MELTON OPEN SPACES SPORT & RECREATION STUDY OUTDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES ASSESSMENT REPORT. Part 1: Introduction Context 3

Transcription

1 fitnessfaq.info CONTENTS Page Part 1: Introduction Context 3 Part 2: Research methodology Introduction 4 Part 3: Sport specific summary Introduction Football Cricket Rugby union Hockey Outdoor bowls Tennis Golf 31 Part 4: Education provision Introduction Education provision Middle & primary school provision 37 Part 5: Area based assessment and analysis Introduction Pitch provision summary Central analysis area pitch provision and key sites East analysis area pitch provision and key sites North analysis area pitch provision and key sites West analysis area pitch provision and key sites 50 Part 6: Pitch inadequacy and shortfall Introduction Identified adequacy and latent demand Analysis summary: Central analysis area Analysis Summary: East analysis area Analysis Summary: North analysis area Analysis Summary: West analysis area 69 May

2 List of tables List of maps To follow May

3 PART 1. INTRODUCTION This is the Assessment Report considering supply and demand issues for outdoor sports facilities, their ancillary facilities and recreational parks sport provision in Melton, Leicestershire. It covers the predominant issues for sports pitch provision that services football, rugby union, cricket and hockey. It also considers outdoor facilities for tennis, netball, outdoor bowls and golf and an analysis of the provision of multi-use games areas which are used for formal sports delivery. Melton Borough Council (MBC) Planning Department commissioned the study in December The principal research was carried out between February 2005 and May This report sits alongside another assessment report which covers indoor sport and recreation facilities. This report does not include strategic recommendations and policy objectives. These are included within the Strategy document, which will be prepared following agreement of this report. 1.1 Context Towards a Level Playing Field The aims and requirements outlined in PPG 17 and the companion guide are reiterated in the Sport England playing pitch strategy methodology, Towards a Level Playing Field (February 2003). It is this methodology (and that of its predecessor), which has been implemented in the production of this assessment. (See Part 2 for research methodology.) May

4 PART 2: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2.1 Introduction This report uses established, recognised quantitative and qualitative methodologies, in keeping with the recommendations of PPG17, for assessing the supply of, and demand for outdoor sports facilities. Playing pitch strategy methodology. The analysis outlined in this report is based on Sport England s (SE) playing pitch strategy methodology, Towards A Level Playing Field (2003). This document outlines specific criteria for assessing the quantity, quality, capacity and accessibility of playing pitches and ancillary facilities. These criteria and the principles of the assessment have also been applied to outdoor sports facilities other than pitches. The scoring criteria provided in the Electronic Toolkit, which accompanies Towards A Level Playing Field has been used in this study. This was implemented by carrying out site visits to all local authority playing fields, parks and recreation grounds, all secondary schools and a large number of private and voluntary sector sports clubs. The visits involve carrying out a non-technical visual quality assessment to collect site, individual pitch and changing accommodation information. This information is then scored and converted into a qualitative rating. The qualitative ratings are listed as: Good. Adequate. Poor. This is explained in further detail in Part 5 of this report. Copies of the site, pitch and changing accommodation assessment sheets can be found in Appendix 1 of this document. SE specifies the need to develop a temporal supply and demand analysis (i.e. at peak usage times, how many teams want to play and how many pitches are available) and team generation rates (i.e. the number of teams being generated by the current population). These terms are explained fully and the analysis presented in Part 6 of this report. Information about clubs and teams, leagues, county associations and national governing bodies (NGBs) has been collected in a variety of ways: Meetings with local sports development and leisure services staff May

5 Face to face meetings with clubs, schools, development groups etc. Telephone interviews with league representatives, county associations etc. Questionnaires to primary and junior schools. A qualitative local standard has been devised for consideration within the local planning process. Taking the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA) calculations a step further it considers pitches which are available for community use (rather than the entire pitch stock) and the proportion of those pitches which have been graded as poor or inadequate by users. May

6 PART 3: SPORT SPECIFIC SUMMARY 3.1 Introduction The following sections summarise the local administration of the main outdoor sports within Melton. They provide a quantitative summary of provision and a map showing the distribution of facilities. It also provides information about the governing body of each sport and regional strategic plans (where they exist). Details of local leagues are provided in order to outline the competitive structure for each sport. The findings of club consultation and key issues for each sport are summarised. The sports covered are as follows: 3.2 Football. 3.3 Cricket. 3.4 Rugby union. 3.5 Hockey. 3.6 Outdoor bowls. 3.7 Tennis. 3.8 Netball. 3.9 Golf. May

