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment.

With regards to new development proposals; these must contribute towards the retention and formation of sustainable communities in the District. Applicants will be required to provide evidence that the provision of community infrastructure has been fully considered as part of major new development proposals. Permission for development will only be granted where adequate infrastructure and services exist or can be provided. The preference will be for new facilities to be provided within new developments rather than in lieu of actual provision. Developer contributions will support social infrastructure including:

• Sports, recreation, youth facilities, play space and amenity space.
• Education and learning, including schools and libraries.
• Health and community safety (includes emergency services) facilities and services.
• Community and shared use facilities.

The Council is currently in the process of undertaking a Local Plan Review. The new Local Plan will replace the current Adopted Core Strategy, Site Allocations and Policies Local Plan and Kidderminster Central Area Action Plan.

The Authority Playing Pitch Strategy was adopted in 2017. The key findings and stated overarching priorities are to improve quality of grass pitch provision in order to address shortfalls. At time of the PPS, the most significantg shortfalls were present in Stourport, with minimal deficiencies identified in the Kidderminster and Rural West analysis areas. There is also a need to address grass pitch quality in relation to future shortfalls across all analysis areas with the exception of Bewdley. Further to this, there is a need to provide additional 3G FTP provision to accommodate training demand and mini and youth 9v9 match play so as to take pressure off grass pitch provision.

County football association

Wyre Forest is covered by the Worcestershire 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). There is no active CCO in Wyre Forest.

Local leisure operator

Places Leisure is the key leisure operator in Wyre Forest. It currently runs two key sites including sports centres (two), small sided 3G FTPs (six) and grass pitches (nine).

Local consultation

This has taken place with a diverse set of community groups in Wyre Forest. 15 individuals (representing 14 local organisations) were spoken to. The agencies consulted include:

• Birmingham Metropolitan College
• West Mercia Police
• Stourport Sports Club
• Kidderminster Harriers FC Community Trust

(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. Wyre Forest area has a total of 226 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 Wyre Forest, six clubs have more than 10 registered teams. These (based upon 2018-19 affiliation data) are:

• Kidderminster Athletic - 24 teams
• Areley Kings - 26 teams
• Cookley Sports - 17 teams
• Kidderminster Lions - 20 teams
• Rock Sports - 11 teams
• Stourport Swifts - 23 teams

Further to these, Wyre Forest Phoenix is a key club in the area - it has nine affiliated teams.

Leagues

Two leagues operate in the Wyre Forest area organising competitive opportunity for male youth and adult football. There is no specific league for disability and female players in Wyre Forest but suitable provision is made in neighbouring Worcester. The largest local leagues servicing the Wyre Forest area (2018-19) include:

• Kidderminster and District League – 48 teams– home and away
• Stourport and District Youth League – 57 teams– home and away

The County FA reports low levels of cross boundary migration to/from Wyre Forest. What there is is primarily due to teams migrating outwards to play in Birmingham.

Disability football

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

In Wyre Forest there are seven 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.

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. Wyre Forest has four FA Wildcats girls football centres and the priority is to grow this activity.

At 18, Wyre Forest’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 Mercian Fortis League in which matches are played on a home and away basis. It is expected to grow its provision in future years. The local adult female league is the Midwest Counties League. It too plays matches on a home and away and is expected to sustain provision in future years.

For talented players, the most local FA Regional Talent Club (RTC) is West Bromwich Albion which is located in Birmingham. 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 Birmingham City 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.

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

• Leisure Leagues- Wyre Forest Leisure Centre Stourport Sports Club
• Leisure Leagues- Stourport Sports Club
• Soccer Sixes- Baxter College

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 Wyre Forest. It is a priority for the County FA to grow this sport within the District.

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 Wyre Forest. Walking football sessions are delivered by a range of community organisation such as football clubs. Walking football and Just Play are priorities for County FA led further growth and development. Other local recreational football programmes include Man vs Fat which is delivered by a range of organisations including the District Council.

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 Wyre Forest is played particularly in the central and northern parts of the local authority. The Kidderminster and Stourport areas have key well-used site locations.

The key strengths of local football in Wyre Forest area include adult, youth and female provision and it is recommended that this is sustained and also encouraged to grow further. However, gaps in provision do exist these include Walking football and just play sessions. It is therefore recommended that the future football development priorities for Wyre Forest are:

1. Female
2. Disability
3. Just play centres
4. Walking football

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

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

This section reviews existing football facility assets in Wyre Forest. It identifies current issues and presents opportunities for improvements, including a list of priority projects for potential investment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are currently full-sized (11 v 11) 3G FTPs in Wyre Forest located at:

• Baxter College
• King Charles I School

In addition, there is a small-sided 3G FTP centre at Wyre Forest Leisure Centre. This has five 5v5 and one 7v7 3G FTPs.

The pitch at Baxter College is available for community use; however, the King Charles I School only offers limited community access. Given that ways of increasing community use at this site have been fully explored, this pitch is likely to be discounted from the local analysis when considering supply.

