Appendix 1
Natural Grass and Synthetic Turf Pitches Strategy
2007-2012
(Cricket, Football, Hockey and Rugby)
DRAFT
(For Approval at the Education and Social Services Committee 22 August 2007)
1 Contents
Executive Summary 3
1.0 Introduction 5 1.1 Background 5 1.2 Trends 6 1.3 Purpose
2.0 Audit: The Current State of Play 6 2.1 Supply of Pitches 6 2.2 Analysis of General Pitch Condition 6 2.3 Demand for Pitches 7 2.4 Demand for Football Pitches 8 2.5 Demand for Hockey Pitches 8 2.6 Demand for Cricket Pitches 8 2.7 Demand for Rugby Pitches 9 2.8 Demand by Schools 10 2.9 Pavilions and Changing Facilities 11 2.10 Analysis of the General Pavilion Condition 11 2.11 Demand for Pavilions 11 2.12 Summary of Audit Findings 12
3.0 A Pitch Strategy for Moray: The Future State of Play 14 3.1 Strategy Formulation 14 3.2 Strategy Implementation 16 3.3 Summary Partner Funding Table
4.0 Conclusion 23
Appendix 1: Summary of Pitch Condition Survey 24
Appendix 2: Scottish Junior Football Association Pitch and Facilities Requirements 26
Appendix 3:Summary of Pavilion Condition Survey 26
2 Executive Summary One of the 4 goals identified by the Physical Activity, Sport and Health Strategy for Moray (2007-2012) is to develop a sports facilities strategy. This document aims to meet this requirement in relation to the provision of an outdoor pitches and changing facilities strategy for cricket, football, hockey and rugby, in the Moray area, for the period 2007-2012.
The strategy is in two main parts. The first part is an audit of the current facilities and the second part proposes a plan to meet the needs of community sports groups and the demands of secondary schools in delivering a high quality PE curriculum and Active Schools programme.
The key findings of the audit for each sport are as follows: -
Cricket The supply of cricket pitches is considered to be adequate. The provision of indoor and outdoor practice nets would, however, contribute to the further development of senior and junior cricket in Moray.
Football The demand for quality football pitches exceeds supply and the condition of many pitches is poor due to ‘over use’. For Scottish Junior Football Association (SJFA) affiliated clubs, changing facilities need to be brought up to a higher standard and pitches need to be enclosed to meet new health and safety requirements.
Hockey The supply of grass hockey pitches is considered to be adequate for development needs. There is, however, the need for an additional 2nd generation sand-dressed synthetic turf pitch for club league matches in Moray.
Rugby Although there is a need to erect a set of rugby posts in the Buckie area, the supply of rugby pitches is presently considered to be adequate in Moray. The provision of a 3rd generation synthetic turf pitch in Elgin would, nevertheless, relieve pressure and improve the condition of Morriston Playing Field.
Multi-sport (School use) As a response to the increasing importance placed on physical activity as part of the school curriculum, PE teachers and Active Schools Co-ordinators need access to a high quality playing surface, throughout the year, that can accommodate a variety of activities. This could best be achieved by a 3rd generation synthetic turf surface. These facilities could also be shared with the wider community out-with school hours. In particular, this would assist in relieving the demand and improving the condition of the natural grass football pitches located throughout Moray.
Based on these findings and on the rationale that, wherever possible, facilities should be shared and accessed by both schools and the local community, the following objectives have been proposed for the 5-year period of this strategy.
3 These objectives are: -
• To improve the standard of football pavilions and pitches used by Bishopmill United, Fochabers FC, Lossiemouth United, New Elgin FC and Elgin City FC by 2009.
• To develop a ‘hockey centre of excellence’, featuring a 2nd generation synthetic turf pitch, as part of the enhanced sports facility at Elgin Academy by 2012.
• To provide indoor cricket practice nets, as part of the Moray Regional Sports Facility and as part of the Caledonian Cricket Academy by 2012.
• To develop five 3rd generation synthetic turf pitches, and associated changing facilities, at Buckie, Keith, Speyside, Forres Secondary Schools and Elgin High School (part of the Regional Sport Facility) by 2012.
• To adequately maintain a portfolio of existing and new pavilions, natural grass and synthetic turf pitches at various locations throughout Moray and to erect a set of rugby posts in the playing fields at Buckie Community High School.
The responsibility for achieving these objectives does not rest solely with the Council and will require a high degree of partnership working with local sports clubs, sport- governing bodies, community stakeholders and with sportscotland.