7 3.2 FOOTBALL Table 1: Summary of pitches available for community use and teams by analysis area Analysis Area No. of available pitches Senior Junior Mini Senior mens Senior womens No. of teams Junior boys Junior girls Minisoccer Central East North West MELTON Map 1 Football pitch sites in Melton Leicestershire & Rutland County FA Football in Melton is administered by Leicestershire & Rutland FA. A small number of clubs are also affiliated to Lincolnshire County FA. Leicestershire & Rutland County FA has set up a local football partnership (LFP) for the County. The LFP is responsible for interpreting and implementing the FA s national strategy into local priorities, supported by both the FA and the Football Foundation. The LFP has a network of sub-groups, which have been set up in order to ensure the following: Engage more people in the LFP process from all areas of the football community, ensuring the LFP is as representative of the football community in the County as possible. Improve communication and information amongst these groups. Provide more in depth consideration of key issues. Ensure that decisions are made based on accurate information and appropriate local knowledge. These groups bring together clubs, leagues, schools and other relevant organisations and individuals locally in order to assess the needs of various groups involved and to identify action to be taken FA Charter Standard May

8 The FA promotes its Charter Standard scheme as a best practice guide that sets standards of coaching, administration and child protection for clubs working with young people. As a benchmark for quality, it will improve the playing experience for all. The aim is that all junior/youth age group clubs will eventually have the basic Charter Standard. The FA, in conjunction with various bodies, has drawn up the following set of criteria for clubs wishing to reach Charter Standard: A written constitution. Self-certified screening of managers, coaches and officials. All managers to have minimum of FA Junior Team Managers Award. Commitment to attend in-service training. Acceptance and promotion of codes of conduct. Commitment to provide mini-soccer opportunities for under 10's. Commitment to promote schools liaison and equal opportunities for all. Clubs can progress to: Charter Standard Development Club and; Charter Standard Community Club. Currently Melton has three Charter Standard clubs (Asfordby Amateurs Youth & Junior FC, Melton Foxes FC, Mowbray Rangers FC) and one charter Standard Community Club (Asfordby Amateurs Ladies & Girls FC) The Charter Standard is also targeted at schools. In Melton, King Edward VII Upper School has attained Charter Standard School status. May

9 3.2.3 League consultation Table 2: Summary of league representatives consulted League Leicestershire Senior League (Adult football) Comments The League has 32 teams from across the County. It is split into two divisions, the Premier containing 18 teams and Division One 14. League fixtures are played on a Saturday afternoon. There are currently two teams from Melton competing in the League. North Leicestershire League (Adult football) Leicestershire Combination League (Adult football) The League has 50 teams from across the northern part of the County. It is split into five divisions, ten teams in each division. League fixtures are played on a Saturday afternoon. There are currently four teams from Melton competing in the League. The League has 30 teams from across the County. It is split into two divisions, 16 in Division One and 14 in Division Two. League fixtures are played on a Saturday afternoon. There are currently two teams from Melton competing in the League. May

10 League Lincolnshire Intermediate League (Adult football) Nottinghamshire Amateur Alliance League (Adult football) Grantham Saturday League (Adult Football) Leicester & District League (Adult football) Charnwood Sunday League (Adult Football) Melton & District Sunday League (Adult Football) East Midlands Women s League (Women s Football) Leicestershire Floodlit Youth League (Junior Football) Grantham Youth League (Junior & mini football) Comments The League has 38 teams from across Lincolnshire and bordering areas. It is split into four divisions, a premier and three geographical divisions, north, central and south. League fixtures are played on a Saturday afternoon. There is currently one team from Melton competing in the League. No information available, unable to contact league. There are currently two teams from Melton competing in the League. No information available, unable to contact league. There is currently one team from Melton competing in the League. No information available, unable to contact league. There are currently three teams from Melton competing in the League. The League has 59 teams from across the county and bordering areas. It is split into six divisions; fixtures are played on a Sunday morning. There is currently one team from Melton competing in the League. No information available, unable to contact league. There are currently eight teams from Melton competing in the League. The League has 52 teams from across the East Midlands. It is split into five divisions - Premier, Division One, Division Two, Division Three North and Division Three South. League fixtures are played on a Sunday morning. There is currently one team from Melton competing in the League. The League has 20 teams from across the County. It is split into two geographical divisions, north and south. League fixtures are played on a midweek evening. There is currently one team from Melton competing in the League. The League has 89 teams from Grantham and the surrounding area providing junior and mini football. It is split into 11 divisions ranging from the under eight age group through to U16. League fixtures are played on a Sunday morning. May

11 League Leicestershire & District Sunday Junior League (Junior football) Leicester & District Mutual League (Mini Soccer) Leicester City & County Girls League (Junior girls & mini soccer) Comments Currently there are 11 teams from Melton competing in the League. The League has 168 teams from Leicester and the surrounding area. It covers three age groups U13, U14 and U15; each age group has five divisions. League fixtures are played on a Sunday morning. Currently there are 18 teams from Melton competing in the League. The League has 308 mini soccer teams from across the County. It is split into three age groups with 10 divisions in the under eight age group, 13 divisions at under nine and 16 divisions at U10. In addition there is an under seven friendly division. League fixtures are played on a Sunday Morning. Currently there are 16 teams from Melton competing in the League. The League has 60 teams from across the county. It covers both mini and junior girls football and currently has competitive divisions at U14, U12, U11 and U10 as well as a friendly under eight division. League fixtures are played on a Sunday morning. Currently there are five teams from Melton competing in the League Club consultation All football clubs within the authority were contacted either via a questionnaire, telephone interview or through face-to-face consultation; the following development/facility issues were identified during consultation: Melton Foxes Football Club Melton Foxes Football Club plays its home fixtures at two sites in Melton, Egerton Park and Asfordby Road Recreation Ground. Both venues are owned and managed by the Town Estate Trust. It currently fields ten teams at various age groups between U8 and U16. The Club has attained FA Charter Standard Status. The Club wishes to locate all of its teams on one site, preferably Asfordby Road Recreation Ground. Drainage and pitch quality issues have been a May

