strategic leisure
PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
DRAFT FINAL REPORT
Middlesbrough Council
March 2014
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Contents
1.
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
INTRODUCTION
SCOPE AND PURPOSE
ANALYSIS AREAS
1
1
3
5
2.
POLICY CONTEXT
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
SPORT ENGLAND
THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
CRICKET
THE CRICKET LANDSCAPE
NATIONALLY
‘PEOPLE’
‘PLACES’
‘PLAYING’
‘POLICY’
RUGBY
ENGLAND HOCKEY
NEIGHBOURING LOCAL AUTHORITIES
LOCAL CONTEXT
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL’S FUTURE ROLE
MIDDLESBROUGH DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE – CURRENT AND FUTURE
CAR AND VAN OWNERSHIP
FUTURE POPULATION
MONITORING COMMUNITY VITALITY IN THE TEES VALLEY 2011 – 2012 (TEES
UNLIMITED OCTOBER 2012)
HEALTH PROFILE
PARTICIPATION - SPORT ENGLAND ACTIVE PEOPLE SURVEY
MARKET SEGMENTATION – MIDDLESBROUGH PROFILE
6
8
9
10
11
11
11
11
12
12
12
12
12
13
14
15
16
17
17
3.
METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
HOW THE METHODOLOGY WORKS
AUDITING TECHNIQUES AND DATA GATHERING
ASSESSMENT OF SUPPLY
ASSESSMENT OF DEMAND
DEFINING COMMUNITY USE
TEAM GENERATION RATES
21
21
21
22
22
22
23
23
4.
SPORT BY SPORT ASSESSMENT – KEY FINDINGS
FOOTBALL
NUMBER OF TEAMS
SURPLUS OR DEFICIT
CURRENT – 2013 – ALL PITCHES CURRENTLY USED (NOT GUARANTEED
COMMUNITY USE)
TEAM EQUIVALENTS
LATENT AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT DEMAND
FUTURE DEMAND – POPULATION GROWTH
CURRENT – 2013 – ALL PITCHES SECURED COMMUNITY USE
LOCAL PLAN AND IMPACT ON NEW DEVELOPMENTS
CRICKET ASSESSMENT
NUMBER OF TEAMS
SURPLUS OR DEFICIT
25
25
26
48
18
19
19
19
48
49
49
50
50
51
51
51
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
5.
CURRENT 2013
SPORTS DEVELOPMENT DEMAND
FUTURE DEMAND – POPULATION GROWTH
RUGBY UNION ASSESSMENT
NUMBER OF TEAMS
SURPLUS OR DEFICIT
CURRENT 2013
LATENT AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT DEMAND
CURRENT AND FUTURE REQUIREMENTS
HOCKEY ASSESSMENT AND ARTIFICIAL GRASS PITCHES
NUMBER OF PITCHES
ARTIFICIAL GRASS PITCHES
59
59
59
59
60
66
66
66
66
67
67
67
OUR VISION FOR FUTURE PLAYING PITCH AND OUTDOOR
SPORTS FACILITY PROVISION
PLAYING PITCH STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
SPORT SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
70
70
70
72
Appendices
1.
PITCH DEMAND TABLE
2.
PITCH SUPPLY TABLE ALL CURRENT FACILITIES IN USE
3A.
PLAYING PITCH MODEL MIDDLESBROUGH W IDE 2013 – FUTURE YEAR 2018
INCLUDES SECURED AND UNSECURED COMMUNITY USE PLAYING PITCHES
3B
PLAYING PITCH MODEL MIDDLESBROUGH W IDE 2013 – FUTURE YEAR 2018
INCLUDES ONLY SECURED USE PLAYING PITCHES
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
1. Introduction and Background
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Strategic Leisure was appointed by Middlesbrough Council (MC) in April 2013 to
undertake an assessment of playing pitch provision in the Borough. This Playing
Pitch assessment provides an update to the 2009 Playing Pitch Assessment and
an analysis of the current level of pitch provision within the local authority area of
Middlesbrough Council. The report follows the methodology recommended by
Sport England as set out in the publication, “Towards a Level Playing Field”. In
addition, aspects of the new Sport England Methodology for Playing Pitches
(pending at the time of this study, but published in December 2013) have been
taken into consideration. Essentially, the additions reflect the new quality audit
templates and site action plans for individual playing pitch sites.
1.2
The overall methodology adopted is shown below in Table 1.1:
Table 1.1 Summary of PPS Assessment Approach for Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough PPS
Tasks Undertaken
Identify all playing
pitches in the Borough
which meet Sport
England (SE) criteria
for community access
and use
What Is Involved In Each Task
Identify all teams using
these pitches in 2013
seasons
Internet, league handbook searches, use of Active
People data, MBC pitch booking sheets
Quality audit all
identified pitches
This was undertaken using the new Sport England
PPS quality audit template. Playing pitches were
assessed on the length of grass, size of pitch,
adequate safety margins, slope of the pitch, evenness
of the pitch, evidence of dog fouling, evidence of litter,
evidence of unofficial use, evidence of damage to the
surface, changing accommodation, goal posts, car
parking, line marking and training area.
Capacity
This is based on the quality rating for football and
rugby pitches and the number of teams currently
playing at the sites. These ratings assist in the
identification of sites for improvement/development or
rationalisation.
Internet, league handbook searches, use of Active
Places data, NGB data, Council information
Cricket capacity is measured on a season rather than
a weekly basis. A good quality wicket should be able
to take 5 matches per season per grass wicket and 60
matches per synthetic wicket.
England Hockey state that an AGP cannot
accommodate more than 4 competitive hockey
matches on a peak day normally a Saturday.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Middlesbrough PPS
Tasks Undertaken
Consult with all
identified teams using
the pitches in 2013
season
What Is Involved In Each Task
Analyse consultation
responses and cross
check pitch numbers
and types, and views
on quality
Write up data and enter the data on to Analysis of
sites information table.
Consult with NGBs
Face to face meetings/email/telephone calls
Identify current and
future population data
for Borough
The 2013 population data by age and gender both for
the whole Borough and at Parish level has been
sourced from Middlesbrough Council.
Run PPS model
(Towards A Level
Playing Field) to
identify current surplus
and deficit in playing
pitches
The Towards a Level Playing Field Playing Pitch
Model was run to establish current surplus/deficit.
Letter introducing an on line survey was sent to all
known clubs identified by Cricket, Hockey and Rugby
NGBs. The North Riding County FA forwarded the
letter directly to its database of clubs for
Middlesbrough. An online survey was carried out with
follow up telephone calls.
The Sport England Guidance 2013 Future Spread
Sheet has been used to identify number of predicted
teams in the future using Team Generation Rates.
Future Predicted
Playing Pitches
Assess Quality
Pitches have been scored Good, Standard or Poor
Identify options for
addressing playing
pitch surplus/deficit
Discuss with each NGB
to agree supply and
demand data, quality
assessments and
carrying capacity,
locations to
replace/develop new
pitches, and individual
site action plans
Identify potential sites for replacement/development;
link these back into specific sport/team needs.
Prepare PPS
Draft report and all technical appendices.
Action Plan
The action plans will be subject to consultation with all
stakeholders to ensure that the requirements of
Sport’s National Governing Bodies, sports clubs, and
residents are considered.
Contact via email, telephone and meetings
amendments as agreed to data and analysis
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
1.3
This study provides an overall pitch assessment for the Borough, plus a number
of recommendations related to playing pitches.
SCOPE AND PURPOSE
1.4
The need for Local Authorities to take a strategic approach to the provision of
Sport facilities has become even more important in the current economic climate,
given that significant austerity measures have been put in place for Local
Authority spending. Non-statutory services, such as sport and leisure, are under
particular pressure. This has resulted in Middlesbrough Council reviewing many
of its services to determine if there are more cost effective methods of operating.
This includes closure of some sites to improve the footfall in others, and working
in partnership with other providers in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
1.5
This Strategy reflects this challenging financial climate, which requires an element
of realism, as Middlesbrough Council may wish to put an emphasis on facilitating,
rather than providing, additional facilities, and use partnership working as the key
delivery mechanism for the future.
1.6
Specific factors that are reflected include:
 The Council is committed to developing a multi-facility sports village at
Prissick in partnership with local sporting organisations (private and
voluntary), from summer 2014. The ‘village’ will include replacement
athletics and tennis facilities, with and Clairville Stadium due to close in
2014, and Tennis World in 2015.
 New housing and recreation developments in Middlesbrough will
increase pressures for the development of land in and around urban
areas and potentially change the demographics of the population.
 The option of rationalisation and potential facility closure, based on
operational efficiency and over provision, if this is evidenced by the
study.
 The options for the Council delivering a more targeted service, by
reducing duplication, filling gaps and increasing efficiencies.
 Opportunities to focus Middlesbrough Council investment in those areas
where there would be significant gaps in meeting identified needs
otherwise, allowing existing alternative providers to continue to grow
1.7
The key drivers for this assessment are:
 To inform decision-making processes relating to the provision of playing
pitches both now, and as the population grows and the profile of the
population changes in Middlesbrough to 2018.
 To develop policy options, which flow from the modeling results and the
interpretation of those results in the light of qualitative factors;
 To consider the impact of future housing sites and recommendations
around the future provision of pitches in line with these developments;
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
 To provide clear recommendations for playing pitch and playing field
provision, protection and enhancement or disposal (dependent upon
findings). The recommendations are to be in the context of broader
council issues;
 To provide an action plan for the next five years. This action plan must
be within the current context of local authority policies and priorities. It
should also reference the changes to delivery of the junior game as
advocated by the FA.
1.8
The key objectives of this study are:

To analyse and assess the current level and quality of pitch provision in
Middlesbrough

Identify levels of demand for pitches and identify any surplus or deficit
in Middlesbrough

Provide strategic options and recommendations for future pitch
provision in Middlesbrough
1.9
The report follows the methodology recommended by Sport England as set out in
the publication, “Towards a Level Playing Field”. In addition aspects of the new
pending Sport England Methodology have been taken into consideration. Namely
the quality audits and site action plans for individual playing pitch sites.
1.10
The Strategy has been led by a Steering Group of Officers from Middlesbrough
Council, including Change Management, Leisure and Parks, Planning and
Education.
1.11
Consultation has been undertaken with the Football Association and Rugby
Football Union Facility and Investment Managers for Middlesbrough. In addition
consultation has been undertaken with the Yorkshire Cricket Development
Manager responsible for Middlesbrough and the Middlesbrough Relationship
Manager for England Hockey. The findings of the study have also been discussed
with the NGBs and the NGBs have input into the action plans and
recommendations.
1.12
The Playing Pitch Assessment has concentrated on the following pitches and
adult and young people’s participation in:
1.13

Football (Mini, Youth all formats and adults)

Cricket (junior and adult)

Rugby Union (mini, youth and adult)

Hockey (junior and adult)

Artificial Grass Pitches (rugby, football and hockey)
Rugby League has not been assessed as it was identified at the beginning of the
study there was no Rugby League Clubs in Middlesbrough.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
ANALYSIS AREAS
1.14
The analysis has been undertaken on a Middlesbrough wide basis. Ward break
downs are available when looking at demand Appendix 1 and supply Appendix 2.
The Playing Pitch Model has also Team Generation Rates by Ward and these can
be seen in Appendix 3a and Appendix 3b – worksheet Team Generation Rates
2013 and 2018.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
2. Policy Context
2.1
In March 2012, the Government published the ‘National Planning Policy
Framework’ (2012), setting out its economic, environmental and social planning
policies for England. Taken together, these policies articulate the Government’s
vision of sustainable development, which should be interpreted and applied locally
to meet local aspirations.
2.2
In relation to planning for sports provision NPPF (paragraph 73 & 74) states:
“Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and
recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of
communities. Planning policies should be based on robust and up-to-date
assessments of the needs for open space, sports and recreation facilities
and opportunities for new provision. The assessments should identify
specific needs and quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses of open
space, sports and recreational facilities in the local area. Information gained
from the assessments should be used to determine what open space, sports
and recreational provision is required.”
2.3
2.4
Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing
fields, should not be built on unless:

An assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open
space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements; or

The loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by
equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a
suitable location; or

The development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the
needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.”
Sport England Playing pitch policy: Sport England’s national policies in relation to
playing pitches are contained in ‘A Sporting Future for the Playing Fields of
England’ (2002). It contains a policy of resisting the loss of pitches unless one or
more of the following five conditions are met:
a. A carefully quantified and documented assessment of current and future
needs has demonstrated to the satisfaction of Sport England that there is
an excess of facility provision in the catchment and that the site has no
special significance to the interests of sport.
b. The proposed development is ancillary to the principal use of the site as a
playing field or outdoor sports facility and does not affect the quantity or
quality of facilities or adversely affect their use.
c. The proposed development affects only land incapable of forming a
playing pitch or outdoor sports facility and does not result in:
 The loss or loss of use of, any facility (including the maintenance of
adequate safety margins)
 A reduction in the size of the playing area of any facility
 The loss of any other sports/ancillary facilities on site
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
d. The playing field or outdoor sports facility which would be lost as a result
of the proposed development would be replaced by facilities of an
equivalent or better quality, in a suitable location and subject to
equivalent or better management arrangements, prior to the
commencement of the development.
e. The proposed development is for an indoor or outdoor sports facility,
the provision of which would be of sufficient benefit to the development
of sport to outweigh the detriment caused by the loss of playing field or
current outdoor facility.
2.5
Middlesbrough Council adopted the Middlesbrough Local Development
Framework Core Strategy (LDF) in February 2008 and the Regeneration
Development Plan Document (DPD) in February 2009. Since these documents
were produced the economic downturn has had a significant impact on the
development industry causing a significant reduction in new house building in
Middlesbrough.
2.6
The Core Strategy and Regeneration DPD were prepared before the economic
downturn began and the strategy and allocations contained within do not reflect the
current economic circumstances. Many sites that were allocated within the
Regeneration DPD are not coming forward for development, as they are no longer
as economically viable for the foreseeable future.
2.7
The housing elements of these LDF documents are now being reviewed. This is
essential so that the town can provide an adequate supply of housing and reduce
out migration. As a first step an Issues and Options report was published for
consultation in May 2012. The Council published its Preferred Options for the
housing elements of the LDF Core Strategy and Regeneration DPD for
consultation in January 2013 and subsequently consulted on the publication draft
in November 2013.
2.8
The Playing Pitch Assessment has identified five housing allocation sites in
Middlesbrough that have Playing Pitch implications. These are:
2.9

Acklam Steel Works Club – Possible loss of a junior pitch and
replacement changing facilities

Former St David’s School Site – Possible replacement of a pitch

Nunthorpe – Open space for recreational purposes

Coulby Newham – Lingfield – Developer contributions to formalise
playing pitch

Re development of Prissick Base
The Middlesbrough Adopted LDF Core Strategy has two policies that impact on
Playing Pitches these are:

Policy CS14 Leisure Development
 The Council will work with partner organisations to ensure the provision of a
wide and accessible choice of leisure facilities for the community and which
reinforce Middlesbrough’s role at the heart of the Tees Valley city region.
This will be achieved by:
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY




The promotion of the town centre as a sub regional leisure destination
both in the day time and the evening;
Promotion of the Green Blue Heart, Middlehaven and Prissick Base as
locations for major sport and/or leisure development; and
The promotion of an appropriate scale of leisure development within
district centres. Outside of these locations a sequential approach will be
applied to selection of sites and consideration of proposals.
Policy CS20 Green Infrastructure
 The Council will work with partners to ensure the successful creation of an
integrated network of green infrastructure. This will be delivered through a
planned network of multifunctional green space and inter-connecting links
which are designed, developed, and managed to meet the environmental,
social, and economic needs of communities across Middlesbrough and the
wider Tees Valley city region. It will be set within, and contribute to, a high
quality natural and built environment and will be required to enhance the
quality of life for present and future residents and visitors, deliver liveability
for sustainable communities, and contribute to the Middlesbrough
Biodiversity Action Plan.