It is anticipated that the impact of this strategy will mean that more people, of all ages, will have the opportunity to participate and excel in team sports than ever before. As articulated in the Physical Activity, Sport and Health Strategy, this will result in more people ‘living active lives in Moray and improving their health and well-being through physical activity and sport’.
4 1.0 Introduction At both local and national government levels, the provision of modern and accessible sports facilities is crucial to realising the vision outlined in the Physical Activity, Sport and Health Strategy for Moray of ‘improving health and well-being through physical activity and sport.’1 The development of a facilities strategy is, consequently, one of four key action points identified by the Moray Community Planning Partnership and by sportscotland as a priority area for development.
Such a strategy will require the involvement of representatives from local sports clubs, sportmoray, PE and Active Schools Staff, sportscotland, relevant sports governing bodies, including the Scottish Football Association, as well as guidance from Council Sections responsible for lands and parks, property and educational resources in its formulation.
This report therefore intends to provide a strategic framework for the provision of outdoor facilities in the Moray area for cricket, football, hockey and rugby for the period 2007-2012.
1.1 Background In Scotland, at the present time, 74% of all the natural grass pitches require replacing or significant up-grading and the overall portfolio of changing facilities is identified as ageing and in poor condition2. This means that the challenges confronting the main providers of outdoor sports facilities in Scotland have never been greater.
The following strategy is specifically for the Moray Local Authority area. It is written during a period when the main providers of outdoor pitches in the area, notably the Moray Council, acknowledge the need to maintain and further develop a pitch infrastructure which will give more people the opportunity to participate and excel in outdoor team sports than ever before. Furthermore, it is the intention that the strategy will support the development of a network of good quality pitches that will sustain and develop team sports and their respective performance pathways. The strategy will also need to be based on the principles of best value.
A 5-year strategy for outdoor sport facilities in Moray will be radically different from the strategy that could have emerged from the Grampian Rural Area Sports Study in 1990.
1.2 Trends Since this study was published, there has been a number of important developments.
For football and hockey, recent technological innovations have resulted in the development of synthetic turf carpet materials that will withstand 20 or 30 more times the number of games to be played per year on these surfaces compared to natural grass pitches.
1‘Physical Activity, Sport & Health Strategy for Moray 2007-2012’, The Moray Council, pub 2006, p15. 2 ‘National Audit of Scotland’s Sports Facilities, sportscotland, pub 2006, p2.
5 Funding through the Scottish Executive’s Public Private Partnership initiative and sportscotland’s regional and community sports funding strands have also offered significant opportunities for capital investment that were not available in 1990.
The way in which pitches are utilised has also changed. Nationally, outdoor team games have either evolved or declined in popularity. Soccer 7’s, girls’ & women’s football and five-a-side matches are increasingly being played at the expense of the traditional male 11-a-side game. Furthermore, the implementation of the recommended 2 hours of PE per week for pupils has increased the demand for playing surfaces suitable for a wide range of different outdoor sports at school.
These important environmental changes3 should be acknowledged and seen as opportunities for the development of an outdoor pitch strategy for Moray.
1.3 Purpose This report intends to provide a strategic response to these trends and the need for pitch facilities in Moray.
In section 2, this strategy will provide an overview of the current supply of outdoor pitches and associated facilities in Moray in relation to demand. In section 3, this assessment will provide the rationale for the further development of pitch facilities for the 5-year period of this strategy.
Please note, that for the purpose of this strategy, outdoor facilities will be limited to cricket, football (11-a-side and 5-a-side), hockey, rugby and curricular and extra- curricular use by schools. Other popular outdoor activities requiring facilities in Moray, such as extreme sports (e.g. skateboarding, mountainbiking) and tennis will be the subject of later strategy documents.
2.0 Audit: The Current State of Play This section will assess the condition of the natural and synthetic turf pitches and pavilions located throughout Moray in relation to the demand for these facilities.
2.1 Supply of Pitches Appendix 1 provides an overview of the current provision of outdoor pitches in Moray. The overview provides a summary of the condition of each pitch. The condition survey were undertaken by the Council’s Lands and Parks Section.
2.2 Analysis of General Pitch Condition By adopting sportscotland’s grading system for natural grass and synthetic turf pitches, the overall condition of Moray’s pitches appears to be significantly better in comparison to the overall pitch condition in Scotland as a whole.