12 problem for Melton Foxes over the last two years at Egerton Park. A longterm lease at Asfordby Road would give the Club security of tenure on the site and enhance its opportunities of securing external funding for the development of ancillary facilities such as a clubhouse and changing rooms. Asfordby Amateurs Youth & Junior Football Club Asfordby Amateurs Youth & Junior Football Club plays its home fixtures at Asfordby Sports & Social Club. Asfordby Amateurs rents the pitches on a seasonal basis. It fields nine teams at various age groups between U6 and U16. The Club has attained FA Charter Standard Status. It is becoming increasingly concerned about the price of booking fees. However, it has been unable to find an alternative site with suitable facilities. Currently, the Club Secretary also feels that pitch quality at the Sports & Social Club is deteriorating due to the number of fixtures being played on the pitches. Asfordby Amateurs Ladies & Girls Football Club Asfordby Amateurs Ladies & Girls Football Club is run as a separate entity to Asfordby Amateurs FC and Asfordby Amateurs Youth & Junior FC. It fields one women s team and fourteen girls teams ranging from under seven through to U14. The Club plays its home fixtures at the Asfordby Sports & Social Club. It has attained FA Charter Standard Community Club Status. Currently, pitch availability is a real issue at the site and the Club has to fit fixtures in when possible as opposed to having regular times. It is keen to secure access to further pitches at an alternative venue within the locality. May

13 3.3 CRICKET Table 3: Summary of pitches available for community use and teams by analysis area: Analysis Area No. of available pitches Senior Junior Mini Senior mens No. of teams Senior womens Junior boys Junior girls Central East North West MELTON Map 2: Cricket pitch sites in Melton Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket Board Cricket in Melton is organised and administered through the Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket Board (L&RCB). Following the publication of the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) whole sport plan for cricket, L&RCB is compiling a county development plan. This includes an identification process for funding priorities. Clubs were initially invited to attend these groups if they were interested in developing/expanding their activities or had facility development aspirations. These then became the focus clubs for each local authority area. The designation of focus club status enables easier access to funding streams. Each club is required to have a development plan in order to be a focus club. Community club clusters The main thrust of the ECB whole sports plan is community development. This is centred around the development of community club clusters. These involve a partnership between: One club. One secondary school. Four primary schools. Pitch advisory scheme May

14 This initiative has been developed by the England Cricket Board (ECB) through the Facilities Executive. The scheme is funded by the ECB in partnership with Sport England. It aims to appoint pitch advisors across England and Wales who possess the Institute of Groundsmanship Level 2 certificate and/or at least ten years practical experience. Assessments are undertaken at the request of a club. The role of the pitch advisor is to make prioritised, detailed assessments of pitches (clubs), producing a report with recommendations and making follow-up visits to the ground. The scheme also offers assessments to schools. The ECB has recommended that, alongside a pitch advisor, assistants are appointed who, along with representatives of the County Board and development officers, form a pitch advisory assessment steering group. In addition to the formation of the Steering Group the ECB is encouraging the establishment of groundsmanship associations. The objective of these groups is to raise the profile of groundsmanship and standards within the profession. May

15 3.3.2 League consultation A number of leagues service the clubs/teams playing competitive cricket in Melton, as demonstrated in the table below. This section contains a summary of these leagues. Table 4: Cricket league summary League Leicestershire County League (Adult cricket) South Nottinghamshire League (Adult cricket) Rutland League (Adult cricket) Grantham League (Adult and junior cricket) Burrough & District League (Adult cricket) Newark Alliance League (Adult cricket) Comments The Leicestershire County League is the highest standard of cricket that can be played in the County. The League is organised into six separate divisions with twelve teams in each division. League fixtures are played on a Saturday afternoon. There are currently six teams from Melton competing in this league. The League has 151 teams from Nottinghamshire and North Leicestershire. It is split into 15 divisions with approximately ten teams in each. League fixtures are played on a Saturday afternoon. There are currently five teams from Melton competing in the League. The League has 50 teams from across Rutland and the surrounding area. It is split into five divisions with ten teams in each. League fixtures are played on a Saturday afternoon. There are currently two teams from Melton competing in the League. No information available, unable to contact league. There are currently five teams from Melton competing in this League No information available, unable to contact league. There are currently seven teams from Melton competing in this League The League has 59 teams from across Nottinghamshire and North Leicestershire. It is split into six divisions with approximately ten teams in each. League fixtures are played on a Sunday afternoon. There is currently one team from Melton competing in the League May