At a strategic level this network will include the following open spaces:
 Green Blue Heart;
 Middlesbrough’s green lung;
 Beck valleys;
 Green wedges;
 Green flag parks;
 River Tees frontage; and
 South Middlesbrough Country Park.

The loss of green space that contributes to the achievement of an
integrated network of green infrastructure will be resisted. In assessing the
role of any particular area of green space regard will be given to the
provisions of the Green Space Strategy. Where appropriate, SPD and
master plans will be prepared to provide further guidance on the provision
of green infrastructure.”
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
2.10
Middlesbrough’s open space network consists of a variety of spaces of differing
size, quality and function. These spaces range from parks (Albert Park and Stewart
Park), land for sport and recreational activity (Prissick Base), green wedges which
are large tracts of mainly undeveloped land, and beck valleys. The beck valleys
penetrate towards the urban core from the outer suburbs and countryside,
providing recreational and/or visual amenity and helping to maintain local identity.
2.11
The Council has undertaken an assessment of open space in Middlesbrough to
establish its quantity and quality. From this work a Green Spaces Strategy has
been developed, which identifies a vision for open space in Middlesbrough. This
vision is based on Middlesbrough having a network of accessible, high quality
green spaces, sport and recreation facilities. This network will meet local needs,
enhance the ‘livability’ of the town, support regeneration and bio-diversity, promote
sustainability and make the best use of land.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
2.12
As set out in the LDF:
“To deliver this strategy, the Council needs to enhance the quality of existing
open space provision rather than seeking new provision and also align
provision with maintenance budgets. This approach is a combination of all
three options. It seeks to maintain all open space where it makes a positive
contribution, and make good deficiencies where they exist. Only when open
space does not meet these criteria and has no biodiversity interest or
potential will it be considered for redevelopment. The SA/SEA supports this
approach.”
2.13
Development will be required to contribute to the delivery and implementation of
this network by, where appropriate, providing green infrastructure that:

Contributes to the management, conservation and improvement of the
local landscape;

Contributes to the protection, conservation and management of historic
landscape, archaeological and built heritage assets;

Maintains and enhances bio-diversity to ensure that development and
implementation results in a net gain of bio-diversity action plan habitats;

Enhances existing, and creates new, woodlands;

Creates new recreational facilities, particularly those that present
opportunities to link urban and countryside areas;

Accounts for, and integrates with, natural processes and systems;

Is managed and funded in urban areas to accommodate nature, wildlife
and historic and cultural assets, and provide for sport and recreation;

Is designed to high standards of quality and sustainability to deliver
social and economic, as well as environmental benefits; and

Is managed and funded in urban areas to accommodate nature, wildlife and

Provides a focus for social inclusion, community development and
lifelong learning.”
SPORT ENGLAND
2.14
The ‘Sport England Strategy 2012 - 2017’ (2012) sets out national sports policy
objectives for the next five years. The strategy will:

See more people taking on and keeping a sporting habit for life.

Create more opportunities for young people.

Nurture and develop talent.

Provide the right facilities in the right places.

Support local authorities and unlock local funding.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY

Ensure real opportunities for communities.
2.15
Sport England is seeking a year-on-year increase in the proportion of people who
play sport once a week for at least 30 minutes. In particular it hopes to raise the
percentage of 14-25 year olds playing sport once a week and reduce the
proportion dropping out of sport.
2.16
Sport England’s outcomes place emphasis on developing facilities and activity
programmes on school sites, which highlights the need to formalise community
access to education pitches in Middlesbrough.
THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
2.17
The Football Association’s ‘National Game Strategy 2011- 2015’ (2011) sets out
the priorities for the development of football over the period.
2.18
The objectives of relevance to football in Middlesbrough are:
2.19
2.20

Halting the decline in adult male 11-a-side football

Providing local and flexible formats of football to suit changing consumer
lifestyles

Addressing the drop off at ages 14-19

Supporting the transition from mini-soccer to youth and youth to adult

Widening affiliation and integrating teams from diverse communities

Affiliating and developing football in the commercial small-sided sector

Working effectively with changing school sport
The FA Strategy also identifies the following challenges all of which are relevant to
Middlesbrough:

Funding cuts in local authorities leading to loss of playing fields,
reduction in access and increased costs

The impact of the public sector transferring community facilities to new
providers

Protection of playing fields

Managing and supporting the workforce involved with facilities - paid and
voluntary

Developing facilities with reduced dependence on public subsidy

Implementing the recommendations in the FA Youth Development Review
The FA recently concluded its Youth Development Review, which will lead to
changes to formats and facilities within grassroots youth football from season
2013/14 onwards.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
2.21
The proposals include raising the minimum age for competitive leagues,
developing small-sided football and introducing a 9-a-side game for Under 12s.
The FA is proposing a range of revised pitch sizes, better suited to the needs of
children of different ages.
Table 2.1 Youth Format Ages and Pitch Sizes 2013/14 Season
Age
U7/U8
U9/U10
U11/U12
U13/U14
U15/U16
U17/U18
Format
5v5
7v7
9v9
11v11
11v11
11v11
Pitch Size (with runoff)
43m x 33m
61m x 43m
79m x 52m
88m x 56m
97m x 61m
106m x 70m
Goal size
3.66m x 1.83m
3.66m x 1.83m
4.88m x 2.13m
6.40m x 2.13m
7.32m x 2.44m
7.32m x 2.44m
CRICKET
2.22
The England and Wales Cricket Board’s ‘National Club Strategy’ (2012) focuses on
promoting the sustainability of clubs and their facilities.
THE CRICKET LANDSCAPE
2.23
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is responsible for the development of
cricket across England and Wales. Increasing participation, club membership, club
affiliation, coaching roles and volunteering roles, together with securing funding,
promoting equity, and ensuring strong relationships with all counties are just some
of the priorities for ECB's development team.
NATIONALLY
2.24
The ‘Cricket Partnerships’ team is ultimately responsible for the delivery of the
National Club Strategy. The team has looked to improve its corporate and
operational planning to ensure the National Club Strategy and associated services
and support is presented in a cohesive and planned way to the club game.
2.25
The purpose of the Cricket Partnerships team is:

To create opportunities

To influence others

Advocate continuous improvement

Leave a lasting legacy
2.26
The team is divided into four delivery units, known as the ‘4Ps’. Each unit is
charged with interpreting the purpose in its own context, developing future strategy
and policy, responding to current priorities and trends and protecting and nurturing
the brand and core values of grassroots cricket.
2.27
The guiding principles of the 4P’s are:
‘PEOPLE’
2.28
Great Cricket needs great people. It will support, develop and reward the skills
required to grow and sustain participation and inspire the nation to choose Cricket.
It will provide easy access to affordable, high quality training and support.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
2.29
It will fully understand people’s needs and all training; support and delivery will be
based on this. People will be at the heart of maintaining the spirit of cricket and
providing a fun, open, fair and accessible game.
‘PLACES’
2.30
It will develop accessible, high quality and innovative facilities which inspire the
nation to choose cricket and create a culture of sustainable development which will
leave a legacy for generations to come.
‘PLAYING’
2.31
It will develop appropriate, innovative and accessible coaching and competition
with a clear player pathway. The playing of the game will focus on recruitment and
retention of adult players, playing drop off trends and satisfaction of existing
players.
‘POLICY’
2.32
It will modernise the game through robust and transparent corporate governance
and compliance with core policies and legislation, which embeds accountability.
RUGBY
2.33
2.34
The RFU’s National Facilities Strategy provides a framework for the sustainable
development of facilities for rugby union in England, at a national, regional and local
level. The framework enables clubs, Constituent Bodies (CBs) the Rugby Football
Union (RFU) and other partners to:

Identify priorities for facility developments to meet the various needs of
the sport.

Identify what facilities are required to meet the needs of the Government
sports policy and the RFU’s Strategic Plan.

Support the prioritisation of investment and funding through a detailed set
of developmental criteria, technical requirements, management /
operational structures and potential financial viability which will be critical
to the provision of quality rugby facilities.

Prioritise future investment to ensure that the right facilities are provided
in the right locations and for the right reasons.

Identify and deliver a minimum standard for all facility provision.
The strategy shows clubs what facilities are needed to provide these different
programmes, from grass roots through to the professional game.
ENGLAND HOCKEY
2.35
England Hockey governs all hockey in this country from grass roots to the elite end
of the sport. The game is played predominately on sand dressed/filled artificial
grass pitches (AGPs).
2.36
There are approximately 900 sand-filled or sand-based and 50 water-based
hockey pitches in England. Most have been installed in the past 10-15 years.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
2.37
Many of the sand-filled or sand-dressed pitches are investments representing
partnerships e.g. they involve arrangements made between clubs, schools and
local authorities. A considerable number of these pitches are used for multisport
activity e.g. hockey, football, rugby and tennis etc.
2.38
EH is working with The FA in particular to programme key areas, to ensure that the
future provision of AGPs for hockey activities is secure. This includes looking at
displacement in areas football AGPs are installed, and increasing the hours
available to access on existing AGPs in use by hockey to create communities with
adequate provision for both sports, and a sustainable future.
2.39
EH works to ensure that AGPs suitable for Hockey are provided and/or existing
surfaces renewed in areas of identified need including where interventions project
that the hockey population will increase significantly in the coming tears.
Information to help direct this work will be provided through the EH Club and
Facilities Strategy during 2013.
.
2.40
Only one of the synthetic turf pitches in Middlesbrough was installed more than ten
years ago (Teesside University Pitch installed 2003). England Hockey’s priority in
‘The Right pitches in the Right Places’ (2011) for pitch renewal and upgrades will
have some significance. The Kings Academy pitch was also built in 2003 but
refurbished in 2011. The existing former Hustler Trust Sand Based AGP has now
been passed to Outwood Academy Acklam to manage. This facility has not been
used since it was built 2 years ago.
NEIGHBOURING LOCAL AUTHORITIES
2.41
Playing Pitch Strategies from neighbouring local authorities impact upon pitch
provision in Middlesbrough.
2.42
The Redcar and Cleveland Playing Pitch Strategy does not mention if teams from
Middlesbrough use their playing pitches.
2.43
This Playing Pitch Strategy identifies Boro Rangers and Middlesbrough FC as
clubs that are based in Middlesbrough and play some home games in
Middlesbrough and some out of Middlesbrough. In addition Middlesbrough College
has three college teams that play in Stockton.
2.44
All teams relating to Boro Rangers, Middlesbrough College and Middlesbrough FC
have been assessed as part of the demand audit for this Middlesbrough Playing
Pitch Strategy. The audit also includes Teesside Rangers who currently play in
Normanby, Redcar and Cleveland but are in discussions with Middlesbrough
Council over a Community Asset Transfer of a facility.
2.40
Boro Rangers based at Jack Hatfield’s Sports Club in Middlesbrough have 18
teams in this current season 2013 – 2014. Eleven of these teams are based at
Jack Hatfield’s with the remaining seven teams playing in Eston, Redcar and
Cleveland.
2.41
In addition the audit has identified that some clubs have home grounds very close
to the Middlesbrough Borough Boundary with Redcar and Cleveland. Some of
these club names are related to Middlesbrough - Middlesbrough Homeless,
Ormesby, and North Ormesby Conservative Club.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
2.42
The Redcar and Cleveland Playing Pitch Strategy states:
“Middlesbrough Football In the Community (MFIC) - There is spare capacity
at the site and to address the shortfall of junior pitches RCBC should work
with MFIC to establish the need for junior pitches and consider the
conversion of senior pitches. The whole Greater Eston area has a surplus of
15 senior pitches and a shortfall of 4.5 junior pitches to 2026”.
2.43
Greater Eston is on the boundaries of Middlesbrough and the audit of the Strategy
has identified that at least two Middlesbrough based clubs are using facilities at
Eston. Middlesbrough FC has 16 teams affiliated to the FA and these teams
currently play at the Training Ground in Rockingham, Darlington or at the MFIC
facility in Eston. At the request of the FA the Middlesbrough Teams with the
exception of the Professional Team have been included in the demand audit of this
Middlesbrough Playing Pitch Strategy. Boro Rangers also have seven junior/adult
teams that currently play in Eston.
2.44
The Stockton Playing Pitch Strategy references the following:
“Although the prime focus of this study has been the local authority area of
Stockton Borough, teams from neighbouring areas may potentially use
facilities within the local authority and vice versa.
However, the Stockton Borough area is geographically separated from
Northern Middlesbrough by the River Tees and from western and southern
Middlesbrough by the A19 Trunk Road corridor.
Traditional league boundaries have been maintained with Stockton being
included as part of the Durham League area and Middlesbrough included in
North Yorkshire. There is potential for an import of demand for general
leisure facilities from eastern Middlesbrough into Thornaby and some team
players are likely to be drawn from the same area but numbers are not
expected to be significant. The list of leagues provided earlier in this report
as being represented by teams in the borough suggests that teams based in
the borough will travel outside the borough to play many away matches.
However, there is little evidence of teams whose members are drawn from
the borough travelling to play with clubs based outside the borough. It might
be noted that two clubs playing in the Stockton Sunday League use sites
outside the Borough (both in Redcar and Cleveland Borough). Possible
exceptions may also arise in the case of players performing at a relatively
high level who would normally be drawn to clubs with wider catchments than
is the case for grass routes clubs.”
2.45
Middlesbrough College has three teams that currently play in Stockton.
LOCAL CONTEXT
2.46
Middlesbrough is situated in the northeast of England, at the centre of the Tees
Valley conurbation built around the River Tees. The borough comprises the town of
Middlesbrough and the surrounding areas of Nunthorpe, Coulby Newham,
Stainton, Thornton, Hemlington, Acklam, Linthorpe, Marton and North Ormesby.
2.47
Middlesbrough Council is a Unitary Authority serving an area covering
approximately 5,400 hectares.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
2.48
It is one of five unitary authorities in the Tees Valley sub-region, which has a
population of 650,000, just over a quarter of the population of the northeast. The
town centre is the principal retail centre for the Tees Valley conurbation and the
third largest retail centre in the northeast.
2.49
Middlesbrough‘s the most urbanised and densely populated local authority area in
the Tees Valley. It is bounded by the River Tees to the north, and the built-up
urban areas of neighbouring authorities to the east (Redcar and Cleveland), and to
the west (Stockton). There are good road, rail and air links, via the A66 and A19
trunk roads, access to the East Coast main rail-line, and Durham Tees Valley and
Newcastle airports. Middlesbrough is situated approximately half way between
Newcastle, (40 miles north) and Leeds (65 miles south).
2.50
Teessport, the UK’s second largest port, lies a few miles to the east of the
borough’s boundary.
2.51
The Middlesbrough Partnership is the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) for
Middlesbrough. The Partnership has developed the Sustainable Community
Strategy 2008‐2023, and brings together key organisations and communities to
work together to improve life for people who live in, work in or visit Middlesbrough.
Residents are involved in all areas of the Partnership. The Council is lead partner
on the Partnership and supports its governance, development and work
programme.
2.52
Middlesbrough’s fortunes are inextricably linked to the economic prosperity of the
sub‐region. The five neighbouring boroughs of Middlesbrough, Darlington,
Hartlepool, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton‐on‐Tees form the Tees Valley sub
region and work together in a number of partnerships designed to improve quality
of life in the area.
2.53
Tees Valley Unlimited (TVU) is a partnership of public, private and voluntary bodies
that coordinates activities, appropriate to a city region level, designed to reduce the
output gap between the Tees Valley and the rest of the UK by developing its key
economic assets and improving urban competitiveness. TVU secured Local
Enterprise Partnership (LEP) status in 2011.
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL’S FUTURE ROLE
2.54
The Council remains the community leader for Middlesbrough and has reaffirmed
its core ambition to keep both the town and its communities moving forward.
Together with local people and its public sector partners, the Council wants to
continue to promote fairness, protect the vulnerable, shape the development of the
town, and champion excellence in public services.
2.55
However, given the financial challenges of the next three years, the Council will
become an organisation that in general commissions and enables services for local
people, rather than delivering them directly. As a result, Middlesbrough Council
(MC) will become simpler, smaller and more focused.
2.56
The Council’s transformation programme will be driven by the following priorities:

Engaging we will put the needs of local people at the heart of change. We
will communicate in better and more innovative ways, and improve
customer service by joining up silos, becoming ‘One Council – Our
Council’.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY

Enabling we will help people to help themselves, encourage social
responsibility and empower communities and social enterprises to
deliver more services.