Of the 56 natural grass pitches surveyed, 23 (41 per cent) were deemed to be adequate. This compares to only 17 per cent of the pitches assessed as part of the National Audit of Scotland’s Sports Facilities4. Nevertheless, in relation to Moray’s 8
3 Although in this context ‘environmental’ relates to social, cultural and technological trends, climate change is also relevant. For example, during the winter of 2007, the UK had 434mm of rainfall-31 per cent more than average. Wetter weather will impact on the ‘playability’ of pitches. 4 ‘National Audit of Scotland’s Sports Facilities, sportscotland, pub 2006, p 13.
6 secondary school pitches, only the 2 pitches at Elgin Academy and the pitch at Milne’s High School were considered to be adequate. None of the 6 other secondary school pitches was deemed ‘fit for purpose’. Over-use has undermined the durability of the playing surfaces and this has been further exasperated at Keith Grammar School and Lossiemouth High School by inadequate drainage.
Although not surveyed, an additional 2 grass football pitches have been agreed to be provided by Springfield Properties Ltd. The pitches are located within the vicinity of Thornhill Road, Elgin, and will be provided as a developer contribution in association with Elgin South housing development.
Currently, 3 synthetic turf pitches are located in the Moray area. These pitches are located at the two local RAF stations (Kinloss and Lossiemouth) and at Gordounstoun School. Although the condition of these pitches is reported to be adequate, they are privately owned and allow only for limited community access. There are no synthetic turf pitches within the area under Council ownership.
2.3 Demand for Pitches As indicated by Appendix 1, the provision of natural grass pitches is extensive throughout Moray. There is, however, a significant level of dissatisfaction expressed by both School PE staff and representatives of local football, rugby and hockey clubs, at the condition of Council operated pitches.
This section will examine the current and future demand for pitches by each sport and by Secondary Schools.
2.4 Demand for Football Pitches The overwhelming use of pitches in the Moray area is for football.
The Scottish Football Association (North Section) estimates that there are currently 269 youth and adult teams operating in Moray and a total of 3,742 players. Bookings are primarily made by the Boys’ League, Welfare League, Scottish Junior League (SJFA) and the Soccer 7’s League for pitches in Buckie (Linzee Gordon and Merson Parks), Cullen (Logie Park), Elgin (Deanshaugh, Dovecot Park and Pinefield), Forres (Roysvale and Grant Park), Keith (Fife and Seafield Parks), Lossiemouth (Coulardbank Park) and Rothes (Recreation Park)5.
The Council’s sports facilities team maintains records of bookings. An analysis of the bookings for 2006 reveals that usage is predominately in the evenings and weekends and solely for league and training purposes (as opposed to bookings for casual use). For the pitches mentioned above, it has been estimated that over 960 bookings are made each year. This equates to an average of 80 matches or training sessions on each of the above pitches per year.
The ‘over use’ of these pitches, and the significant impact this has on their condition, is clearly a major factor in the dissatisfaction expressed by the Clubs. As succinctly
5 This figure excludes pupils who play football as part of their PE curriculum or as an extra-curricular activity organised through their school.
7 stated by one Principal Teacher for PE, “with over 70 odd fixtures a year at this ground, no grass football pitch could ever absorb this level of play”.
New health and safety standards stipulated by the Scottish Junior Football Association (SJFA), for all affiliated Clubs, is also having a direct impact on Bishopmill United, Lossiemouth United, Fochabers FC and New Elgin Football Clubs and the respective grounds that they use. Appendix 2 provides an outline of the SJFA requirements. In essence, the new standards require the provision of adequate changing facilities and fencing to enclose the pitches at Deanshaugh, Coulardbank Park, Fochabers and Pinefield Playing fields. Failure to meet this requirement will carry the risk that the Clubs in question will be expelled from the SJFA League in 2008.
Elgin City Football Club also wishes to develop a synthetic turf football pitch as part of their Club’s facilities. This would not only be a facility for club training purposes but would also be a facility shared with approximately 100 young people aged 9 to 19 who take part in matches organised through the Elgin District Soccer 6’s Association.
Key Finding: the demand for quality football pitches far exceeds the supply in Moray. Furthermore, Clubs affiliated to the SJFA will require to enclose the pitches they use if they wish to continue to play in the league.
2.5 Demand for Hockey Pitches Quasar Hockey Club, Moray Hockey Club and the Moray Hockey Development Group represent the interests of an estimated 200 club members at under-14, under- 16, under-18, senior ladies and men’s stages of the sport. Members play at both competition league and recreational levels6.