16 League Belvoir League (Adult cricket) Newark Colts League (Junior Cricket) Comments The League is made up of three divisions, containing approximately seven teams per division. The majority of teams come from the Melton and Belvoir area of theccounty. Currently there are six teams from Melton competing in the League. The League has 17 teams competing at U13 and U15. The majority of teams come from the Newark area of Nottinghamshire. Currently there are two teams from Melton competing in the League. North West District Junior League (Junior cricket) No information available, unable to contact league. There are currently four teams from Melton competing in this League May

17 3.3.3 Club consultation Table 5: Cricket club summary Club League Site Teams Ashby Carrington Rutland Ashby Follville Cricket Club 2 senior Belvoir Bottesford Buckminster South Nottinghamshire South Nottinghamshire, Newark Alliance, Belvoir, Newark & District Colts Rutland, Burrough & District, Belvoir Belvoir & Knipton Cricket Club 3 senior Belvoir Road 4 senior, 3 junior Buckminster Cricket Club 3 senior Croxton Kerrial Grantham, Belvoir Croxton Kerrial Sports Club 2 senior, 1 junior Egerton Park Great Dalby Leicestershire County, North West District Junior Grantham, Burrough & District Egerton Park 2 senior, 2 junior Corner Field 3 senior Hoby & Rotherby Grantham, Belvoir Hoby & Rotherby Cricket Club 3 senior Knossington Friendly Knossington Cricket Club 1 senior Lord Kings Friendly Wartnaby Cricket Club 1 senior Melton Leicestershire County All England Ground 2 senior Melton Police Friendly Thorpe Arnold Cricket Club 1 senior Pickwell Burrough & District Pickwell Cricket Club 2 senior Sproxton Thorpe Arnold Burrough & District, Belvoir Leicestershire County, Grantham, Burrough & District, Belvoir, North West District Junior Buckminster Playing Field 3 senior Thorpe Arnold Cricket Club 5 senior, 3 junior Waltham Burrough & District Waltham Playing Field 2 senior * Some cricket clubs, particularly in rural areas have a number of juniors playing in the 2 nd /3 rd senior side, as they are unable to make up a full junior team. May

18 Ashby Carrington Cricket Club Ashby Carrington Cricket Club plays at Ashby Follville Cricket Club, fielding two teams, one playing in the Rutland League and the other playing friendly fixtures. Any further information is unavailable as it was not possible to contact the Club (despite several attempts to do so). Belvoir Cricket Club Belvoir Cricket Club plays its home fixtures at Belvoir & Knipton Cricket Club, fielding three senior teams, all of which play in the South Nottinghamshire League. Currently, the Club does not have a junior section. However, there are a number of junior players who compete in the 3 rd XI. Facilities at the Club are described as being adequate condition, providing a square, outfield, pavilion and car parking facilities. Bottesford Cricket Club Bottesford Cricket Club is one of the largest in the Borough, lying on the Nottinghamshire border. The Club provides competitive cricket for both senior and junior participation. Currently, it has four senior teams playing in the South Nottinghamshire League, the Newark Alliance League and the Belvoir Evening League. Junior league cricket is reserved for U15 s and U13 s in the Newark & District Colts League. Home fixtures are played at Belvoir Road, which is described as being in adequate/good condition. The site provides square, outfield, pavilion and car parking facility. Buckminster Cricket Club Buckminster Cricket Club plays its home fixtures at Buckminster Cricket Club, fielding two senior teams, one playing in the Rutland League and the other competing in the Burrough & District League. Any further information is unavailable as it was not possible to contact the Club (despite several attempts to do so). Croxton Kerrial Cricket Club May

19 The Club is based at the village sports club and fields two senior teams playing in Grantham League and the Belvoir Evening League. It also fields an U15 team competing in the Grantham Junior League. Facilities at the Club are described as being in adequate condition, although the outfield on the far side of the ground tends to hold water. The pavilion requires refurbishment and the Club is keen to replace its practice net. Egerton Park Cricket Club The Club is based at Egerton Park Sports Ground in the Centre of Melton. The ground is leased from Town Estates on a long-term basis and the Club is required to maintain the square and pavilion. Currently, it fields two senior teams in the Leicestershire County League and two junior teams (U17, U13) in the North West District Junior League. Facilities at the Club are described as being in adequate condition, although vandalism and break-ins are a constant problem. The Club has no plans to develop the site or expand its membership at present. Great Dalby Cricket Club Great Dalby Cricket Club plays its home fixtures at Corner Field. It provides competitive cricket for two senior teams in the Grantham League and the Burrough & District League. The Club also fields a friendly team. Any further information is unavailable as it was not possible to contact the Club (despite several attempts to do so). Hoby & Rotherby Cricket Club Hoby & Rotherby Cricket Club is based in the west of the Borough and provides competitive league cricket for two senior teams playing in the Grantham League and the Belvoir Evening League. The Club also fields a friendly team. Currently there are no junior cricket teams. However, junior members play in the 2 nd and 3 rd teams. The site is described as being in adequate/good condition providing a square, outfield and pavilion with car parking. The Club has no plans to develop the site or its membership at the present time. Knossington Cricket Club Knossington Cricket Club plays its home fixtures at Knossington Cricket Club. May