Early Intervention Building on the Mayor’s Reduction Agenda, we will
promote investment in early intervention (e.g. for families with complex
needs) in order to avoid long‐term problems for communities and
associated service costs.

Enterprise we will apply strict business principles across our services:
shedding avoidable costs, becoming more innovative, improving
commissioning practice, and developing further our commercial
services.
MIDDLESBROUGH DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE – CURRENT AND
FUTURE
2.57
According to the 2011 Census, Middlesbrough has a population of 138,412. The
current age structure is tabulated overleaf.
Table 2.2 Middlesbrough Population 2011
2011
Age
Age 0 to 4
Age 5 to 7
Age 8 to 9
Age 10 to 14
Age 15
Age 16 to 17
Age 18 to 19
Age 20 to 24
Age 25 to 29
Age 30 to 44
Age 45 to 59
Age 60 to 64
Age 65 to 74
Age 75 to 84
Age 85 to 89
Age 90 and over
Number
%
9,431
5,178
3,098
8,485
1,811
3,747
4,506
11,690
9,765
25,414
27,065
7,531
10,833
7,393
1,658
807
138,412
6.8
3.7
2.2
6.1
1.3
2.7
3.3
8.4
7.1
18.4
19.6
5.4
7.8
5.3
1.2
0.6
Source: ONS NOMIS May 2103
2.58
The 2011 Census shows that the largest proportion of the Middlesbrough
population is female 70,680 and males 67,732.
2.59
Middlesbrough has the largest percentage of people aged 19 and under in the
northeast.
2.60
In the North East there are 10,300 more children under five compared with 2001
(7.4 per cent). Middlesbrough has the largest proportion of under fives with 6.9 per
cent.
2.61
Middlesbrough and Stockton-on-Tees have the largest average household size in
the region, with 2.4 people.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
2.62
Middlesbrough is also the most densely populated area, with 2,600 people per
square kilometre, which equates to about 26 people on a rugby pitch.
2.63
Black and minority ethnic (BME) groups make up 8.7% of the population compared
with 4.8% for the Tees Valley and 4.5% for the North East. Amongst the school
age population this increases significantly to 15% amongst secondary school age
children and 20% amongst primary school age children.
2.64
The highest concentration of BME groups is in the North of Middlesbrough locality 48% amongst primary school age children and 36% amongst those of secondary
school age. In the West locality the proportions are around half those in the North,
whilst elsewhere they are significantly below the Middlesbrough average.
2.65
Young people of Asian Pakistani origin comprise the largest BME group,
accounting for approximately half of the BME population both across
Middlesbrough and in those localities with the highest concentration of BME
groups.
CAR AND VAN OWNERSHIP
2.66
Car and van ownership in Middlesbrough is the lowest of all the North East
authorities 40.01% 1 car in a household (2011 census).
FUTURE POPULATION
2.67
Middlesbrough is projected to increase by 4,521 to 142,889 by 2018 (Source: 2011
Ward Population for England and Wales based on 2011 Census). This small
change demonstrates that earlier population decline, through outward migration, is
beginning to slow.
2.68
Figure 1 below identifies the 23 Wards within Middlesbrough.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Figure 1: 23 Wards within Middlesbrough
MONITORING COMMUNITY VITALITY IN THE TEES VALLEY 2011 –
2012 (TEES UNLIMITED OCTOBER 2012)
2.69
This report provides a summary of the key findings from the most recent
Community Vitality Index (CVI) produced by Tees Valley Unlimited. It focuses
primarily on key Tees Valley and borough wide findings, looking at changes in
overall community vitality as well as assessing which ‘themes’ may be driving
change.
2.70
According to the most recent index, Middlesbrough is the most disadvantaged
borough within the sub-region. Despite this, the overall CVI Score in
Middlesbrough has seen improvement since the baseline index of 2007/08, with
70% of wards becoming less disadvantaged.
2.71
Improvements since the baseline can be seen in ‘Community Safety’, ‘Education’
and ‘Sustainable Communities’ with ‘Housing’ remaining the same. However in
contrast ‘Unemployment & Income’ and ‘Health’ have each seen a decrease in
community vitality since the baseline.
2.72
Middlesbrough has seen thirty percent of wards show an improved score over the
past 12 months.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
HEALTH PROFILE
2.73
Compared with the England average deprivation in Middlesbrough is higher than
average and about 9,800 children live in poverty. Life expectancy for both men and
women is lower than the England average.
2.74
About 21.8% of Year 6 children are classified as obese, higher than the average
for England. Levels of teenage pregnancy, GCSE attainment, alcohol-specific
hospital and smoking in pregnancy are worse than the England average.
2.75
Priorities in Middlesbrough include smoking, alcohol abuse and improving uptake
of cancer screening.
2.76
Increasing rates of regular, active participation could contribute to health
improvement priorities in the Borough.
PARTICIPATION - SPORT ENGLAND ACTIVE PEOPLE SURVEY
2.77
Sport England Active People Survey provides an understanding of the
current levels of participation and take up of sport. The Active People
Survey shows Middlesbrough as below national; and regional averages for
Participation. Football is the most popular sport participated by people.
None of the other pitch sports are mentioned in the top 5 sports in
Middlesbrough. This reflects the audits and the demand of this Playing
Pitch Strategy.
MARKET SEGMENTATION – MIDDLESBROUGH PROFILE
2.78
Sport England Market Segmentation data models particular groups and provides
information on sporting behaviors and attitudes as well as motivations for and
barriers to taking part in sport. This research builds upon the Active People Survey,
the Department for Culture Media and Sport’s Taking Part Survey and the Mosaic
tool from Experian.
2.79
19 market segments have been created from an analysis of the English population
(18+ years). Each segment exhibits distinct characteristics, with information
covering specific sports that people take part in and reasons why people do sport,
together with the level of interest in and barriers to doing more sport.
2.80
By applying this information to demographic and socio-economic data for
Middlesbrough, the model is able to estimate the likely behaviour and activity
patterns of residents within the council area. In addition to being used to determine
which type of facilities are most appropriate to meet resident’s needs, the model
can also be used as a prerequisite to any intervention programmes to facilitate
greater activity levels.
2.81
The most prevalent segment in Middlesbrough with 10.7% is Segment 19, Elsie
and Arnold, Elsie & Arnold are much less active than the average adult
population, but their activity levels are consistent with other segments in this
age range. The top sports that Elsie & Arnold participate in are keep fit and
gym, swimming, and playing bowls;
2.82
The next highest segment is Segment 9, Kev, 9.7% of the population. Kev is a ‘pub
league player’. The top sports that Kev participates in are team sports, football,
combat sports, low intensity social activities (e.g. darts).
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
2.83
Segment 10, Paula, 8.5% of the population. Paula is a ‘stretched single mum’ who
is mainly aged 26 - 45 years old, with financial pressures, childcare issues and little
time for pleasure. Paula is not a very active type and her participation levels are
slightly below those of the general adult population. The top sports that Paula
participates in are keep fit/gym, swimming, cycling and athletics.
2.84
Brenda, Segment 14, 7.8% of the population. Brenda is an ‘older working female’
who is mainly aged 46 – 55 years and is married. Brenda is less active than the
general adult population. The top sports that Brenda participates in are keep
fit/gym, swimming, cycling and athletics.
2.85
Jamie, Segment 2, 7.2% of the population. Jamie is very active type and takes part
in sport on a regular basis. Mainly interested in team sports such as football and
cricket.
2.86
The main two playing pitch users are Kev and Jamie. The Active People Survey
also shows that Football is the sport that adults over the age of 16 want to play
more.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
3. Methodology
INTRODUCTION
3.1
The development of this strategy has used the guidance developed by Sport
England detailed in the ‘Towards a Level Playing Field’ guidance and
methodology. This moves away from the application of generic provision
standards and advocates focused research to identify local demand and supply,
factor in qualitative factors and assess the adequacy of provision relating to
quantity, quality and access for individual sports.
HOW THE METHODOLOGY WORKS
3.2
The Sport England methodology for assessing playing pitches does not provide
specific standards for pitch provision that can be universally applied. Its focus is
on providing the means for deriving local standards, using local information, and
developing policy to respond to local circumstances.
3.3
The method has been applied to show the adequacy of facilities to meet existing
demand for these sports. Additionally the model can be used to assess provision
against a predicted set of circumstances, for example, future population
projections. This strategy has used the model to assess future demand across the
next five years until 2018.
3.4
The sports of football, cricket, rugby union and hockey have been identified for
assessment based on the fact that at national level they are the main playing pitch
sports; in addition football, and increasingly rugby union and cricket, as a result of
sport development initiatives, are high participant sports. Levels of participation in
mini soccer, and girls’ football are still growing faster than in any other sport in the
UK. Rugby league has not been assessed as no teams were identified in
Middlesbrough.
3.5
An overview has also been provided of Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs) which
provide training facilities (and match facilities for Hockey) for several of the sports
assessed. In addition the report makes a number of observations, and draws
some conclusions and recommendations for Tennis and Bowls.
3.6
A pitch is defined as:
“A grass or artificial surface which is marked out as a pitch for at least part
of the year and on which a match can be played, and has a minimum size of
0.2 hectares including run-off areas.”
3.7
All playing pitches can be defined as being secured, unsecured or not open for
community use. Pitches in secured community use are pitches that are available
for use by community teams and whose future use is secured for the coming
season by a formal community use agreement or a leasing agreement.
3.8
Surveys of sports clubs and schools were sent out in May 2013. By mid June
there had been a 100% response from Rugby, 70% Cricket. Football response
was poor at this stage but was followed up with telephone consultations with all
the major clubs and finally obtained a 70% response rate. Telephone consultation
took place with the only Hockey Club Marton Furness. Pitch assessments took
place on all Council pitches during Spring 2013.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
3.9
Supply and demand. Demand has been established through a count of the
number of teams for each sport (Football 2013/14 Season, Rugby 2013/14
Season Cricket 2013 Season and Hockey 2013/14 Season) using a variety of
information sources, including pitch booking records, league handbooks, sport
governing body databases and a club survey. An accurate assessment of supply
has been produced which distinguishes between pitches for each sport and
between ownership (public, private, voluntary and educational sites). In modelling
the existing situation, only pitches currently available for the appropriate
days/times have been used.
3.10
Latent demand and the impact of future population projections are also
considered. “Team equivalents‟ refers to use of pitches by groups other than
those playing formal matches. This includes school games lessons, club and
school training sessions, sports development sessions etc. By including these in
the “demand equation‟ a more accurate picture is presented. Information from
schools and clubs was collected using the school and club questionnaires and
consultation.
AUDITING TECHNIQUES AND DATA GATHERING
ASSESSMENT OF SUPPLY
3.11
The current supply of pitches was established through undertaking a series of
data review, research and consultation exercises. These consisted of:

Review of information held by Middlesbrough Council

Review of information published on relevant websites

Site visits to pitches owned and managed by Middlesbrough Council and
other providers at a local level with identified community use – quality
non technical audits formed part of these visits and were completed
using the Sport England New Methodology Visual Assessment proforma
between May and June 2013

Consultation with key stakeholders National Governing Bodies of Sport
(Regional Facilities and Investment Managers for Football and Rugby
Union, and the Regional Hockey Development Relationship Officer and
the Yorkshire Cricket Development Officer. May – September 2013

A postal survey of all schools within the district in May 2013

A postal survey to all identified sports clubs within the district in May
2013

Additional telephone consultation with football clubs September –
October 2013
ASSESSMENT OF DEMAND
3.12
In establishing the current demand for pitches a series of research and
consultation exercises were completed, specifically:

An initial sports club questionnaire sent to identified clubs within the
authority area
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
3.13

Additional telephone consultation with key sports clubs (focusing on
non-respondents)

A review of booking information from pitch sites within the borough
where applicable

Analysis of local league data (where publicly available); and

Consultation with governing bodies of sport mainly Football, Rugby
Union, Yorkshire Cricket and Hockey

Analysis of booking and league data
The assessment of playing pitch supply and demand within the study should be
considered a snapshot in time. There is a need to ensure that the data used within
the assessment is updated at appropriate intervals to ensure the ongoing validity
of the recommendations made.
DEFINING COMMUNITY USE
3.14
The key component of the analysis was an examination of the extent to which
pitches identified were in secured public use. This was undertaken in the context
of the Sport England definition of community use, and broadly embraces:

All local authority pitches (Middlesbrough Council)

Educational facilities whether subject to formal dual use, community use
agreements or similar formal hire arrangements with local teams or not
(this was assessed through a specific question on the Schools
Questionnaire) and from discussion with sports clubs;

Any other facilities which are available to the public as a result of formal
dual / community use agreements;

Any facilities owned, used or maintained by clubs/private individuals,
which as a matter of policy or practice are available for use by large
sections of the public through membership of a club or admission fees;
and

Formal playing pitches that are marked out and in use for the relevant
pitch sports have been included in the modelling and analysis (2013
season only, as per new PPS methodology requirements)
TEAM GENERATION RATES
3.15
Team Generation Rates (TGRs) have also been considered in the assessment of
future needs for playing pitch provision. A TGR is the ratio of the number of teams
within a given area to the total population within a given age group from that same
area. The groupings which have been used reflect age groups participating in the
different sub-groups of each of the assessed sports (e.g. 6-9 year olds for Mini
Soccer).
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
3.16
The Office of National Statistics Interim 2011 – Based Subnational Population
Projections Local Authorities, counties, regions and Engand Single Years of age,
Persons have been used to calculate Team Generation Rates and for population
growth figures,
3.17
The facilities not covered by the assessment calculations can be identified as
follows:

Educational establishment facilities, which have no formal community
use agreement and are not available for hire by the public

Professional stadia/pitches, which are reserved by a specific team for
elite use only e.g. The Riverside; and

All other sports pitches which are not available for public use
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
4. Sport by Sport Assessment – Key Findings
FOOTBALL
4.1
The Football Association is the governing body responsible for football in England.
Facility improvement will be a focus in delivering their ‘Whole Sport Plan 2013 –
2017’ and will underpin the different programmes being rolled out to drive
participation. A sum of £30 million has been set aside for investment in football and
multi-sport facilities via Sport England and the Football Association.
4.2
The North Riding County Football Association have responsibility for football in
Middlesbrough. The teams that play in Middlesbrough affiliate to the North Riding
County Football Association.
4.3
The North Riding County Football Association’s strategy for investment in facilities
is in line with the FA’s Strategy. The FA’s priorities for 2013 to 2015 are as follows:

Natural grass pitch improvements and maintenance: Grants will be
made to support the development of new and improved natural grass
pitches. Additional support will be made available to clubs wishing to
develop their own skills in the future maintenance of natural grass,
through relevant training and advice.