The Wyre Forest PPS (2017) indicated a shortfall of two full size 3G FTPs. However, since the PPS was undertaken the number of affiliated teams has grown from 140 to 226 (based on 2018/19 FA Whole Game data).

Notwithstanding the above growth in affiliated demand, the steering group agreed that due to the limited number of feasible new 3G pitch site options in Wyre Forest , the LFFP will revert to the findings of the PPS and emerging local plan in proposing that two 3G FTPs should be delivered initially.

Options are therefore presented for one additional 'Stourport Area' full size FTP and one full size FTP to be delivered in either Kidderminster or Bewdley . It should be noted; however, that the options listed are subject to further exploration and feasibility work. Should any of the options presented be unfeasible, alternative sites should be identified.

Following delivery of two 3G FTPs, further analysis of supply and demand should be undertaken (through an updated PPS) to determine requirements for additional full size 3G provision , which should then reflected in the LFFP. Similarly, should additional or alternative sites be identified as part of the local plan review, these should also be reflected in the LFFP.

Both of the existing full sized 3G FTPs are on the FA Register (meaning they are quality checked and can be used for football match play). It is strongly recommended that any pitches developed in the future are assessed and FA registered to enable more match play on 3G.

Main 3G FTP provision is located in the centre of the local area which is an area of relatively high population density. There are facilities / provision gaps in the south and north east of the area despite them also having significant levels of population and higher levels of deprivation (particularly in the north). It is recommended that these are addressed.

Local consultation confirms that common issues with limited availability, the low level of community access at King Charles I School and an inability to accommodate much match play on 3G and it is recommended that these are addressed.

Two priority projects for potential investment are identified - selected upon the rationale of high football demand, meeting the shortfall and serving key geographic areas of the Authority - in particular those with significant levels of deprivation and higher proportions of people from lower social economic groups.

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 11 grass pitch sites in Wyre Forest with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or considered to be of strategic importance). These contain 42 grass pitches. Of these, according to the 2017 PPS, none are considered to contain pitches of good quality, eight are of standard quality and three of poor quality. One site; Birmingham Metropolitan College (COSE), rated as poor quality in the PPS, has improved in quality and is now believed to have a number of good quality pitches.

Of the 11 key pitch sites referenced above it was determined that seven should be prioritised for improvements. This will result in quality improvements to 28 pitches:

Seven 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 in the poorest condition, that had the most pitches and that were, or had the potential to be, best-utilised.

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

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

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

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

Of the 11 key grass pitch sites in Wyre Forest with three or more full-size pitch equivalents (or considered to be of strategic importance), seven currently have suitable changing rooms. Both Brown Westhead Park and Wolverly High School require improvement to existing changing provision.

For the Stourport Area project, should the proposed 3G FTP development go ahead, changing provision quality would need to be addressed. For Stourport High School this would necessitate refurbishment of existing facilities, Birmingham Metropolitan College (COSE) would require new changing provision.

Similarly, should a 3G FTP be developed at Lea Castle refurbishment of the existing facilities would be required.

Four priority projects for potential investment are identified. Stourport Sports Club, Birmingham Metropolitan College (COSE) and Stourport High School are either/or options and feature in the Stourport Area project. This has been accounted for as as new build in the above infographic.

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

• Stourport High School - a site which acts as a base for the School Sports Partnership. Providing futsal markings and goals would allow tournaments to be run for both primary school and secondary school children across Wyre Forest, as well as making the venue available for community use for local football clubs.
• Walshes Community Centre - discussion has begun around community police accessing this site to run diversionary activities. Provision of futsal goals and markings could enable the delivery of futsal sessions as an activity.

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

• Walshes Community Centre - discussion has commenced around community police accessing this site to run diversionary activities. Provision of a MUGA could provide opportunity to run football sessions as part of this.
• Barnfield Road - community police looking to access site for diversionary activities. A MUGA at this site would support with this.
• Springfield Park - this is a well-used site for informal football in an area of high deprivation which requires refurbishment to existing MUGA. Improvement of this venue could encourage increased informal football participation.
• White Wickets Sports Field - this is a site with an existing MUGA accessed by Franche Primary School, mainly due to issues with floodling on the playing fields. This large primary school is used by the School Sports Partnership to deliver 6-10 week heath and wellbeing programmes. The MUGA requires improvement but could, if invested in, enhance the provision available to pupils and local young people.

No locations have been identified in addition to the identified MUGA priority projects to support small sided informal 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:

• Areley Kings FC - Secretary
• Birmingham Metropolitan College - Delivery Manager
• Football Foundation - Engagement Manager
• England Hockey - Facility Relationship Manager
• Worcestershire FA - Football Development Manager
• Kidderminster Athletic FC - Secretary
• Kidderminster Harriers FC - Community Trust Officer
• Kidderminster Harriers FC Community Trust- Community Trust Officer
• Sport England - Planning Manager
• Stourport High School - Director of Operations
• Stourport Sports Club - Facilities Manager
• West Mercia Police - Safer Neighbourhood team Police Officer
• Wyre Forest School Sports Partnership - Partnership Development Manager
• Wyre Forest District Council - Sport Development Officer
• Wyre Forest District Council - Planning Policy Officer