20 Any further information is unavailable as it was not possible to contact the Club (despite several attempts to do so). Lord Kings Cricket Club The Club plays friendly fixtures at Wartnaby Cricket Club. Melton Mowbray Cricket Club The Club plays at the All England Ground in Melton. The site is leased from Town Estate and is described as being in good condition providing a square, outfield, pavilion and car parking. The Club is responsible for the maintenance of the square and pavilion while Town Estate prepares the outfield. The Club fields two competitive teams in the Leicestershire County League. Membership of the Club has declined over the last three years and it has no development plans at present. Melton Police Cricket Club The Club plays friendly fixtures at Thorpe Arnold Cricket Club. Pickwell, Leesthorpe & Somersby Cricket Club Pickwell, Leesthorpe & Somersby Cricket Club plays its home fixtures at Pickwell Cricket Club. It provides competitive cricket for two senior teams in the Burrough & District League. There is no junior team at the Club. However, a number of juniors play in the 2 nd X1. Facilities at the site are described as being in good condition, providing a square, outfield and pavilion with car park. There are no plans to develop at present. Sproxton Cricket Club Sproxton Cricket Club plays its home fixtures at Buckminster Playing Field. It provides competitive cricket for two senior teams in the Burrough & District League and the Belvoir Evening League. The Club also fields a friendly team. Any further information is unavailable as it was not possible to contact the Club (despite several attempts to do so). May

21 Thorpe Arnold Cricket Club The Club is one of the largest in the Borough, based at Thorpe Arnold Cricket Club, which is secured on a long-term lease from a local landowner. The Club built the pavilion and has since bought a small section of the ground. It currently fields five senior teams in the Leicestershire County League, Burrough & District League, Grantham League and Belvoir Evening League. Junior cricket is thriving, fielding three junior teams in the North West District Junior League. The Club also runs a coaching evening on Friday with up to 100 children attending. The Club is close to capacity at the site and further expansion through development work would mean it would require access to another square. It wishes to develop its storage facility, which is currently in poor condition. Waltham Cricket Club Waltham Cricket Club plays its home fixtures at Waltham Playing Field, which it shares with the football club. It provides competitive cricket for one senior team in the Burrough & District League. The Club also fields a friendly team. May

22 3.4 RUGBY UNION Table 6: Summary of pitches available for community use and teams by analysis area Analysis Area No. of available pitches Senior Junior Mini Senior mens Senior womens No. of teams Junior boys Junior girls Mini rugby Central East North West MELTON Map 3: Rugby pitch sites in Melton Leicestershire Rugby Football Union (Leicestershire RFU) Rugby union in Melton is administered by Leicestershire RFU. It is responsible for club development and the local delivery of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) development programmes, a large part of which is the development of Community Rugby. Community Rugby Community Rugby was initiated to cater for the needs of the clubs from the totally recreational up to the sometimes professional in the second division. Community Rugby requirements are defined by the RFU as: Competitive activity through leagues, merit tables and cup competitions as well as friendly rugby. Investment in facilities to meet expectations in a changing leisure market. Investment in people who support and manage their game. Valuing, supporting and rewarding the volunteer contribution to rugby needed to be addressed and there had to be more sympathy for volunteer administrators in the way the game was regulated. The key issues which Community Rugby initially sought to address were the number of players dropping out of the game and a decreasing number of players coming into the game with the identification of different problems in attracting youngsters at different age groups Investment in facilities is also a major part of Community Rugby. It identified that the game demanded: May

23 Better playing surfaces. Lighting for quality training/coaching and matches at times other than Saturday or Sunday. Changing and social facilities to suit the modern participant, especially as there is also a growing number of female and disabled participants. A Youth Section Club Development Programme the RFU Seal of Approval The Rugby Football Union has introduced the Seal of Approval as a method of examining, maintaining and improving the provision of rugby in the youth section of a rugby club. It aims to recognise the effort and achievement of those clubs that reach and maintain the required standard to meet the various levels of the Seal of Approval. The Seal of Approval is used to satisfy the Active Sports Club registration criteria for those clubs involved in delivery of the Active Sports Rugby Union Programme. The criteria for the Sport England Safe, Effective & Child Friendly Club mark is integrated within the Seal of Approval. A successful application for the RFU Seal of Approval will achieve the Sport England Safe, Effective & Child Friendly Club. The Programme is based upon a three year Level I, Level II and Level III Award system in which a club will be assessed on its ability to provide a safe, effective and child friendly club environment. Having completed the Seal of Approval Audit and Evidence File, a club will identify activities or areas that require development over the next 12 months. The club will then produce a realistic development plan based upon these needs, whereupon successful accreditation will have been achieved. By implementing the first year development plan and having the second year plan approved, a club will qualify for Level II status. The same process in year three will lead to Level III status. The Award will be an indication of the quality of provision a club offers, and its commitment to the continued development of young rugby players. A club will receive certification to confirm accreditation, both from the Rugby Football Union and Sport England Club consultation Table 7: Rugby union club summary May