Development of new Artificial Grass Pitches: The latest Artificial Grass
Pitches (AGPs) are capable of support i ng ( carrying) much greater
activity than natural grass. An increasing number of leagues are
allowing games to be played on these surfaces and many grassroots
clubs compete to access them for training purposes. The FA estimates
that a typical full-sized floodlit AGP can accommodate the training
needs of up to 60 teams in any given week let alone wider use for
matches and informal participation. The FA will continue to work with
Leagues and Competitions to encourage appropriate use of AGPs.

Refurbishment of old Artificial Grass Pitches: The FA will work closely
with other relevant National Governing Bodies and map out priority
sites where existing old-style pitches might be replaced to reflect local
need / demand. This will offer a value for money approach to
sustaining and growing participation and at the same time create a
financially sustainable network of AGP sites in England.

Provision of suitable changing accommodation and toilet facilities: The
FA will seek to ensure that suitable proposals for improvements to
changing rooms and associated facilities are properly assessed against
need and value for money, and that standards are put in place that are
consistent with the needs of clubs at all levels. New construction
methods will be assessed and implemented where these meet with local
needs and are cost effective.

Small Grants Programme for modest facility improvements: This
programme will continue and will aim to address the often very basic
facility requirements of clubs. The FA and Football Foundation will set
down some broad guidelines for access to this funding although the
intention will be to minimise red tape and keep access as open as
possible.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY

4.4
New/replacement
goalposts:
In
support
of
the
proposed
implementation of 9v9 football and other flexible formats of the game, a
dedicated fund for new/replacement goalposts will be established
through the Football Foundation. The FA will also ensure that
awareness regarding goalpost safety is refreshed and publicised.
Funding to replace unsafe goalposts will continue.
Every year the Football Association (FA) produce a local participation report
showing how many people participate in football in the local area. According to
the 2012/13 report, 4.6% of the adult population (16+) in Middlesbrough
participate in football for at least 30 minutes once a week, compared to a
national average of 4.96% (Sport England Active People Survey 2012).
NUMBER OF TEAMS
4.5
The audit for this strategy assessment has been undertaken using the 2013/14
season information provided by Middlesbrough Council, clubs, and leagues and
the North Riding Football Association. This has been undertaken to provide the
current picture of football in Middlesbrough.
4.6
This audit of the 2013/14 season (current) identifies 5 disability teams, 78 adult
teams, 86 junior teams and 72 mini soccer teams. Totaling 241 teams. The
breakdown of these teams is shown in Table 4.1.
4.7
In addition to the teams that play in Middlesbrough a number of teams that are
Middlesbrough based use pitches outside of Middlesbrough. These teams have
been added to the teams that play in Middlesbrough to provide the total number of
teams that theoretically should play in Middlesbrough and therefore sufficient
pitches should be available for these teams to participate in football in
Middlesbrough. Table 4.1 provides for the total number of football teams that are
considered as part of this Middlesbrough Playing Pitch Strategy.
Table 4.1: All football teams that play within Middlesbrough and outside of Middlesbrough
2013/14 season
Team Type
Disability Teams
Mini Soccer U7 – U10 mixed 6 - 9 years
Junior Football - Boys 10 – 15 years
Junior Football – Girls 10 – 15 years
Men’s Football – 16 – 45 years
Women’s – Football 16 – 45 years
TOTAL NUMBER OF TEAMS
4.8
Number of teams
5
72
76
10
72
6
241
Changes to the overall levels of demand since the previous PPS 2009 can provide
a key indication of overall trends or growth and retraction. Table 4.2 compares the
number of teams in 2009 to 2013.
26
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Seniors
2013
Juniors
2009
Juniors
2013
Disability
2009
Disability
2013
Football
Seniors
2009
Mini 2013
Sport
Mini 2009
Table 4.2: Changes in Number of Teams 2009 - 2013
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
M
62
4
72
6
91
3
76
10
41
72
0
5
4.9
Table 4.2 identifies that the number of teams has changed since 2009 compared to
2013. There is an increase in senior men’s football teams (+10), women’s teams
(+2) decrease in junior boys teams (-15) and increase in junior girls teams (+7),
and an increase in mini soccer teams (+31) and an increase in disability teams
(+5).
4.10
There have been some major changes since the 2009 Playing Pitch Strategy
brought about by mandatory FA directives. The Teesside Junior Football Alliance
(TJFA) which is the league for Junior Football in Middlesbrough and across
Teesside has had to implement the following for the 2013/14 season: teams
competing at Under 7 level play 5-a-side. Under 8, 9 & 10 teams play 7-a-side and
Under 11 teams play 9-a-side. Under 7, Under 8 and Under 9 play "Development"
football which means that, although fixtures may be displayed, there can be no
results or League tables shown for those age groups. This also means that the
Under 9 age group, in addition to Under 7 and Under 8, are not permitted to
compete in the TJFA League Cup or Challenge Cup Competitions.
4.11
The TJFA are trialing a "winter break" for the 2013/14 season for "Development"
age groups and no League matches are scheduled between Sundays 27th.
November 2013 and Sunday February 9th. 2014 inclusive.
4.12
During this break North Riding County FA will be operating a Mini-Soccer League
for the Under 8 and Under 9 age groups from November 2013 to February 2014 at
Middlesbrough College 3G pitch.
4.13
Table 4.3 overleaf identifies the football pitches that are available across
Middlesbrough by Site, and provides an analysis of each site. A full supply table is
provided in Appendix 2.
27
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Table 4.3: Football Pitch analysis by ward and site
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Football
Yes
Middlesbrough
Borough
Council
1
0
0
0
0
1
Pitch
Poor
This is one pitch site and the
only Council pitch that requires
drainage works with the
exception of Saltersgill. This
pitch is played twice per week
Two adult teams currently use
this pitch on a Saturday
afternoon.
Beechwood
Marton Road
No Changing
Room
1
Teesside Rangers have held
preliminary discussion with
Middlesbrough Council with
regards to a Community Asset
Transfer for this site.
Changing is only available at the
close by Social club.
28
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Beechwood
Trinity College
Football
Site is being
used by
community
but is not
secured.
community
use. An
agreement
is in place
but not
activated
Education
1
0
0
0
0
1
Standard
29
2
games
per
week under
capacit
y
The school allows its old boys
teams x 2 to use its grass pitch
facilities. Standard pitch facility
with acceptable changing
facilities.
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Football
Yes –
Secured
Middlesbrough
Council
2
1
0
0
5
2.5 senior
games
Beechwood
Saltersgill
0.5 junior
games
per week
30
Standard
No Changing
Rooms
4 senior
games
per
week
currentl
y under
capacit
y by 1.5
games
per
week
This site is temporarily used to
provide pitches during the
closure of Prissick Base. These
pitches are played on Saturdays
and Sundays.
2 junior
games
per
week –
currentl
y under
capacit
y 1.5
games
per
week
In addition 4 temporary pitches
have been created at Saltersgill
to support the University of
Teesside’s loss of football
pitches whilst an access road is
created to Trinity College. One
of these pitches will remain in
use by the University when the
access road is finished.
The Environment Agency has
had discussions with
Middlesbrough Council on using
part of Saltersgill as an overflow
flood area for Middlesbrough.
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Beechwood
No
Community
Use
Education
0
0
0
1
0
0
Pitch Standard
2
games
per
week –
under
capacit
y not
used
This pitch has in the past been
used by community football
teams. It is not currently used
and has no formal community
use agreement in place.
Yes –
Community
Use
Private
1
0
0
0
0
1 senior
game
Pitches –
Standard
2
games
per
week –
under
capacit
y
This is a 1 pitch facility. The
pitch is of good quality but close
to the fence in one corner and
therefore has run off issues.
Changing
excellent
Marton
Marton Cricket Club
Prince Bishop School
Football
31
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Football
Middlesbrough
Council
1
0
0
0
0
1.5 senior
games
per week
Pitches Standard
Changing
Rooms Prissick Base
is about to
undergo a
major
overhaul of its
facilities and
services with
regards to
sport. This
works will
create a
modern
changing area
for outdoor
sport.
Marton
Prissick Sport Base
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use
32
2
games
per
week
This is the one remaining whilst
works are carried out at Prissick
Base. The pitch is played on
Saturdays and Sundays
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Pallister
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use
Pallister
Ormesby Road
Old Vicarage Playing Fields
Football
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use
Leased to
North
Ormesby
Football Club
by
Middlesbrough
Council
2
Middlesbrough
Council
4
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
Standard
3 senior
games
Pitches - Poor
No Changing
1 junior
game
33
4
games
Under
Capacit
y
North Ormesby FC has
identified a drainage issue that
causes water logging.
The changing rooms are
containers. There is a need to
provide new changing facilities.
4 senior This pitch is only booked on
games
Sundays. The pitches can be
found to have been damaged by
1 junior motor bikes.
game
There are no changing or toilet
facilities provided.
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Pallister
Pallister Park
Football
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use
Middlesbrough
Council
1
0
1
0
0
0.5 senior
games
0 junior
games
34
Pitch - Poor
Changing
Rooms –
Perception no
longer
available for
use for
football clubs
1 senior These pitches are only booked
game
on Sundays.
per
week
Perceived issues by football
clubs of not being allowed to
1 junior use the changing room at
game
Pallister Park due to the
per
Community Asset Transfer of
week
the Pavilion.
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Yes –
Community
Use
Agreement
with North
Ormesby
Juniors &
Unity City
Academy
Pallister
Unity City Academy
Football
Education
3
0
1
2
1
0.5 senior
games
per week
2.5 junior
games
per week
2.5 Under
10 games
per week
Pitches Standard
Changing
Rooms –
Good Funded
by Football
Foundation
5 senior
games
per
week
0 junior
games
per
week
11 v 11
2 x 9v9
games
per
week
4 x 7v7
games
per
week
3 x 5v5
games
per
week
35
North Ormesby Juniors use the
pitches along with Unity
Academy School. The changing
rooms are new provided with
Football Foundation Funding.
The pitches are in fairly good
condition.
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Beckfield
Hemlington
Hemlington Recreation
Centre
Netherfields
Football
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use
Middlesbrough
Council
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use
Middlesbrough
Council
3
2
0
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
1 senior
per week
No Changing
Rooms
3
games
per
week
1.5 senior
games
Pitches Standard
4 senior These pitches are booked
games
Saturdays and Sundays.
2 junior
games
Changing
Rooms are
poor – only
two team
changing
rooms and in
need of
refurbishment
2 junior
games
2 under
10
36
Pitches - Poor
4 under
10
games
These pitches are only booked
on Sundays.
The site is very exposed there is
no shelter in the winter months
for spectators from the wind and
rain and no toilet or changing
facilities.
The changing rooms need
replacement to accommodate
the number of teams that can
play at the facility.
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Football
Acklam
Marton FC
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use
Leased to
Marton FC by
Middlesbrough
Council
0
2
1
2
2
0.5 senior
U18
Pitches
Standard
3 Junior
11 v 11
Acceptable
changing
facilities
1.5 9 v 9
5 Under
10
0 senior Marton FC manage this facility
games
with a clubhouse that is
acceptable. The club has formal
links to Marton Cricket Club and
4 junior also uses facilities at the Cricket
games
Club including the football pitch
at Marton Cricket Club.
4 junior
9v9
The club states that training
takes place away from the
4 junior playing pitches.
7v7
4 junior
5v5
37
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Football
Leased to
Cleveland
Juniors FC by
Middlesbrough
Council
3
0
1
3
1
2.5 senior
games
Pitches Standard
6 senior This site is extremely well used
games
and has car parking issues.
2.5 junior
games
Changing
Rooms –None
currently. Club
and RAW
Foundation
are seeking
funding from
Football
Foundation
with support
from
Middlesbroug
h Council
0 junior
games
3 9v9
Acklam
Mill Hill Playing Fields
Yes
1 Under 7
3.5 under
10s
1 5v5
games
38
2 9v9
games
6 7v7
games
2 5v5
games
There are 30 off road car
parking spaces available, albeit
is understood that this is
insufficient to meet the needs of
the club. A planning application
was approved in 2013 to
increase the level of parking to
48 spaces.
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Football
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use
Middlesbrough
Council /
Hustler Trust.
Leased to
Kader FC
4
1
2
3
1
1.5 senior
games
Pitches
Standard
6 junior
games
Changing
Rooms –
Received
Football
Foundation
Funding
4.5 9 v 9
games
Acklam
Kader FC
4.5 7v7
games
1.5 5v5
game
8 senior Kader FC and Whinney Banks
games
YCC FC use this facility – Kader
FC have stated they would like
2 junior to carry out drainage works on
games
part of the former Hustler Trust
land and bring two more pitches
4 9v9
into use.
games
Pitch allocations show that the
6 7v7
facility is more than well used
games
with some pitches providing for
more than 2 games on a
2 5v5
Sunday in particular youth
games
format pitches. Pitches are
generally of a standard quality
according to the visual
inspection but overplaying will
reduce capacity. A number of
pitches are used beyond ideal
capacity already.
The site has car parking issues.
There is car parking that could
be used at Outwood School
adjacent to the playing pitch
site.
39
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
No Games per week
Quality
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
2 5v5
games
Pitches Standard
2 5v5
games
3 7v7
games
Good
changing
2 7v7
games
Site Issues /Comments
Acklam
Jack Hatfield Sports
Football
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use
0
0
0
1
1
One of the home grounds for
Boro Rangers FC. They also
use playing pitches in Eston
outside of Middlesbrough in
Redcar and Cleveland.
This ground is used for the clubs
under 10 teams.
Thorntree
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use
Thorntree Park
Private
Leased to
1
Cargo Fleet
Rangers FC by
Middlesbrough
Council
0
0
1
0
1.5 senior
games
Pitches Standard
1 5v5
game
Changing is
acceptable
2 junior
11 v 11
0.5 9v9
1.5 7v7
40
2 senior The main pitch is over marked
games
with 9 v 9 pitch and the 7 v7 is
over marked with 5 v 5.
2 9v9
games
The changing rooms are
acceptable.
The
ground The pitches are overplayed
is
complet
ely over
played
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Quality
0.5
games
Pitches –
Standard
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
No secured
community
use
Private
1
0
0
0
0
Changing
rooms
acceptable
Linthorpe
Dorman’s Long Club
Football
41
2 senior This pitch is used by a veteran’s
games
team only.
No cricket has been played for a
number of seasons.
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Football
Nunthorpe
Nunthorpe and Marton Playing Fields
Community
Use yes
Leased to
Nunthorpe
Sports Club by
Middlesbrough
Council
1
2
1
1
1
0.5 senior
games
Pitches –
Standard
2 junior
11 v11
games
Changing
rooms Good
1 9v9
games
2 7v7
games
1 5v5
game
2 senior Nunthorpe Juniors and seniors
games
play at this site. The football
pitches require drainage.
4 junior
games
The changing rooms are good.
The club would like to expand its
junior teams.
2 9v9
games
2 7v7
games
2 5v5
games
New housing development is
proposed adjacent to the
existing playing fields.
Consultation with the Council
has identified that existing
playing fields and leased playing
fields are safeguarded.
The club expect an increase in
members with the new housing
and will require additional
playing space.
42
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Not secured
community
use – No
community
use
Agreement
University of
Teesside
6
0
0
0
0
3.5 senior
games
Pitches –
Standard
0.5 junior
game
Changing
rooms good
Ladgate Ward
Teesside University Playing Fields
Football
12
senior
games
The University Playing Fields
are used and maintained by the
University.
Currently a road way is being
built on this site to provide an
access road for Trinity School.
The Council has provided
pitches for the university at
Saltersgill whilst the work is
undertaken.
One of these temporary pitches
will remain at Saltersgill
following the works and the
University will also have access
to the artificial pitch at Trinity
School following completion of
the works.
43
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Coulby Newham
Park
Acklam Iron & Steel Works
The Kings Academy
Football
There is
community
use. But
this is not
secured.
There is no
community
use
agreement
in place
Education
No
community
use
agreement
Private
2
0
0
1
0
2 senior
games
per week
PitchesStandard
Changing
rooms good
1
1
0
0
0
0 senior
games
Pitches Standard
2 junior
games
Changing
Rooms – Very
Poor
unsuitable for
level of play of
the current
club Step 5.
44
2 senior All games are played on a
games
Saturday. Facilities not available
per
on a Sunday.
week
2 senior This site is partially allocated for
games
future housing development in
the Middlesbrough Local Plan.
2 junior
games
The site has poor changing and
is not up to Step 5 standard.
This has meant that the senior
club that plays at this ground
has had to move to Prissick
Base for the current season.
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Football
Kader Ward
The Acorn Centre
Yes –
Community
Use
Education
2
0
1
2
1
1.5 senior
games
Pitches Standard
4 senior Pitches are standard and good
pitches changing rooms
0.5 junior
11v11
Good
changing
rooms
0 junior
pitches
0.5 9v9
2 9v9
pitches
1.5 7v7
0.5 5v5
4 7v7
pitches
2 5v5
pitches
45
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Capacity – Number of
games facility could
play per week
Quality
No Games per week
Games Per Week
Junior 5 v 5
Junior 7 v 7
Junior 9 v 9
Junior 11 v 11
Senior 11 v 11
Ownership/
Management
Community Use
Ward
Site Name
Number of Pitches
Site Issues /Comments
Total Number of Pitches
North Ormesby & Brambles
Farm
Millbrook Avenue
Football
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use
Middlesbrough
Council
1
0
0
0
0
0 games
Pitches - Poor
No changing
rooms
43
9
8
20
19
46
1 senior This pitch is booked only on
games
Sundays.
No changing provision provided
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
4.14
Table 4.3 above indicates there is a good distribution of football pitches across
Middlesbrough, which are available for community use.
4.15
Middlesbrough Council is still the largest single provider of pitches. The Council
has 8 sites where it is responsible for football pitches. Each Middlesbrough Council
Pitch is allocated 2 teams from the same league, one home one away, this is to
help the League secretaries avoid double bookings etc, pitches are played on
every Sunday between September and May. Four of the eight sites host Saturday
football, Hemlington, Marton Road, Saltersgill and Prissick Base. Mid week games
often happen at the end of each season. On average over 350 games take place
each season on Council pitches. During the current season 2013/14 there is no
club allocated to Millbrook Avenue or the five 5 v 5 pitches at Saltersgill.
4.16
During the 2012/13 football season there were 5 weeks of cancellations due to
snow or waterlogged pitches. This is mainly due to the high level of rainfall in
2012/13. In 2009 Hemlington and Ormesby Road had drainage put in. Netherfields
playing pitches are well drained mainly due to the exposed nature of the site, there
is a drying wind. The remaining Council pitches that need drainage attention are
Saltersgill and Marton Road. There are discussions with the Environment Agency
whereby a flood alleviation site may be provided at Saltersgill in the future. If this
was to happen then this would help drain the pitches at Saltersgill.
4.17
It is hoped Prissick Base drainage and improvement to pitches will be considered
as part of the Sports Village development.
4.18
Consultation has identified that the clubs that use the Council facilities have a
perception that maintenance is poor. Some clubs complain about long grass as the
grass cutting programme finishes in October and with the climate change the grass
grows into October/November and starts growing again in February with no cut
until March.
4.19
Other perceptions by football clubs of Council facilities includes:

Poor maintenance

Poor line marking

Repair and seeding of goalmouths needs to improve

Damage to pitches from off road motor bikes

Dog fouling
4.20
There is a perception from a league that toilet provision should be provided for
junior football players and their parents who may have traveled some distance to
play or watch their child play football. The lack of toilet provision on six of the
Council’s eight sites hinders their use.
4.21
One club has identified that there are insufficient changing facilities to progress to
Step 5.
4.22
Lingfield Farm - although this green space is not a formal playing pitch site informal
football and training takes place on a regular basis by Coulby Newham FC.
47
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
4.23
Middlesbrough College has the perception that they cannot obtain the use of grass
pitches in Middlesbrough and are using pitches outside of Middlesbrough in
Stockton. Middlesbrough Parks Department is more than happy to approach
Middlesbrough College to offer pitches for use.
4.24
There is a lack of segregated changing rooms and this is seen to be holding up the
development of women’s and girl’s football.
4.25
Overplaying of sites affects the quality of pitches and subsequent playing capacity.
Thorntree Park is the worst facility for over playing. Other sites are becoming close
to capacity e.g. Kader FC (Hustler Trust), Mill Hill, and Marton FC.
SURPLUS OR DEFICIT
CURRENT – 2013 – ALL PITCHES CURRENTLY USED (NOT GUARANTEED
COMMUNITY USE)
4.26
Sport England’s Playing Pitch Model (PPM) Appendix 3a Sites with Secured and
Unsecured Community Use and 3b Sites with Secured Community Use have been
used to assess the current 2013 surplus or deficiencies across Middlesbrough. An
analysis of match play identifies that peak demand is on a Sunday AM for Senior
Men’s football and Sunday mornings for all forms of Youth formats. The first run
Appendix 3a includes all club teams that currently use facilities outside
Middlesbrough that would play in Middlesbrough if they could. This model includes
all pitches that are currently used for community use that doesn’t mean to say that
the pitches are guaranteed to be available for community use.
4.27
The results for all pitches currently being used for community show:

A theoretical deficit mini soccer pitches - 4.5 – however these figures do
not take pitch quality into consideration and the tournament format of
mini soccer in Middlesbrough where a club managed pitch can be utilised
up to 3 times during the session and the 5 mini soccer pitches provided
by the Council at Saltersgill remain unused; the 34 available pitches can
host 3 games, therefore making a possible 102 pitch ‘slots’ available in
one session.

A theoretical deficit of junior football pitches -2.4 – our audit established
that some junior games are played on senior pitches across
Middlesbrough.

A surplus of senior pitches + 23 at peak times – This is extremely
theoretical as the supply takes into account the 6 university football
pitches that are played mid week by the university but not used for
community use at the weekends. By subtracting the university football
pitches from the surplus this leaves a surplus of 17 football pitches. The
Dorman’s Long pitch is also only played midweek and Kings Academy 2
football pitches are not available on a Sunday at peak time. This reduces
the adult pitch surplus further to + 14. The deficit of junior pitches needs
to be considered and accommodated by 3 senior pitches transferring to
junior pitches. This takes the total of adult pitches to +11. There is no
strategic reserve of pitches within this scenario. If you were to add a
realistic strategic reserve of 10% of 43 pitches then you would reduce the
senior surplus to +6.7 pitches
48
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
TEAM EQUIVALENTS
4.28
In addition to the number of teams requiring access to pitches for competitive
matches, the impact on overall demand as a result of training use can be assessed
by calculating the team equivalents that such usage generates. Team equivalents
are therefore a measure of the additional demand for access to pitches.
4.29
Two hours of training for a team is equivalent of 1 match and 2 hours of
educational use of school pitches where community use takes place is equivalent
of 1 match.
4.30
The Playing Pitch Assessment has added a 15% increase to adult football, youth
football and to mini soccer to allow for team equivalents for all pitches.
4.31
The table below identifies the number of team equivalents.
Table 4.4 Team Equivalents
Team Type
Adult Football
Youth Football
Mini Soccer
4.32
Actual
Teams
78
86
77
% extra
Demand
15%
15%
15%
Team
Equivalents
12
13
12
Total Teams
90
99
89
The team equivalents show a requirement for an additional 6 senior pitches, and
6.5 junior pitches and 6 mini soccer pitches.
4.33
Team equivalents reduce the surplus +6.7 adult pitches to a deficit of 5.8 pitches
once the 6 senior pitches and 6.5 junior pitches have been taken into
consideration. A community use agreement of the University pitches (6) would
assist in meeting the number of pitches required.
LATENT AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT DEMAND
4.34
The Football Association expects to see an increase in the game through its Youth
Development Review. The increase will be in small-sided games for all age groups
up to under 12’s. The table below provides a summary of each step and the
appropriate pitch and goal sizes.
Table 4.5: Summary of each small-sided game format, and the appropriate pitch and goal sizes
Age
7- 8
9-10
11-12
13+
4.35
Format
5v5
7v7
9v9
11 v 11
Pitch size (m)
30 x 20 – 40 x 30
50 x 30 – 60 x 40
70 x 40 – 80 x 50
90 x 50 – 110 x 70
Goal size
Mini soccer (12’x6’)
Mini soccer (12’x6’)
New 9v9 goals (16’x7’)
Full size (24’ x 8’)
Clubs have identified that there is a latent demand and would like to grow their
youth teams. The North Riding Football Association expects the following growth:

Mini Soccer 10% (Expect sustained growth due to introduction of 5 v 5)

Youth 5% (Expect an uplift as a result of introducing 9 v 9)

Adult 1%

Disability 5%
49
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
4.36
Latent and Sports Development demand has been calculated by adding the
percentage increases to the existing team base. This is shown in table 4.6.
4.37
The increase in football teams due to latent demand shows a requirement for
additional pitches. +0.5 senior pitch, +2 youth football pitches and +2.5 mini soccer
pitches. This deficit can be met by using the strategic reserve.
Table 4.6 Latent and Sports Development Demand
Team Type
Adult Football
Youth Football
Mini Soccer
Disability
Actual
Teams
% extra
Demand
78
86
72
5
1%
5%
10%
5%
Team
Latent
Demand
1
4
5
0.25
Total
New
Pitches
0.5
2
2.5
0
FUTURE DEMAND – POPULATION GROWTH
4.38
The population is expected to grow by 4,521 by 2018. However the PPM Appendix
3a PPM Population Growth 2018 shows that the number of teams will remain more
or less the same. This is because there are fewer persons in the population within
the playing age of 6 years to 55 years.
CURRENT – 2013 – ALL PITCHES SECURED COMMUNITY USE
4.39
Sport England’s Playing Pitch Model (PPM) Appendix 3b has been used to assess
the current 2013 surplus or deficiencies across Middlesbrough using only those
pitches that provide secured community use. An analysis of match play identifies
that peak demand is on a Sunday AM for Senior Men’s football and Sunday
mornings for all forms of Youth formats.
4.40
The results of the PPM for all pitches currently being used providing secured use in
one day shows:

A theoretical deficit mini soccer pitches - 6.5 – however these figures do
not take pitch quality into consideration and the tournament format of
mini soccer in Middlesbrough where a club managed pitch can be utilised
up to 3 times in one day. There are also 5 mini soccer pitches provided by
the Council at Saltersgill that are not used; the 32 available pitches can
host 3 games, therefore making a possible 96 pitch ‘slots’ available in one
session.

A theoretical deficit of junior football pitches -3.4 – our audit established
that some junior games are played on senior pitches across
Middlesbrough.