Appendix 1 identifies 6 natural grass pitches for hockey located at Speyside High School, Elgin High School, Elgin Academy, Milne’s High School, Keith Grammar School, Lossiemouth High School (Coulardbank Park) and second generation synthetic turf pitches at Gordonstoun School and RAF Kinloss. Although there is some dissatisfaction expressed in relation to the condition of some of these grass pitches, perhaps a more pressing issue is the availability afforded to clubs in gaining access to the synthetic turf pitches at RAF Kinloss and Gordonstoun School.
As noted by the Head Coach of Quasar Hockey Club, this is a significant issue since currently, “we play at national league level. Eventually, we may be required to play only on water or sand filled pitches if we gain promotion to a higher league”.
Key Finding: the supply of grass hockey pitches is considered to be adequate to meet the basic development needs of hockey in Moray. Nevertheless, at club competition level, hockey is increasingly played on 2nd generation water filled or sand-dressed pitches. With restricted access to the existing pitches at Gordonstoun and RAF Kinloss, there is a need to develop an additional competition standard, synthetic turf pitch in the Moray area for hockey.
2.6 Demand for Cricket Pitches
6 This figure excludes pupils who play hockey as part of their PE curriculum or as an extra-curricular activity organised through their school.
8 Until recently, cricket in Scotland had a relatively low profile. In contrast, cricket in Moray has, for many years, had a strong following with a very proactive Moray Cricket Association in operation. There are 6 senior teams that compete in the North of Scotland Cricket Association League with approximately 150 to 200 members7. In addition, there is also a 6-a-side junior league affiliated with these clubs.
Cricket grounds at Buckie (Linzee Gordon Park), Gordonstoun, Elgin (Cooper Park), Forres (Grant Park), RAF Kinloss, RAF Lossiemouth, Fochabers, Keith (Fife Park) are aligned with each respective Club. Although the up-keep of pavilions and the on- going maintenance of pitches will continue to place financial pressure on each club, the supply of pitches is considered adequate to meet demand. Local clubs, Cricket Scotland and the Council’s sports development team are, nevertheless, keen to invest in the future development of cricket in the area.
Within the Moray Cricket Association’s development plan, one of the problems stated is a lack of coaching facilities. Over the last 5 years, junior development and district squad coaching programmes have resulted in an increase in the number of junior participants coming through the coaching programme. The lack of indoor and outdoor practice nets has, nonetheless, inhibited the future development of more talented youngsters currently playing at junior league level.
A solution to this problem would be to create a dedicated centre for cricket. This would provide a facility for suitable indoor and outdoor coaching. This centre would then act as a satellite site for the Caledonian Cricket Academy. This is a key strategic objective of Cricket Scotland. The requirements for this centre of excellence would include 2 indoor nets, storage, mats and trolleys, 2 outdoor nets and an artificial wicket.
Key Finding: the supply of cricket pitches is considered to be adequate to meet the demand for senior and junior cricket in Moray. The provision of indoor and outdoor practice nets would, however, contribute to the further development of the sport at both grassroots and club league levels.
2.7 Demand for Rugby Pitches Rugby pitches are located at Elgin (Morriston Playing Field), Gordonstoun School, RAF Kinloss and RAF Lossiemouth. In addition rugby training and touch rugby also takes place at Buckie (Linzee Gordon Park). The current number of rugby players in Moray, at junior and senior levels, is in the region of just over 300 participants8.
In recent years, rugby in Moray has experienced a growing resurgence after a number of years of relative decline. Recently, a new club has been set up in Buckie and a new youth team is expected to join the league for Moray in season 2007/08.
Presently, the supply of pitches is considered adequate to meet current demand, although the requirement for a set of rugby posts in the Buckie area is considered a priority.
7 This figure excludes pupils who play cricket as part of their PE curriculum or as an extra-curricular activity organised through their school. 8 This figure excludes pupils who play rugby as part of their PE curriculum or as an extra-curricular activity organised through their school.
9 Morriston Playing Fields, the home of the largest rugby club in the area, is nevertheless, in poor condition. This is due to the ‘overuse’ of the often water-logged pitch for training and matches. The provision of a third generation, multi-purpose synthetic turf pitch in the Elgin area could, however, be used for training and touch rugby purposes. This would, in turn, relieve the pressure and improve the condition of the pitch at Morriston Playing Fields. Similarly, this synthetic turf pitch could also be accessed by Elgin Boys’ Football Club, who also play at Morriston.