24 Club League Site Teams Melton Mowbray RFC Midlands 2 East, Leicestershire County League. King Edward VII School 5 senior, 9 junior Melton Mowbray Rugby Football Club Melton Mowbray Rugby Club plays at King Edward VII Upper School. The ground is school owned. However the Club has entered into partnership with the School investing 200,000 into the development of the sports hall, which houses the rugby clubhouse and changing facilities. The Club fields a total of fourteen teams, five at open age, seven at junior level and two mini rugby teams/squads. Junior development is at the forefront of the Club s philosophy - although none play league fixtures, all junior teams are entered into county cup competitions. The Club has strong links with Leicester Tigers Academy and currently has four players attending. There are nine level 1 qualified coaches supporting the clubs ongoing development. Plans are in place to enhance facilities, with aspirations to introduce floodlighting to aid training in the evenings as well as extending the clubhouse. Planning permission has been granted for the extension. However, the Club is unable to afford it at this time. Membership of the Club is at saturation point and it is unable to field any further teams, as there is no pitch space available at King Edwards. The Club has aspirations to introduce a girls team next season. However, this again is hindered by lack of pitch space. May

25 3.5 HOCKEY Table 8: Summary of pitches available for community use and teams by analysis area Analysis Area No. of available pitches No. of teams Senior Junior ATP Senior mens Senior womens Junior boys Junior girls Central East North West MELTON Map 4: Provision of hockey pitches across Melton England Hockey - Midlands Region The regional governing body for hockey in Leicestershire is England Hockey Midlands Region, which covers nine counties and Birmingham. The Regional Development Officer (RDO) oversees the implementation of England Hockey s national plan at a regional and County level. A major part of this is the club accreditation scheme. Clubs 1 st England Hockey club accreditation scheme All clubs are encouraged to register and work towards gaining Clubs 1 st, England Hockey s club accreditation scheme. Clubs 1st is part of the Sport England Clubmark programme and is nationally recognised as a standard mark for clubs. Clubs achieving the Clubs 1st award are recognised as working towards providing a safe, effective and child friendly hockey environment. They also receive the Clubmark award. County sorts partnerships and funding agencies are increasingly recognising these clubs and choosing to work with them as a priority. May

26 3.5.2 Leicestershire & Rutland Hockey Association (L&RHA) Leicestershire & Rutland Hockey Association was formed in 2001 and has responsibility for both the men s and women s game and mixed hockey. The Association s aim is to become the leading hockey county by To achieve this L&RHC has laid out the following objectives: Achieving more success nationally. Having more people involved in playing and by making a greater contribution to the development of the game. Introduction of youth programmes linked to active sports. Retention and re-introduction within the adult game. Emphasis on equity ensuring access to all groups. Further to this L&RHA responded to a national report on the expansion of the game by setting up a cross functional team with the remit of: Identifying the factors inhibiting the expansion of the game in Leicestershire & Rutland Proposing a realistic rate of expansion for the plan period ( ), taking into account the identified factors and to formulate a plan to achieve it Club consultation Melton Mowbray Hockey Club Melton Mowbray Hockey Club is the only club in Melton and plays on the artificial turf pitch at King Edward VII School. The Club fields six teams - five men s and one women s. Men s competitive fixtures are played in the Midlands and East Midlands League, while the women s team plays in the Leicestershire Premier League. Although the Club has no junior teams, junior do play in the 4 th and 5 th XI s as part of their development. Coaching is also provided for juniors on club training nights. The artificial turf pitch at the upper school is considered to be in adequate/poor condition and is reaching the end of its life expectancy. There is no sinking fund in place for the renewal of the surface. The Club believes that unless plans are put in place for resurfacing, it will be forced to move out of the Borough. This will have a detrimental effect, not only on the Club, as members will be reluctant to travel to far but also on the future of the game in Melton. May

27 May

28 3.6 OUTDOOR BOWLS Outdoor bowls in Melton is played on flat greens. Map 5: Bowling green sites in Melton English Bowls Association (EBA) The English Bowls Association is the governing body responsible for the administration of the outdoor men s game in England. It has become increasingly aware of the importance of youth development in the game as well as the continued enhancement and retention of its current stock of bowlers. A scheme development plan is now in place and subject to availability of resources will be pursued vigorously. The Scheme is set to embark upon a Club Accreditation Programme. This is aimed at identifying and supporting clubs, which can provide the facilities and club structure that meet predetermined high standards as set by authorities such as Sport England for its Active Sports programme. It regards the opportunity for children and young people to play the sport of bowls, through facilities provided in schools with the support of local clubs and coaching services, as an important part of the overall plan. Issues for bowls in Leicestershire The EBA identifies the following issues for bowls in Leicestershire: Recognition of the role it has to play in increasing active recreation and social interaction particularly for older people. It would like to work more closely with local authorities regarding this. Local authorities suffer from lack of funding for grounds maintenance and, as a consequence, provide unsatisfactory maintenance. Outdoor bowls governing bodies run grounds maintenance courses for clubs. However, voluntary maintenance is not enough, the greens really need a proper groundsman. Most clubs have adequate but basic facilities. Vandalism is reported to be a big problem for buildings/pavilions. Damage to greens, as with other fine turf sports, can result in a green being unusable for long periods of time Club consultation Table 9: Summary of bowling club consultation May