A surplus of senior pitches + 12.1. The deficit of junior pitches needs to
be considered and accommodated by 4 senior pitches transferring to
junior pitches. This takes the total of adult pitches to +8.1. There is no
strategic reserve of pitches within this scenario. If you were to add a
realistic strategic reserve of 10% of 32 pitches then you would reduce the
senior surplus to +4.9 pitches
50
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
4.41
When team equivalents and latent demand and sports development are taken into
consideration the requirement is +6.5 senior pitches +8.5 junior pitches and +8.5
mini soccer pitches. This would bring about a deficit of pitches even with the
strategic reserve being used – 1.6 senior pitches and -8.5 junior football pitches.
4.42
This identifies the need to ensure community use agreements are in place across
Middlesbrough with existing facility providers and highlights the need to protect all
existing football pitches in Middlesbrough.
LOCAL PLAN AND IMPACT ON NEW DEVELOPMENTS
4.43
Middlesbrough Local Plan has identified 1 football site in the Middlesbrough Local
Area where housing development is proposed. This is Acklam Iron and Steel
Works. The proposal is to build partially on the two playing pitch facilities (1 senior
and 1 junior football) but providing improved playing pitch facilities for the
remaining pitch and changing facilities that meet the requirements of Step 5. The
lost pitch will be replaced at Saltersgill.
4.44
In addition to Acklam Iron and Steel Works the Local Plan identifies new housing
development adjacent to Nunthorpe and Marton Sports Club. This development
does not impact on the existing facilities or additional leased facilities that the
sports club leases from Middlesbrough Council.
4.45
There is a third site which, if sold for housing, could have an impact on football in
Middlesbrough. This is St David’s School which has closed and been knocked
down. The former St David's site is co-owned between the Council and the
Diocese and the site did have a football pitch. It is likely that Middlesbrough
Council will develop this site for housing but it is not expected to take place within
the 2018 timeframe of the Playing Pitch Strategy.
CRICKET ASSESSMENT
4.46
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is the governing body for all cricket in
England and Wales. The ECB has a dedicated team who work on all aspects of
funding and facilities. Middlesbrough is part of the Yorkshire County Cricket
governing body.
NUMBER OF TEAMS
4.47
The audit for the strategy assessment has been undertaken using the 2013 season
with information provided by Middlesbrough Council, clubs, and leagues and the
Yorkshire Cricket Board.
4.48
The Playing Pitch assessment has identified 3 main cricket clubs, Marton Cricket
Club, Middlesbrough Cricket Club and Nunthorpe Cricket Club. There are also 12
clubs out of 41 Cricket clubs that have their home ground in Middlesbrough that
play in the Middlesbrough Midweek Cricket League.
4.49
The breakdown of these clubs is shown in Table 4.7.
51
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Table 4.7: Cricket Teams in 2013
Team Type
Junior Cricket - Girls
Junior Cricket - Boys
Senior Cricket – Women’s
Senior Cricket – Men’s
TOTAL NUMBER OF TEAMS
4.50
Number of teams
0
10
0
20
30
Table 4.8 overleaf identifies the cricket pitches that are available across
Middlesbrough in 2013 and provides an analysis of each site.
52
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
No of Non
Turf wickets
No of
wickets
No of
Pitches
Ownership
Community
Use
Ward
Site Name
Table 4.8: Cricket Pitch analysis
Games Per Season
Games
played
Capacity
Total 102
Adult 50
Adult
Games 57
Junior 70
Quality
Site Comments
Good
The club has 3 adult teams 2 play on a
Saturday 1 plays on a Sunday.
Cricket
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use
Private
1
10
0
Junior
Games 45
The Saturday Teams have played 19
games midweek to complete cup
games.
Two Under 15 teams played 12 games
one team mainly on a Sunday AM and
the other midweek
Marton
Marton Cricket Club
Under 17 Team played 9 Games mainly
midweek on a Monday
Under 13 played 9 games mainly on a
Sunday AM
Under 12 played 6 games mainly
midweek
Under 11 played 9 games mainly midweek but 2 games Sunday Evening
The quality of the grounds is good.
There is no non-turf wicket. There are
non-turf nets in good condition. The
social facilities, car parking and
changing are excellent. Club is signed
up to be an ECB Focus club and is
operating Chance to Shine.
53
No of Non
Turf wickets
No of
wickets
No of
Pitches
Ownership
Community
Use
Ward
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Games Per Season
Games
played
Capacity
Adult 42
Adult 50
Junior 23
Junior 70
Quality
Site Comments
Good
There are 2 Saturday teams who played
a total of 26 games on a Saturday and 5
cup games 2 on a Sunday PM and 3
midweek evenings.
Cricket
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use
Private
1
10
0
Under 17s played 4 games Monday
Evenings
Under 15 played 3 games 1 Sunday
evening and 2 midweek
Acklam
Middlesbrough Cricket Club
There is 1 Sunday Team. They have
played 11 games on Sundays PM.
Under 13 played 8 games Sunday AM
Under 11 played 8 games 2 Sunday AM,
3 Sunday evening, 2 Thursday evening
and 1 Friday evening.
The quality of the grounds is good.
There is no non turf wicket. There are
non turf nets in good condition. The
social facilities, car park and clubhouse
are excellent.
Club is signed up to be an ECB Focus
Club and is operating Chance to Shine.
54
No of Non
Turf wickets
No of
wickets
No of
Pitches
Ownership
Community
Use
Ward
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Games Per Season
Games
played
Capacity
Adult 32
Adult 40
Quality
Site Comments
Good
Nunthorpe Cricket Club have 2 Saturday
teams
And 1 midweek team. The Saturday
teams played 26 games and the
midweek team played 6 games.
Cricket
Nunthorpe
Sports and
Social Club
1
8
0
The club is currently trying to set up a
junior section.
Nunthorpe
Nunthorpe Cricket Club
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use
Work has been carried out on the
drainage of the square. The outfield is
over marked with football pitches.
The social, changing and car parking
facilities are excellent.
There is no non turf wicket.
There are plans to provide new housing
adjacent to the existing playing pitches
with additional open space.
55
No of Non
Turf wickets
No of
wickets
No of
Pitches
Ownership
Community
Use
Ward
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Games Per Season
Games
played
Quality
Site Comments
Standard
The facility in 2013 was used by 8 teams
from Middlesbrough Midweek Cricket
League.
Capacity
Marton
Prissick Base
Cricket
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use (Prissick
Base is to be
developed as
a sports hub
in the future.
The grass
cricket
facilities will
cease after
the 2013
Season)
Middlesbrough
Council
3
18
0
Adult
League 53
Adult Cup
17
Total 70
Adult 90
The League played 53 games at
Prissick. In addition a further 17 cup
games have been identified through the
League and these have been attributed
to being played at Prissick.
The outfields are over marked with
football; the changing facilities are old
and require to be renewed.
There were signs of damage to the
outfields and wickets although there
were also signs of wicket repairs.
The grass cricket pitches are to be
replaced with non-turf wickets 1 at
Prissick, 1 at Hemlington Recreation
Ground, 2 at Outwood Academy
Acklam.
56
No of Non
Turf wickets
No of
wickets
No of
Pitches
Ownership
Community
Use
Ward
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Games Per Season
Games
played
Capacity
Adult 28
Adult 30
Quality
Site Comments
Standard
The Middlesbrough Midweek League
has 4 clubs that use this facility.
Acklam
Yes –
Secured
Community
Use through a
Middlesbroug
h Council
Lease
(Community
Asset
Transfer) to
Cleveland
Juniors
Football Club
Cleveland
Juniors
Football Club
by a Lease
from
Middlesbrough
Council
Secure
Community
use of non turf
wicket
Education
1
6
0
The 4 clubs played on a Monday 7
games, Tuesday 14 games and
Wednesday 7 games.
Football pitches over mark the outfield.
There are currently no changing rooms
at this site,
There were signs of damage to the
outfield.
1
1
Non
Turf
The Acorn Centre has 1 has 1 grass
wicket and 1 non-turf wicket.
.
The wicket is mainly used by schools
but could be used by the Middlesbrough
Midweek League.
Kader
The Acorn Centre
Mill Hill
Cricket
There is a disused cricket square on the
school site which could be available to a
cricket club if they wished to maintain
the facility.
57
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
4.51
Both Marton and Middlesbrough Cricket Club have fairly new grounds and
excellent quality facilities both playing and social. Both clubs are top priority clubs
for the Yorkshire ECB and carry out cricket development work in and around
Middlesbrough.
4.52
With the number of teams that each club has the facilities at both are reaching their
level of capacity for games on their grass wickets. If the clubs are to continue to
develop and produce more teams there will be a need to access alternative
wickets.
4.53
The third club is Nunthorpe Cricket Club Guisborough Road. The cricket club is a
section of a wider sports club with playing facilities for football, tennis, squash,
cricket and coits.
4.54
Nunthorpe Cricket Club is currently working to develop a junior section of the club.
There is no non turf wicket at the club. The club plays in the Cleveland Cricket
League and Middlesbrough Midweek League.
4.55
The Middlesbrough Midweek Cricket league is played on Mondays, Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursdays.
4.56
There were 41 teams participating in the Middlesbrough Midweek Cricket League
in the 2013 season. Out of the 41 teams 13 played their home games in
Middlesbrough using either, Nunthorpe (6 home games throughout the season),
Prissick Base (70 home games and 17 cup games) and Mill Hill (28 home games).
4.57
The Middlesbrough Midweek Cricket League have stated that at least 5 clubs
played their home games on Middlesbrough Cricket pitches up to the 2012 season
at Ormesby Hall. In fact Ormesby Hall is in Redcar and Cleveland and not
Middlesbrough. These five clubs have had to find alternative cricket facilities for the
2013 season. The Middlesbrough Midweek Cricket League lost the use of one of
the two grass cricket pitches that were at Mill Hill until the 2012 season. The 2
grass wickets at Mill Hill were used until last season, with 1 removed as part of the
Asset Transfers in agreement with the ECB
4.58
The Middlesbrough Midweek League has also identified that The Acorn Centre is
an education establishment providing dual use indoor and outdoor leisure facilities;
the Acorn Centre is prepared to discuss the use and maintenance of a cricket pitch
with a cricket club, if one is interested. This is in relation to the grass wicket as the
non-turf wicket is used by the mid-week league and the school and maintained.
4.59
The Council has been discussing with Middlesbrough Midweek League and
Yorkshire Cricket the intention to create non-turf wickets that can be used by the
Middlesbrough Midweek League to replace those cricket facilities that were at
Prissick Base (3 squares). One grass square will remain at Mill Hill and will be
managed by the asset transfer community group Cleveland Juniors Football Club.
The wickets at Prissick will be replaced by non turf wickets at 1 Prissick, 1
Hemlington and 2 at Outwood.
4.60
To assist with the replacement non turf wickets a non-turf wicket has already been
put in to Hemlington Recreation Ground; with the other 2 options being a new one
at Prissick or Outwood School, and another at Macmillan School. The Midweek
league will continue to use the Acorn Centre non-turf wicket and the Mill Hill Grass
wicket from 2014 onwards.
58
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
4.61
There is an opportunity through housing development adjacent to the existing
Nunthorpe Sports Club and Section 106 funding or Community Infrastructure
Levee (CIL) funding to improve cricket facilities at Nunthorpe Cricket Club in the
future. This could be in the form of a non-turf wicket.
SURPLUS OR DEFICIT
CURRENT 2013
4.62
From the capacity analysis in Table 4.10 it can be seen that in the 2013 season
Marton Cricket Club overplayed their wickets by 7 adult games and underplayed
junior games by 25 games. This could be a case of a good cup run. It also shows
that the club has reached its capacity for adult games.
4.63
Middlesbrough Cricket Club underplayed the use of their adult wickets by 8 games
and 47 junior games.
4.64
Nunthorpe Cricket Club underplayed their wickets by 8 adult games.
4.65
The Middlesbrough Midweek league underplayed Prissick Base by 20 games and
Mill Hill by 2 games.
SPORTS DEVELOPMENT DEMAND
4.66
There are currently no girls or women’s cricket teams in Middlesbrough. Women
and Girl’s Cricket is a national priority and there is a national target to establish 1
women’s team and 2 girls’ teams in every local authority in the next 5 years.
4.67
Nunthorpe Cricket Club is trying to develop a junior section but no clubs have
identified any latent demand.
4.68
‘Chance to Shine’ programmes have been organised with Middlesbrough Cricket
Club and Marton Cricket Club.
4.69
If there was an increase of a woman’s team and two girls teams plus development
of another Under 11s team and Under 12s team across Middlesbrough and
depending on which club was going to develop these teams there may well be a
need for access to non-turf wickets.
FUTURE DEMAND – POPULATION GROWTH
4.70
The predicted additional pitches required in Middlesbrough as a result of
population growth of 4,521 by 2018 predict that adult teams will decrease by 1 and
juniors increase by 1. This is due to numbers of persons in the playing age and the
older population.
RUGBY UNION ASSESSMENT
4.71
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is the national governing body for the
development of Rugby Union. The RFU ‘Whole Sport Plan 2013 – 2017’ aims to
use the Sport England funding to capitalise on hosting the Rugby World Cup in
2015 and generate more interest in the sport. The funding will be used over the 4
year period to support the RFU’s 4 key priorities.
59
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
NUMBER OF TEAMS
4.72
The audit for the PPS has been undertaken using the 2012 / 13 season with
information provided by Middlesbrough Council, clubs, leagues and the RFU.
4.73
The Playing Pitch assessment has identified that there are 3 clubs in
Middlesbrough affiliated to the RFU with 31 teams. Teesside University has three
teams, two men’s and one woman’s, Acklam RFU Club has 12 teams, and
Middlesbrough Rugby Club has 16 teams.
4.74
The breakdown of these teams is shown in Table 4.9.
Table 4.9: Rugby Union Teams in Middlesbrough 2013/14
Team Type
Number of teams
Mini Rugby ( 6 – 12yrs)
9
Junior Rugby - Boys (13 – 17yrs)
10
Men’s Rugby – Men’s (18 – 45yrs)
11
Women’s Rugby – Women’s (18 – 45yrs)
1
TOTAL NUMBER OF TEAMS
31
4.75
Table 4.10 overleaf identifies the rugby union pitches that are available across
Middlesbrough by Ward and Site and analyses each site.
60
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Junior Teams Pitches
Senior Teams Pitches
Ownership
Community Use
Local Area Committee
Site Name
Table 4.10: Rugby Pitch analysis
Actual
Games
Per Week
Quality
Capacity
Site Comments
Good 1.5
games
per week
3 games per
week – 1 pitch
has drainage
issues
Middlesbrough Rugby Club shares their
ground with Middlesbrough Cricket club.
The club has two pitches one with
floodlights. The Pitch with floodlights
tends to waterlog and the drainage is
poor. There have been a number of
cancellations last season. The club
however, spends a high level of
maintenance money on its pitches.
Yes
Community
Use
Middlesbrough
Rugby Club,
Acklam Park
2
2.5 games
per week
Acklam
Middlesbrough Rugby Club
Rugby
The changing rooms, clubhouse and
parking are very good.
61
Junior Teams Pitches
Senior Teams Pitches
Ownership
Community Use
Local Area Committee
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Actual
Games
Per Week
Quality
Capacity
Excellent
6 games per
week. The work
horse pitch is
the training
pitch and there
is an additional
mini pitch.
These games
include
Teesside
University
games.
Site Comments
Rugby
Ladgate Ward
Acklam Rugby Club
Yes
Community
Use
Talbot Park is
Leased to
Acklam Rugby
Club by
Teesside
University
4
0
1
mini
6 games
per week
seniors
and
juniors but
not
including
minis
62
Acklam Rugby Club is based at the
Teesside University Sports Ground
at Talbot Park (Saltersgill). There are
4 senior pitches and a mini pitch.
The pitches are in excellent condition
with one workhorse pitch which is
their training pitch. All pitches are
well
maintained
and
treated
correctly. The club is currently
seeking funding to expand their
clubhouse. Since the last playing
pitch strategy drainage has been
addressed at this site.
Junior Teams Pitches
Senior Teams Pitches
Ownership
Community Use
Local Area Committee
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Actual
Games
Per Week
Quality
Capacity
Site Comments
Standard
3 games per
week.
Tollesby Road is used by
Middlesbrough Rugby Clubs junior
teams and mini’s set up. The pitches
are standard and a run-down pavilion
needs to be renewed.
Rugby
Acklam
Tollesby Road
Secured
Community
Use
Middlesbrough
Council Lease
the site to
Middlesbrough
Rugby Club on
a 3 year Lease
2
2.5 games
per week
and mini
rugby
participati
ng across
pitches
The club requires security of tenure for
a minimum of 25 years to be able to
obtain external funding to renew the
pavilion.
Middlesbrough Planning Department
does not envisage this site being used
for housing and they have no objections
to a longer lease to 25 years.
63
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
4.76
The site analysis identifies how close to capacity all three sites are. The
introduction and access to artificial turf pitches will assist in easing the pressure for
training and some junior and mini rugby sessions on the grass pitches.
4.77
Site assessments suggest the quality of the pitches at Middlesbrough Rugby Club
(Acklam Park) are of a ‘Good’ quality but there is an issue with the training pitch
which is subject to water logging. The Tollesby Road pitches are of a ‘Standard’
quality and Acklam Rugby Club (Talbot Park) are of an ‘Excellent’ quality with
drainage issues having been attended to.
4.78
Middlesbrough College has recently constructed an International Rugby Board
(IRB) Compliant artificial pitch. A copy of the certification that it is IRB compliant is
required to be passed to the Regional RFU by Middlesbrough College. The
intention of Middlesbrough College is to work in partnership with Middlesbrough
Rugby Club to provide rugby at the college on its new IRB Compliant Pitch.
Middlesbrough Rugby Club are at the same time considering setting up an
Academy in conjunction with Middlesbrough College.
4.79
Both Acklam Rugby Club and Middlesbrough Rugby Club have projects identified
within the Yorkshire RFU constituent body facility plan which prioritises RFU
funding support for clubs.
4.80
Prioritisation is based upon the impact a project will have on the club and wider
community, and how it will enable the clubs to develop their wider development
plans. Although no funding has been allocated the RFU are keen to be involved in
both the pavilion and pitch development at Tollesby Road subject to security of
tenure and possible options for rugby at the Prissick Base site with an artificial
pitch linked to Acklam Rugby Club.
SURPLUS OR DEFICIT
CURRENT 2013
4.81
Sport England’s PPM has been used to assess the current 2013 surplus or
deficiencies. An analysis of match play identifies that peak demand is on a
Saturday afternoon for Senior Men’s Rugby and Sunday mornings for all forms of
Junior Rugby. The Teesside University teams play their games midweek on a
Wednesday.
4.82
The quantitative assessment has revealed that there is neither a surplus nor deficit
of senior pitches in 2013 but a deficit of 2 junior pitches on a Sunday morning.
4.83
It is common practice for junior and minis to use the senior pitches on a Sunday for
games and training.
LATENT AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT DEMAND
4.84
Neither rugby club has identified any latent demand for rugby.
CURRENT AND FUTURE REQUIREMENTS
4.85
The PPM predicts in 2018 there will be fewer adult rugby teams and a surplus of
1.7 pitches on a Saturday but increase junior teams and a deficit of 3.7 junior
pitches on a Sunday morning.
66
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
HOCKEY ASSESSMENT AND ARTIFICIAL GRASS PITCHES
4.86
The demand for hockey facilities is assessed differently to that of the other pitch
sports, because hockey is played competitively on artificial surfaces, which by their
nature have a higher carrying capacity (as long as they are properly maintained).
Equally, demand for hockey pitches is driven by the availability of artificial pitch
surfaces, as opposed to the home and away pattern of the sports using grass
pitches. Senior and junior games are played on the same size of pitch.
4.87
England Hockey (EH) governs the sport at a regional and local level. The game is
played predominately on sand based/filled artificial grass pitches (AGPs).
4.88
There are 3 Hockey Clubs in Middlesbrough, Teesside University Men’s, Teesside
University Ladies and Marton Furness Hockey Club. The three clubs generate 12
senior teams and 3 junior teams. In addition there is another Middlesbrough club
that plays its home games in Stockton and trains at St Peters College in Redcar
and Cleveland (Wilton Hockey Club).
4.89
Marton Furness Hockey Club links with Teesside University and trains its students
and uses the University all weather pitch for training purposes Monday to Friday
and competition and League games on a Saturday.
4.90
Marton Furness Hockey club does not have access to the University facilities on a
Sunday. The hockey club social base is at Marton Sports and Social Club where
the cricket and football clubs are based.
4.91
Table 4.11 below identifies the number of hockey teams by age groups.
Table 4.11: Hockey Teams in Middlesbrough 2013/14
Team Type
Junior Boys (11 – 15)
Men’s (16 – 45)
Women’s (16 – 45)
TOTAL NUMBER OF TEAMS
Number of teams
3
10
2
15
NUMBER OF PITCHES
ARTIFICIAL GRASS PITCHES
4.92
Table 4.12 identifies that Middlesbrough has four sand based artificial grass
pitches, four full size rubber crumb artificial grass pitches one of which is IRB
compliant, two x 3 x 5 v 5 rubber crumb artificial grass pitches and a 7 – a- side
rubber crumb pitch. The table below identifies the artificial grass pitch locations.
Table 4.12: Artificial Grass Pitches in Middlesbrough
Location
Trinity College
Kings Academy
University of Teesside
Hustler Trust Grounds
Southlands Centre
West Middlesbrough
Neighbourhood Trust
TA Centre Longlands
Road
Type & Size
1 sand based full size with floodlights
1 sand filled full size with floodlights
1 sand based full size with floodlights
1 sand filled full size with floodlights
3G rubber crumb full Size with floodlights
1 3G rubber crumb full size and 3 x 5/7 a side
rubber crumb with flood lights
3G rubber crumb 1 11 v 11 Full size and 6 x 5 v
5
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Location
Middlesbrough College
Type & Size
3G rubber crumb and IRB compliant with
floodlights
4.93
In addition to the artificial pitches in the table above there is Goals (football) 5 v 5
commercial facilities in Middlesbrough providing 14 pitches.
4.94
Currently there are only 2 sand dressed AGPs currently available for community
use in 2013. University of Teesside and Kings Academy. These 2 pitches are
available for training and only the University of Teesside is used by Marton
Furness Hockey Club for competitive games on a Saturday. Neither pitch is
available for competitive games on a Sunday.
4.95
The FA provision standard suggests there should be one 3G pitch per 70 teams.
This suggests that with 241 teams there should be 3.4 3G artificial turf pitches
across Middlesbrough. There are now currently 4.3 of these have guaranteed
community use at Southlands, West Middlesbrough Trust and Middlesbrough
College.
4.96
Middlesbrough Council will be replacing some of the grass pitches at Prissick Base
with artificial pitches and or provide a centre for 7v7 pitches. It is hoped one of the
artificial pitches will be International Rugby Board compliant.
4.97
There is currently an under supply of facilities for hockey due to non use of existing
facilities. The only current pitch being used by Middlesbrough Hockey Clubs is the
sand dressed pitch at the University of Teesside and some training at Kings
Academy.
4.98
There are two additional sand dressed pitches, 1 at Trinity College, and the second
at Hustler Trust. It is understood that Outwood School will be managing and taking
the bookings for the Hustler Trust sand dressed pitch in the future. This pitch has
not been utilised for some time, but remedial works have now occurred on the
Hustler Trust STP to bring it into use. Outwood School has highlighted they would
welcome discussions with hockey clubs as to its use for training and competitive
games for hockey in the future.
4.99
Once the access road to Trinity College has been completed then it is understood
that the University of Teesside will have access to the Trinity College Sand
dressed pitch. The original Community Use agreement for this site needs to be
revisited to identify what it says and then either renegotiated and or implemented to
provide additional community use of this facility.
4.100 Teesside University Hockey Clubs compete midweek. The main Men’s and Ladies
Teams at Marton Furness compete on a Saturday. Marton Furness junior teams,
rearranged fixtures and cup games are played on a Sunday normally outside
Middlesbrough as the University AGP is not available on a Sunday.
4.101 Site assessment suggests the quality of the pitch at Teesside University is good
and the changing rooms are adequate. The Teesside University pitch was built in
2003 and the pitch carpet will in time over the next few years show signs of wear
and will need replacing.
4.102 Marton Furness Hockey Club through consultation has an aspiration to have their
own facility for training and competitive hockey and England Hockey agreed that
this was at a feasibility stage.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL - PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
4.103 In the mean time what Marton Hockey Club requires is use of an additional AGP on
a Saturday and Sunday in Middlesbrough either the Hustler Trust (Outwood
School) facility or Trinity College Facility.
4.104 With the Hustler Trust facility being handed over to be managed and operated by
Outwood School in the near future. It becomes a serious possibility that this facility
could be used for Hockey on a Saturday and Sunday.
4.105 Rush Hockey is a new development programme introduced by England Hockey
aimed at increasing participation through a small sided game (5-a-side). This
development may result in an increased number of teams needing access to AGP,
for competition and training. This will require increased use of sand based AGPs in
Middlesbrough.
69
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
5. Our Vision for Future Playing Pitch and
Outdoor Sports Facility Provision
PLAYING PITCH STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
5.1
The following are the PPS Strategic Objectives:
SO1
Address quantitative deficiencies to meet existing unmet demand
and plan for new provision
SO2
Address qualitative deficiencies and enhance existing provision
SO3
Maximise access to all outdoor playing pitches including school
playing pitches
SO4
Support the development of local leagues and clubs to meet their
needs to increase participation
SPORT SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
5.2
5.3
5.4
Football objectives are:

Protect the current playing pitch facilities.

Ensure any surplus of adult pitches can contribute to the deficiency in
Junior Pitches at the same time keeping a strategic reserve of adult
pitches recognising that some pitches are only played once a week.

Continue to support clubs with the management and improvement of
facilities.

Support clubs as necessary through the planning application process.

Increase the number and quality of changing rooms.

Work with clubs to achieve Charter Standard accreditation
Cricket objectives are:

Provide appropriate facilities to meet needs of local cricket clubs.

Support clubs to continue to develop and thrive.

Support the needs and aspirations of the cricket clubs and
Middlesbrough Midweek League.
Rugby Union objectives are:

Work with Middlesbrough Rugby Club to improve its pitch capacity and
Acklam Rugby Club to support their development plans.

Work with the RFU to provide floodlights and an IRB compliant 3G all
weather pitch at Prissick Base.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY

5.5
Provide security of tenure for Middlesbrough Rugby Club at Tollesby
Road and support the club in obtaining funding for improvements to the
changing rooms.
Hockey objectives are:

Open up existing artificial pitches for community use

Ensure that plans are in place to maintain AGP quality in the long term.

Work with clubs to provide additional mid week training times on AGPs
for hockey.

Work with England Hockey to promote Back to Hockey and Rush Hockey
to increase participation.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
5.6
The table below provides general Planning Policy recommendations and Sports Development recommendations and these are
followed by a Site by Site action plan.
Table 5.1: General Recommendations
General
Recommendations
Planning & Sport
Development
Recommendations
for Planning
ACTION
Agree the following Actions for the Local Plan
 Loss of provision through development should be avoided wherever possible. Where it is proven beyond
reasonable doubt that development would not be financially viable without a loss of provision, facilities of
and equal or higher standard to meet demand must be provided within the catchment area of the new
development.
 Any facilities to be lost must be replaced and completed before the current facility is lost.
 Planning consent should include appropriate conditions and/or be subject to a Section 106 Agreement.
Where developer contributions are applicable a Section 106 Agreement must be completed specifying the
amount and timing of sums to be paid.
 Where new pitches are provided changing rooms should be located on site.
 Where schools seek planning permission for outdoor playing pitches and/or artificial grass pitches the
planning conditions must stipulate a formal community use agreement is put in place with the School and
the Local Authority to provide for community use of the facility.
 An annual review of Action Plan with NGB’s and Sport England.
General
Recommendations
Sports Development
Middlesbrough Council will work in partnership with:


Football Association Investment and Facilities Manager for Middlesbrough and the North Riding FA
English Cricket Board Facilities and Investment Manager and Yorkshire Cricket

Rugby Football Union Investment and Facilities Manager
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
General
Recommendations
Planning & Sport
Development
ACTION

England Hockey Relationship Manager for Middlesbrough

Private and voluntary sector playing pitch owners and or lessees

Education, Further Education and Higher Education pitch providers
Short Term Action
Specific Middlesbrough Borough wide sports specific
Development Groups should be formed for:

Football

Cricket

Rugby Union

Hockey
Terms of Reference should be put in place and Sports specific Development plans put in place for each
Development Group.
The Sports Specific Development Groups will monitor and Review the PPS site action plans on an annual
basis.
Long Term Action
The site action plans from the PPS should be implemented by Sports Development and the Parks Pitch
Service through the individual sport specific development Groups.