Key Finding: the supply of rugby pitches is presently considered to be adequate to meet demand although Morriston Playing Field is often in poor condition. The provision of a third generation synthetic turf pitch could, however, relieve demand and improve the condition of the Morriston rugby pitch. There is also the need to erect a set of rugby posts in the Buckie area as the focus of local rugby development.
2.8 Demand by Schools sportscotland recommend that every secondary school in Scotland should have access to one or more synthetic turf pitches in addition to grass playing fields. This would significantly contribute to schools achieving the recommended two hours of core PE per week. For secondary schools, synthetic turf pitches are increasingly considered an integral element of the school estate since they are able to cope with the high levels of intensive use that the school PE curriculum now demands. The pitches also have the added benefit of providing a playing surface that is not weather sensitive.
Presently, none of the 8 secondary and 46 primary schools in the Moray area has access to a synthetic turf pitch for PE. Nevertheless, questionnaires completed by the Principal Teachers of PE and Active School Co-ordinators at each of the secondary schools revealed unanimous support for the provision of such facilities. It was noted that synthetic turf pitches would be used for the delivery of a broad range of sports including athletics, football, touch rugby and hockey as part of the PE curriculum and Active School’s programme. The proposed usage is consistent with the national curriculum guidance for the delivery of a balanced programme of PE. As one PE teacher put it, “I need a surface for all types of activity at recreational to advanced levels of performance.”
While it may be impossible to provide a playing surface that equally meets all of these differing sport and recreational needs, it is evident that PE professionals are collectively asking for a multi-purpose surface material.
School demand for pitches and changing facilities is not surprisingly concentrated primarily around the school day of 9am to 4pm. As with other local authorities, it is clear that these peak usage times dovetail neatly with the hours when the community would be looking to use these facilities (i.e. 5pm to 9.30pm). It is evident that this is a future opportunity to ensure best value of Council facilities
In addition to the evidence of need for the provision of multi-purpose synthetic turf pitches amongst PE staff, Active Schools Co-ordinators focus a significant amount of their efforts on sports that require outdoor pitches, specifically rugby, football and hockey. Current feedback, particularly in the secondary school sector, reveals that the lack of access to good quality outdoor facilities is a major impairment to their efforts
10 to increase the amount of outdoor sports activity undertaken by children and young people. One of the priority areas identified for development in Moray, for example, is the expansion of the ‘school-to-community club links’. The increase in activity levels, through this aspect of Active Schools, will place additional pressure on sports facility and in particular outdoor pitches in Moray.
If Active Schools is to continue to develop and expand, demand for quality outdoor pitches will soon outstrip supply, as it has already done with the PE curriculum. Active Schools staff, nevertheless, point out that while activity levels are improving, they are not at the level they should be for general health improvement. There is therefore a clear need expressed by Active Schools staff for the provision of synthetic turf pitches designed not only to withstand intense usage but also suitable for multi- sport use.
Key finding: PE teachers and Active School Co-ordinators need access to multi-sport synthetic turf pitches for the delivery of a high quality PE curriculum and an Active Schools Programme. With demand for these facilities is predominately during the school day, there is the potential that pitches and changing facilities can be shared with the community who need and could use these facilities outwith school hours.
2.9 Pavilions and Changing Facilities Appendix 3 provides an overview of the current provision of Council-run pavilions. The overview provides a summary of the condition of each pavilion. The conditions survey was undertaken by the Council’s Property Services Department.
2.10 Analysis of the General Pavilion Condition By adopting sportscotland’s grading system for outdoor facilities, the overall condition of the Council’s pavilions appears to be in better condition compared to the overall picture of pavilions in Scotland as a whole.
Regardless of the age or the type of construction, none of the 15 pavilions surveyed was considered to be in a satisfactory standard (grade 5). Nevertheless, none of the pavilions had deteriorated to the extent that they required immediate replacement (grade 1). This is in the context where, according to sportscotland, 21% of all of Scotland’s local authority pavilions have now deteriorated beyond the point of repair9.
If the Council intends to ensure that these pavilions are maintained to their original state, Property Services have calculated that this will cost an estimated £133,560 over the 5-year period of this strategy.