29 Club Home ground No. of greens Comments Belvoir Vale Belvoir Vale Bowls Club 1 The green is described as being in good condition. The Club has a small clubhouse and parking is available on site. Bottesford Belvoir Road 1 The green is described as being in very good condition. Holwell Sport Holwell Sports Ground 1 The green is described as being in excellent condition. The Club benefits from a clubhouse that provides all necessary amenities. The car park is shared with the football and tennis club. Knipton Knipton Bowls Club 1 The facility is leased from the Belvoir Estate and described as being in adequate condition. The Club has some concerns over the evenness of the green and wishes to improve this. The Club also has access to a small clubhouse with adequate ancillary facilities. Melton Park Leicester Road 1 The site is owned and by Town Estate and Melton Park BC leases the facility. The green is maintained by Town Estates. However, the Club has responsibility for the pavilion. It believes the quality of the green has decreased in the last year although it describes it as adequate. The pavilion is described as being in poor condition and the Club wishes to refurbish the facility. Car parking is adequate. Melton Town Melton Town Bowls Club 2 The site is also the home of indoor bowling. Both greens are described as being in excellent condition and are serviced by a good quality clubhouse with ample parking. May

30 3.7 TENNIS Map 6: Tennis sites in Melton Leicestershire Lawn Tennis Association (LLTA) Tennis in Melton is administered by Leicestershire LTA. This body is responsible for the delivery of the LTA s national plan at a local level, the main body of this being the Club Vision Programme Club Vision Club Vision is the LTA's strategy to provide progressive clubs with greater support and resources at both national and county level to help clubs fully play their part in helping to 'make Britain a great tennis nation'. It is an investment programme that supports not just tennis clubs but also public 'pay and play' indoor tennis centres (ITI centres), schools and local authority venues. It is implemented by clubs in each area completing a questionnaire about membership, facilities and activities. The outcome of the questionnaire helps the club and county tennis development officer identify areas or projects for the club to work on and where funding or other resources may be required. Junior development/mini tennis One of the areas in which many clubs are developing is junior or mini tennis. The LTA s Mini Tennis programme is targeted at four-ten year olds and features red, orange and green stages of progression which are focussed on ability rather than age. The activities use modified equipment for young children and is played either on dedicated mini tennis courts (smaller than an ordinary court) or on a small area of a standard court. May

31 The Programme aims to provide quality-assured opportunities in the local community that feature: Activities headed by an LTA Licensed Coach. Coaching sessions in red, orange and green stages. The Mini Tennis Awards. Holiday activities. Regular and varied fun competitions. Additional opportunities for the more talented players. Off court activities, special events and social activities. Club capacity LTA guidelines indicate that facilities should be able to accommodate 40 members per court and 60 members per floodlit court. This has been taken into consideration alongside the club consultation and facilities are rated as one of the following: Having spare capacity. Being at capacity. Being over capacity League consultation Leicestershire County Tennis League The Leicestershire County League attracts clubs from across the County to play competitive tennis. The League operates on a summer and winter basis with clubs entering different teams in each. The summer league offers competitive play for men and ladies, across six divisions and mixed doubles across three divisions. The basic requirements for participating in the League are that a club should have three courts and facilities to provide refreshments. Generally the venues are either private clubs or local recreation grounds. Some clubs use local school courts for matches occasionally in order to retain some capacity at the club for members use. National Junior Club League The National Junior Club League provides competitive junior tennis for clubs from across the County. The League operates during the summer and has divisions from U12 to U18 age groups. Generally there are no more than eight teams in each division. May

32 There is a noticeable drop off in participation after the age of fifteen. However, U12 and U14 play is extremely popular, fielding up to six divisions at U Club consultation Belvoir Vale Tennis Club Belvoir Vale Tennis Club is located off Harby Lane adjacent to Hose Village Hall. The Club has three floodlight tarmac macadam courts described as being in good condition. The clubhouse is shared with the bowls club which is located next door - this is described as being in adequate condition. The site has ample car parking. Membership of the Club has remained buoyant over the last five years. It enters men s teams into both the Leicestershire County League and junior girls (U14) and boys (U14, U12) teams into the National Junior Club League. The Club also enters an U12 doubles team in the Leicestershire Junior Doubles League. Coaching for both seniors and juniors is available at the Club. Hamilton Lawn Tennis Club Hamilton Lawn Tennis Club is the largest in the Borough. It provides twelve courts, six artificial turf, of which three have floodlights and six tarmac macadam of which three have floodlights. All courts are described as being in good condition. Ancillary facilities at the Club, such as changing and car parking are also described as being in good condition. The Club has a large membership and enters a number of teams into competitive leagues. Men s and women s teams are entered into the Leicestershire County League while junior teams from the ages of 11 to 17 play in the National Junior Club League. It also runs a thriving mini tennis programme and enters two teams (U10, U9) into the Green County League. The Club is performance accredited as well as Raw and Mini tennis accredited. Holwell Sports Tennis Club Holwell Sports Tennis Club forms part of the wider Holwell Sports Club. It provides three tarmac macadam courts described as being in good condition. Currently, the Club only has a membership of twelve. However, it is keen to build this up over the next few seasons School tennis courts May