The site by site action plans must be used to draw down developer funding and Section 106 funding when
agreed and when required.
An annual review of Action Plan with NGB’s and Sport England.
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
General
Recommendations
Planning & Sport
Development
SO1 Address
quantitative
deficiencies to
meet existing
unmet
demand and
plan for new
provision
SO2
SO3
ACTION
1.
Adopt minimum levels of provision which are accessible and sustainable
2.
Review overplay of sites and under capacity issues of sites.
3.
Seek to make improvements as identified in the site by site action plans
4.
Seek funding and prioritise capital development works identified in the site by site action plans. Core
priorities must include strategic need, sports development objectives, and sustainability of provision.
5.
Work with facility providers and NGBs to increase quality and carrying capacity of pitches
Address
qualitative
deficiencies
and enhance
existing
provision
1.
Increase the capacity of sites and address over play of sites
2.
Where sites have three or more pitches seek to improve quality of these pitches in the first instance along
with the sites’ changing and car parking facilities.
3.
All playing pitch and outdoor facilities should be of a ‘Good’ quality standard. A ‘Good’ quality playing
pitch is of the correct design and scale, with appropriate run off areas; it has good drainage to facilitate its
optimum usage and is constructed using the most appropriate soil composition and grass type for the
sport (s) for which it will be used.
Maximise
access to all
outdoor
playing
pitches
including
school playing
pitches
1.
Discuss the original Community Use Agreements with schools and Academies and provide resources to
implement the community Use Agreement to guarantee increased community use of school facilities.
2.
On all school sites seek through planning conditions on new outdoor playing pitch provision a community
use agreement
3.
Where possible and sustainable seek secure tenure for clubs through long term leases – so they can
apply for funding to improve facilities
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MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
General
Recommendations
Planning & Sport
Development
SO4 Support the
development
of local
leagues and
clubs to meet
their needs to
increase
participation
ACTION
1.
Encourage clubs to obtain Club Mark
2.
Support clubs in the development of Club Development Plans
3.
When a request is received by a Sports Club to consider a Community Asset Transfer of a facility.
Middlesbrough Council must work to identify with the FA and other NGBs in the first instance if the club is
in a position to be able to manage its own facility before any further action is taken with the club. NGBs
must be involved in the Community Asset transfer process with clubs to ensure the sustainability of the
community asset transfer project.
4.
Work with Leagues to ensure they can meet any expansion requirements, discuss site issues they may
have and rectify issues where possible.
ACTION PLAN – SITE BY SITE
Ownership
Local Authority
Ward
Beechwood
Marton Road
Site Name
Table 5.2: Action Plan – Site by Site
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
Priority
This is a one pitch site and the only Council
pitch that requires drainage works with the
exception of Saltersgill. This pitch is only
played on Sundays
The Football Development Group and the
Football Association to seek funding to
improve the drainage of the pitch and
therefore the capacity of play.
Medium next
three years
Changing is only available at the close by
Social club.
Football Development Group to ensure
changing facilities are always available for this
pitch at the nearby community facility.
75
Ownership
Education
Ward
Beechwood
Trinity College
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
The football pitches are currently only
accessible to the schools two old boys
teams (St Mary’s).
The Football Development and Hockey
Short Term
Development group must work together to
consult with the school on the existing
community use agreement for the AGP – the
community use agreement should be reviewed
and implemented seeking use of the AGP for
football and hockey training and competitive
use by hockey clubs.
The University of Teesside will have access
to the sand dressed AGP once the access
road has been completed.
The Football Development Group must consult
with the school on a community use
agreement for use of the football pitches.
76
Priority
Ownership
Local Authority
Ward
Beechwood
Beechwood
Prince Bishop School
Saltersgill
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
Priority
This site is temporarily used to provide
pitches during the closure of Prissick Base.
These pitches are played on Saturdays and
Sundays.
This site must be protected as a Playing Pitch
site that can cater for temporary pitches or
permanent required pitches in the future.
Short term and
ongoing
It is understood even if the Environment
Agency flood protection works were to go
ahead this would not impact on the current
number of temporary pitches available at the
site.
Long Term
In addition 4 temporary pitches have been
created at Saltersgill to support the
University of Teesside’s loss of football
pitches whilst an access road is created to
Trinity College. One of these pitches will
remain in use by the University when the
access road is finished.
This site should be investigated further for use
of cricket and provision of cricket facilities.
Short Term
Consider fencing the one remaining University
football pitch within Talbot Park.
Middlesbrough Council and University of
Teesside to fund.
Short Term
This pitch has in the past been used by
community football teams. It is not currently
used and has no formal community use
agreement in place.
Football Development Group to seek a formal
Community Use Agreement with the school.
Short Term
The Environment Agency has had
discussions with Middlesbrough Council on
using part of Saltersgill as an overflow flood
area for Middlesbrough.
77
Ownership
Ward
Marton
Marton Cricket Club
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
Priority
There is one football pitch at this site which
can be over played with small sided games.
The senior pitch is close to the fence in one
corner and therefore has run off issues.
Football Development Group to discuss with
Marton Cricket club to identify if improvements
could be made to the run off issue for the
senior pitch.
Short Term
Cricket facilities are excellent. However, the
wickets are close to capacity.
Cricket Development Group to discuss with
Marton Cricket club ways of improving
capacity and how if required to fund a non turf
artificial wicket or have access to one to
relieve capacity pressures on the existing
wickets.
Short – Long
Term
78
Ownership
Ward
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
Priority
There is the one remaining football pitch
whilst works are carried out at Prissick
Base. The pitch is played on Saturdays and
Sundays.
The Football Development Group, Cricket
Development Group and the Project
Development Group for Prissick must work in
partnership to ensure the sustainable
development of Prissick facilities in the future.
Short Term –
High Priority
The Football Development Group to discuss
further the requirements of a Central Venue
with the Teesside Junior League and the
Prissick Project Team. Funding will come from
the Prissick Project Development Fund.
Short Term –
High Priority
Local Authority
A Central Venue for 7 v 7 artificial pitches
may assist the capacity issues for some
clubs across Middlesbrough.
Marton
Prissick Sport Base
The future number of pitches for football at
Prissick as part of the development is still to
be decided.
There is also discussion with the RFU on
the provision of a full size 3G rubber crumb
that is IRB compliant.
There are issues over the re supply of the
current grass cricket facilities at Prissick
within the new Prissick Development or
elsewhere.
The Rugby Development Team to work with
Short Term –
the Prissick Project Team to provide a Rugby
High Priority
Compliant IRB certificated 3G rubber crumb
pitch. Funding from the Prissick Project fund
and the Prissick Project Team to seek some
funding from the RFU. The Prissick Project
Team will consult with the RFU throughout any
build and use the RFU procurement processes
for a 3G Rubber Crumb build.
The Prissick Project Development Team to
resolve issues with the Cricket Development
Group over the loss of grass wickets at
Prissick. Consideration should be taken into
account regarding Middlesbrough’s current
and future budget position for maintenance of
grass cricket pitches and the use of non turf
artificial wickets.
79
Short Term –
High Priority
Ownership
Leased by the
Local Authority
Local Authority
Pitches Local Authority
Changing Rooms leased
Ward
Pallister
Pallister
Pallister
Pallister Park
Ormesby Road
Old Vicarage
Playing Fields
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
Priority
North Ormesby FC has identified a
drainage issue that causes water logging.
The Football Development Group to support
North Ormesby FC in seeking funding to
improve the drainage of the pitches and to
provide new changing rooms.
Short – Long
Term
The changing rooms are containers. There
is a need to provide new changing facilities.
The pitches in the past have been damaged The Football Development Group to look at
by motor bikes.
the existing maintenance of the pitches at
Ormesby Road and work with the appropriate
There are perceptions that these pitches
Council Department to review and improve
could be better maintained.
maintenance regimes.
Short Term
There are no changing or toilet facilities
provided.
The Football Development Group is required
to identify an innovative way of providing as
minimum in the short term toilet facilities for
this site and to look at grant funding for
changing rooms in the long term
Short term –
long term
Perceived issues by football clubs - not
being allowed to use the changing room at
Pallister Park due to the Community Asset
Transfer of the Pavilion.
The Football Development Group to look at
the existing maintenance of the pitches at
Ormesby Road and work with the appropriate
Council Department to review and improve
maintenance regimes.
Short Term
The Football Development Group to discuss
the use of the Changing Rooms with the
Lessee and clubs that use Pallister Park.
Short Term
80
Ownership
Pallister
Education
North Ormesby Juniors use the pitches
along with Unity Academy School. The
changing rooms are new provided with
Football Foundation Funding.
Local Authority
Ward
Site Issues to be resolved
Beckfield
Netherfields
Unity City
Academy
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Recommended Actions
Priority
Football Development Group to support North
Ormesby Juniors in the clubs partnership with
Unity City Academy.
Short Term
Ongoing
The site is very exposed there is no shelter
in the winter months for spectators from the
wind and rain and no toilet or changing
facilities.
The Football Development Group to look at
the existing maintenance of the pitches at
Netherfields and work with the appropriate
Council Department to review and improve
maintenance regimes.
Short Term
The Football Development Group to discuss
how toilets and shelter can be provided at
Netherfields and seek grants funding to
finance the developments.
Short Term –
Medium Term
Initial discussions should be held with the
Academy to see if there is a mutual way
forward that may lead to the improvement of
this site which would include changing
provision.
Short Term –
Long Term
The Academy adjacent to the playing fields
would like to discuss the development of
the site for school day time use and
community use.
81
Ownership
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
Priority
The changing rooms need replacement to
accommodate the number of teams that
can play at the facility.
The Football Development Group to look at
the existing maintenance of the pitches at
Hemlington and work with the appropriate
Council Department to review and improve
maintenance regimes.
Short Term
The Football Development Group to
investigate alternative facilities that may be
able to be used as changing rooms nearby or
seek funding to enlarge and improve the
current changing facilities through Sport
England or Football Foundation Funding.
Short to Long
Term
Football Development Group to invite Marton
FC to be represented on the group and to
support the club in its development plans.
Short Term
The Football Development Group to support
and work with Marton FC, Kader FC and
Whinney Banks FC in partnership working with
Outward School regarding the use of the
artificial pitch managed by the school for
training and to improve participation in football
in the Hall Road area of Middlesbrough. Also
to seek partnership developments from any
future funding that may come from the sale of
playing pitch land at the old St David’s School.
Short Term
Ongoing
Local Authority
Leased by the Council
Ward
Hemlington
Acklam
Marton FC
Hemlington Recreation Centre
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Marton FC manage this facility with a
clubhouse that is acceptable. The club has
formal links to Marton Cricket Club and also
uses facilities at the Cricket Club including
the football pitch at Marton Cricket Club.
The club states that training takes place
away from the playing pitches.
82
Ownership
Leased by the Council
Ward
Acklam
Mill Hill Playing Fields
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
Priority
This site is extremely well used and has car
parking issues.
The Football Development Group and the
Cricket Development Group to work together
to support Cleveland Juniors in the
development of Mill Hill.
Ongoing
Continue the support from the Council for a
new club house with Football Foundation
Funding.
Ongoing until
completion
Monitor and review with Cleveland Juniors the
car parking pressures surrounding the ground.
Short to
medium term
Cricket Development Group to meet regularly
with Cleveland Juniors to monitor and review
the maintenance and use of the grass cricket
wicket.
Ongoing
There are 30 off road car parking spaces
available, albeit is understood that this is
insufficient to meet the needs of the club. A
planning application was approved in 2013
to increase the level of parking to 48
spaces.
83
Ownership
Leased by Hustler Trust via the Local Authority
Ward
Acklam
Kader FC
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
Priority
Kader FC have stated they would like to
carry out drainage works on part of the
former Hustler Trust land and bring two
more pitches into use.
The Football Development Group to look at
the existing maintenance of the pitches at
Kader and work with the appropriate Council
Department to review and improve
maintenance regimes.
Short Term
Football Development group to discuss with
other Council departments the future
extension of the cemetery and the impact this
may have on the facility.
Short Term
The FA to work with the Football Development
Group on identifying what is required to
improve the drainage of pitches that are
waterlogged.
Short Term
The Football Development Group to support
and work with Marton FC, Kader FC and
Whinney Banks FC in partnership working with
Outwood School with regards to the use of the
artificial pitch for training and to improve car
parking issues and participation in football in
the Hall Road area of Middlesbrough.
Ongoing
Also work together to seek partnership
developments from any future funding that
may come from the sale of playing pitch land
at the old St David’s School in the future.
Ongoing
There could be an impact on use of the
pitches as it is understood some of this land
may be required for cemetery land
expansion.
Pitch allocations show that the facility is
more than well used with some pitches
providing for more than 2 games on a
Sunday in particular youth format pitches.
Pitches are generally of a standard quality
according to the visual inspection but
overplaying will reduce capacity. A number
of pitches are used beyond ideal capacity
already.
The site has car parking issues. There is
car parking that could be used at Outwood
School adjacent to the playing pitch site.
84
Ownership
Private
Ward
Acklam
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
Priority
One of the home grounds for Boro Rangers
FC. They also use playing pitches in Eston
outside of Middlesbrough in Redcar and
Cleveland.
The Football development Group to discuss
with Boro Rangers the future use of Prissick
Base as a home venue once the
redevelopment is complete.
Short – Long
Term
This is the most over played facility. The
Football Development Group needs to support
and work with Cargo Fleet Rangers to reduce
the capacity issue and look at other
possibilities such as the use of alternative
sites such as Netherfieds as well as Thorntree
Park
Short – Medium
term
Leased by the
Authority
This ground is used for the clubs under 10
teams.
Thorntree
Thorntree Park
Jack Hatfield Sports
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
The main pitch is over marked with 9 v 9
pitch and the 7 v7 is over marked with 5 v
5.
The changing rooms are acceptable.
Private
Linthorpe
Dorman’s Long Club
The pitches are overplayed
Use of this ground generally for playing
pitch activities has declined over the years.
Cricket stopped being played a few
seasons ago, I veterans club currently uses
1 football pitch.
85
The Football Development Group should
approach Dorman’s Long to identify if there is
a possibility of using the pitches at the site in
the future.
Short Term
Ownership
Leased by the Council
Ward
Nunthorpe
Nunthorpe and Marton Playing Fields
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
Priority
Nunthorpe Juniors and seniors play at this
site. The football pitches require drainage.
This site is adjacent to new open space and
housing development.
Ongoing
The changing rooms are good.
The Football Development Group and Cricket
Development Group should work in supporting
Middlesbrough Planning Department to obtain
Section 106 funding and ongoing maintenance
funding for additional playing pitches that can
be used by Nunthorpe Senior and Junior
football club but also Section 106 funding that
can be used to improve the current carrying
capacity of the football and cricket facilities at
the existing site e.g. drainage for the football
pitches and a non turf wicket for cricket.
The club would like to expand its junior
teams.
New housing development is proposed
adjacent to the existing playing fields.
Consultation with the Council has identified
that existing playing fields and leased
playing fields are safeguarded.
The clubs expect an increase in members
with the new housing and will require
additional playing space.
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Ownership
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
Priority
Currently a road way is being built on this
site to provide an access road for Trinity
School. The Council has provided pitches
for the university at Saltersgill whilst the
work is undertaken.
Talbot Road is home to Acklam Rugby Club.
Ongoing
One of these temporary pitches will remain
at Saltersgill following the works and the
University will also have access to the
artificial pitch at Trinity School following
completion of the works.
Education
Ward
Ladgate Ward
Teesside University Playing Fields
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
87
The Rugby Development Group should work
in partnership with Acklam Rugby club and the
University of Teesside and support the club in
the delivery of its Development Plan and
Facility Development Plan.
Acklam Rugby Club are seeking grant funding
to improve the clubhouse.
Football Development Group should discuss
with the University the permanent enclosure
within the existing Talbot Road facilities.
Medium Term
Football development group should discuss a
community use agreement for the Universities
remaining football pitches for weekend use.
Short Term
Prissick Project Management Group should
discuss with Acklam Rugby Club and the
University the possible provision of a grass
wicket or non turf wicket at Talbot Road.
Short term
Hockey Development group to identify if other
clubs other than the University could use the
Trinity Schools AGP
Short Term
Ward
Ownership
Coulby
Newham
Education
Site Issues to be resolved
Park
Kader Ward
Private
Acklam Iron & Steel Works
This site is partially allocated for future
housing development in the Middlesbrough
Local Plan.
The Acorn
Centre
The site has poor changing and is not up to
Step 5 standard required by the senior club
who would usually play at this ground.
Recommended Actions
Priority
The Football and Hockey Development group
should discuss the formal implementation of a
community use agreement from the grass
playing pitches and AGP at the school
Short term
The FA and the Football Development Group
need to work to support Middlesbrough
Planning Department to obtain new changing
facilities to Step 5 and a community use
agreement for the remaining pitch and new
changing rooms and ensure that a junior pitch
is provided at Saltersgill for Tollesby Athletics’
use.
Short and
ongoing
Current consultation has identified that
Tollesby Athletic are currently happy with any
proposed arrangements to move to Saltersgill
when the housing development comes to
fruition.
Education
The Kings
Academy
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
The Football Development Group and Cricket
Development Group to work with the Acorn
Centre in partnership for the delivery of its
current facilities
88
Ongoing
Ownership
Local Authority
Private
Ward
North Ormesby &
Brambles Farm
Acklam
Middlesbrough Rugby
and Cricket Club
Millbrook Avenue
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
Priority
This pitch is booked only on Sundays. Not
currently being used
This site is a temporary site that can provide 1
football pitch if a season requires it.
Ongoing
No changing provision provided
This site must be protected as a playing pitch
site.
The rugby club has drainage issues on its
training pitch.
The Rugby Development Group and Short - Long
Middlesbrough Rugby Club to work with the
RFU on finding funding to put in place
improved drainage on its training pitch.
The cricket club will have capacity issues in
the future.
.
89
Ownership
Local Authority Leased
Local
Authority
Ward
Acklam
Beckfield
Southlands
Centre AGP
Tollesby Road
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
Priority
Middlesbrough Rugby Club has a short 3
year lease for the facility at Tollesby Road.
The Rugby Development Group and Short Term
Middlesbrough Rugby Club to discuss a lease
for 25 years to give the club security of tenure
for the use of Tollesby Road for junior rugby.
The 2 rugby pitches at Tollesby Road are
used by Middlesbrough Rugby Clubs junior
and mini sections. The facility has a runIf Middlesbrough Rugby Club agrees security Short – Medium
down pavilion that is in need of replacement of tenure they then need to work with the Term
or refurbishment.
Yorkshire facilities group and RFU to identify
funding support for facility developments at
Tollesby Road including changing facilities.
Further discussion should be had between the Short Term
Rugby development group and the cricket
development group to identify if there are any
possibilities of a grass or non turf cricket
facility at this venue in the future. This would
however mean the outfield will have over play
with rugby.
3 G Rubber Crumb
Football development Group to work with
clubs to develop use of the facility for
training, coaching and competitive games.
90
Ongoing
Ownership
Recommended Actions
Priority
3 G Rubber Crumb Pitches
Invite the West Middlesbrough
Neighborhood Development Trust to sit on
the Football Development Group and the
group to work with clubs to develop use of
the facility for training, coaching and
competitive games.
Ongoing
3 G Rubber Crumb Facilities
Invite the facility to sit on the Football
Development Group to work with clubs and
to develop use of the facility for training,
coaching and competitive games.
Short Term
Ongoing
Trust
Site Issues to be resolved
Private
Ayresome
North Ormesby &
Bramble Farm
Ward
West Middlesbrough
Neighbourhood Trust
AGP
TA Centre
Longlands Road
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
91
Ownership
Ward
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
Priority
3G Rubber Crumb IRB Compliant
Ensure that the RFU have a copy of the
IRB certificate for the facility.
Short Term
Ongoing
Education
Middlehaven
The College currently use football pitches
outside of Middlesbrough
The Football development group and the
Rugby Development group to work with
Middlesbrough College on the development
of the facility as a possible Rugby Academy
and to develop with football and rugby
clubs to develop use of the facility for
training, coaching and competitive use.
Hustler Trust AGP Leased to Outwood
School to manage and operate.
The Football development group to work
with Middlesbrough College to support the
use of football pitches in Middlesbrough.
Acklam Ward
Sand Dressed Pitch Outwood School
Middlesbrough College
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
This facility has not been in use for some
time.
The facility is soon to be leased to Outwood
School who will manage and operate the
facility.
The facility needs remedial works to bring it
back into use.
92
The Football and Hockey Development
groups must work in partnership to ensure
the maximum use of the AGP for training by
football and hockey clubs and competitive
matches for Hockey and development work
around sports development initiatives for
hockey.
Middlesbrough Council are funding £15,000
to carry out remedial works to bring this
pitch back into use.
Short Term ongoing
Ownership
Local Authority
Ward
Acklam Ward
St David’s Old School Site
Site Name
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL – PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY
Site Issues to be resolved
Recommended Actions
Priority
Disused education facility that had a
football pitch on site.
Football Development Group to work with
Middlesbrough Planning Department to
obtain Section 106 Funding from the sale of
the St David’s Football pitch site and this
money to be used to improve football
playing facilities in the Hall road area.
Short Term Ongoing
The site is earmarked for housing
development though this is not expected to
take place within the 2018 timeframe of the
PPS.
93
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