Rise of Rossendale women and girls’ football among factors in new sports pitch plan

The growth of women and girls’ football in Rossendale, from large clubs to small community teams, and other sport and leisure trends were highlighted to councillors in a new report about local pitches and public demand.

Competitive football, rugby and cricket clubs, small recreational teams, sports funding bids and future planning decisions by Rossendale Council should all benefit from an updated playing pitch strategy, councillors have been advised.

Rossendale Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee discussed the details at their latest meeting and backed various recommendations.

Council sport and physical activity officer Natalie Atkinson, who has had past roles at Oldham Athletic, Southport FC, Curzon Ashton FC and the Football Association,  outlined the main points and said Rossendale Council is required to demonstrate to Sport England there is a need for a new 3-G pitch in the borough. A previous sports pitch strategy was done in 2000. Bowls, tennis and running tracks are not part of the updated report but have been part of other council projects.

CURRENT PITCHES

Regarding Rossendale football, in 2020 there were 107 teams playing locally. Now, there are 156, representing growth of 46 per cent. Five local pitches are assessed as good quality, 30 as standard and 22 as poor, according to the report.

For grass football pitches, there are current shortages of adult, youth 11-a-side and youth nine-a-side matches. But there is spare capacity on mini-pitches.

Regarding the latest type of artificial pitches, called third-generation or 3-G, there are two 11-a-side and six small sided pitches. But with 156 local teams, there is a need for three 11-a-side artificial pitches.  The need could increase to four if The Valley Academy’s  pitch fell out of use, the report added.

For cricket, there are four natural grass wicket squares in Rossendale and all are available for community use. Three are standard quality and one is good. There is enough cricket provision locally for current and anticipated future demand.  A site at New Hall Hey could provide some reserve space for weekend cricket for local clubs.

Rugby union is served by six pitches across three sites. One is good, three standard and two are poor quality, the report said. Currently, there is not enough dedicated rugby union pitch space in Rossendale for three match-equivalent sessions per week. And future demand could rise.

ACTION AND RISKS

In response, existing pitches may need better protection and more 3-G pitches are need for smaller community football teams. There are an extra 49 community teams in the borough than five years ago with extra demand for midweek facilities.

Other measures could include using money from developers in planning agreements, called section 106 agreements, for various sports facilities including for a new 11-a-side 3G pitch at Haslingden’s Adrenaline Centre.

Work could also be done with the Football Foundation and Lancashire Cricket Foundation, and improving changing rooms for Rossendale RUFC and other sports clubs in a multi-sports approach.

Ms Atkinson also said the council might struggle to justify some planning decisions if the sport information was not updated. And if sports grounds were lost, the impact would be felt on the public’s physical activity and health.

QUESTIONS

Green Party Coun John  Payne said: “The report seems to say football demand is increasing but that’s not the perception I’ve had. My son plays in Haslingden but my perception was that there are less men’s and boys teams? Some men’s teams are struggling to fill spaces? I agree pitches need upgrades but my experience isn’t of more people playing football.”

Ms Atkinson said:  “The number of 11-a-side adult men’s teams has probably levelled-off in some parts of the UK. But there’s still growth in Rossendale.

“Local community teams have risen by 46 per cent, including women, girls and disabled football teams. Haslingden has the largest women and girls’ club in Lancashire and is still growing. More growth is expected over the next ten years. One Rossendale club will grow to 52 teams in the next five years, which is huge. Also with women and girls, there is demand for recreational football with 3-G pitches and smaller teams playing just once a week.”