33 There are a number of tennis courts located on school sites across the Borough, available for community use providing the school is contacted in advance. Table 10: Tennis courts available for community use School Analysis Area Number of courts Belvoir High School North 5 John Fernley School Central 3 King Edwards VII Upper School Central 6 Longfield High School Central GOLF Table 11: Summary of provision of golf facilities in Melton Club 18 hole 9 hole Driving range Practice areas Bunker Putting Net Melton Golf Club Six Hills Golf Club Town Estates Course * * Town Estates golf course is a pitch and putt 12 hole facility at Asfordby Road Playing Field Map 8: Golf facilities in Melton NEWARK AND SHERWOOD RUSHCLIFFE SOUTH KESTEVEN Six Hills Golf Club Melton Mowbray Golf Club Town Estate Golf Course CHARNWOOD RUTLAND May HARBOROUGH

34 May

35 3.8.1 Context Many young people (often influenced by their parents perceptions) may never consider taking up golf due to the general views of the sport being expensive to participate in (club membership and equipment) and having to be nominated/sponsored by an existing member(s) in order to join a club. Over the last ten years, however, the nature of golf facilities has changed significantly. New commercially run centres have sprung up which offer pay and play facilities as well as club membership. Individuals can pay a green fee for the day or even just pay for a round of golf, allowing access to the facilities in the same way as those at municipal golf courses but with the quality and range of facilities one would expect to find at a private club. Due to the arrival and development of these commercial facilities, golf is now more accessible than ever to a wider spectrum of the population. In many cases it is not cost but accessibility to these facilities, which is an inhibiting factor Club consultation Melton Mowbray Golf Club Melton Mowbray Golf Club is a private members club located near Thorpe Arnold. It has approximately 650 members, 70 of whom are juniors, and currently has no waiting list. Non-members are welcome but are required to contact the professional before booking. Green fees are currently between dependent on the time of day. Facilities at the Club are described as being in good condition, providing a driving range, practice ground, putting green, pro s shop and clubhouse. In 2002, the clubhouse was extended to include new changing facilities and an office. The Club has no plans to extend its facilities at present. Six Hills Golf Club Six Hills Golf Club is a private members club located in Six Hills between Loughborough and Melton. It has approximately 100 members. It is unclear if the Club currently has a waiting list. Non-members are welcome both during the week and on the weekend by arrangement with the Secretary. Green fees are currently dependent on the time of play. The Club provides good facilities including driving range, putting green, bar and restaurant, changing rooms and a pro s shop. There are no current plans to expand any of the facilities. Town Estate Golf Club May

36 Town Estates Golf Course is a twelve-hole pitch and putt facility located on Asfordby Road between Melton and Asfordby. The site is owned by Town Estate trust and green fees currently stand at Facilities at the course consist of a kiosk serving snacks and beverages. May

37 PART 4: EDUCATION PROVISION AREA-BY-AREA ANALYSIS 4.1 Introduction The provision of pitches at schools and colleges can make an important contribution to the overall stock of playing pitches within a particular catchment area. It is therefore important to have accurate information about the number, type, quality and availability of pitches within the education sector in Melton. As stated earlier in this document, legislation within the Schools Standards and Framework Act (SSFA) 1998 was introduced by the Government requiring all state schools to seek approval from the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (Education and Skills since July 2001) for the sale of their playing fields. Section 77 of the SSFA seeks to protect school playing fields against disposal or change of use by requiring the prior consent of the Secretary of State before disposal or change of use may take place. The Department for Education and Employment produced guidance on section 77 of the SSFA within Circular 3/99 The Protection of School Playing Fields in June Circular 3/99 has recently been replaced by guidance from the Department for Education and Skills entitled The Protection of School Playing Fields and Land for City Academies. The guidance aims to strengthen the existing measures for protecting school playing fields. In particular, the guidance intends to support the development and improvement of sporting and play provision for the benefit of schools and their local communities, and to provide wider access to these facilities. Applications for disposal or change of use of playing fields will not only have to take account of existing community use but the potential use of the facilities for the local community. The following section details playing pitch and associated facility provision on school sites. The structure is as follows: Details of the provision and quality of pitches and facilities at secondary schools, primary schools and colleges that allow community use. This section also details those clubs that either use, or have shown an interest in using, these pitches. Information regarding number and type of pitches and non-pitches is shown in Part 4. Details of the provision and quality of pitches and facilities at high schools, primary schools and colleges that do not allow community use. Information regarding number and type of pitches and nonpitches is contained within the text. May