It should also be noted that Springfield Properties PLC has agreed to provide a changing pavilion as part of the Elgin South Housing Development, in the vicinity of Thornhill Road. This complements the provision of the 2 grass pitches mentioned in section 2.2. The timescale of the ‘gifting’ of the pavilion is not yet known since this is triggered when a specified number of houses have been built on site by the developer. It is not therefore included in the audit.
2.11 Demand for Pavilions
9 ‘National Audit of Scotland’s Sports Facilities, sportscotland, pub 2006, p 33.
11 In general pavilions are located in the vicinity of the pitch areas identified in Appendix 1. Nonetheless, not all of the pitches have pavilions located nearby. Pitches at Merson Park (Buckie), Buckie High School, Speyside High School (Aberlour) and Keith Community High School do not have purpose built changing facilities which are accessible to the community. In line with the previous key finding for secondary school pitches (see paragraph 2.8), it is evident that there is scope to investigate sharing school changing facilities with the local community -outwith school hours- for pitches located at schools but lacking community changing facilities. Conversely, Anderson’s Primary School (Forres), does not have access to changing facilities. The Grant Park Pavilion Committee has, however, agreed in principle to allow access to the changing rooms at the new proposed Grant Park Pavilion, when built10. It should also be noted that the new Grant Park pavilion will provide a very much needed facility for over 300 children who play as part of the Forres Soccer 7’s League.
In relation to the SJFA health and safety standards affecting Bishopmill United, Lossiemouth United, Fochabers FC and New Elgin Football Clubs, it is also a requirement that these Clubs provide access to adequate changing facilities for both players and officials. As noted in Appendix 3, only the pavilions at Deanshaugh and Coulardbank Park would meet the requirement of having their own separate referees’ changing facilities. Nevertheless, all of the Clubs have been advised that continued membership of the league, post 2008, will require that they have exclusive access to their own pavilions and changing facilities.
Key finding: where pitches are located within secondary school grounds, there is scope to allow the community to have access to these facilities outwith school hours. To ensure sports clubs continue to have access to changing pavilions, Moray Council will require to spend £133,560 over the next 5 years in their general upkeep. Council will also require to provide consultation support to local football clubs affected by the new SJFA pavilions requirements if these Clubs are to continue to play in this league.
2.12 Summary of Audit Findings For each of the sports covered by this audit, this section has identified the following key findings. Sport Key Findings Cricket • The supply of cricket pitches is considered to be adequate. • The provision of indoor and outdoor practice nets would, however, contribute to the further development of senior and junior cricket in Moray. Football • The demand for quality football pitches exceeds supply and the condition of many pitches is poor. • For SJFA affiliated clubs, changing facilities need to be brought up to a higher standard and pitches need to be enclosed to meet new health and safety requirements. Hockey • The supply of grass hockey pitches is considered to be adequate for grassroots development needs. • There is, however, the need for an additional 2nd generation sand-dressed or water-filled synthetic turf pitch for club league
10 In June 2007, sportscotland awarded grant assistance of £200,000 towards the construction costs of this community facility that will be managed by the Grant Park Pavilion Committee.
12 matches in Moray. Rugby • Although there is the need to erect a set of rugby posts in the Buckie area for the further development of this sport, the supply of rugby pitches is presently considered to be adequate. • The provision of a 3rd generation synthetic turf pitch for training would, however, relieve pressure and improve the condition of Morriston Playing Field. Multi-sport • As a response to the increasing importance placed on physical school use activity as part of the school curriculum, PE teachers and active school co-ordinators need access to multi-sport synthetic turf pitches for the future delivery of a high quality PE curriculum and an Active Schools Programme. • With schools predominantly accessing changing facilities and pitches during the daytime, there is the potential to provide dual-purpose facilities that can be shared with the community who could access these facilities out-with school hours.
These are the issues that will need to be addressed in the following section in developing a pitch strategy for Moray.
13 3.0 A Pitch Strategy for Moray: The Future State of Play This section will outline the formulation of a strategy for addressing the issues pertaining to each sport, identified as key findings in the previous section.
3.1 Strategy Formulation Based on the key findings of the audit, it is evident that the community needs of those who participate in rugby, football and hockey are not entirely exclusive to one another or, indeed, the needs of the secondary schools in delivering a broad-based curricular and extra-curricular sports programme. There would therefore be scope for clubs and schools to share facilities.
To this end, and in the interests of ensuring best value, the underpinning rationale for this strategy is, wherever appropriate, to provide facilities that can be shared by both schools and the local community.
The synthetic turf pitches proposed for development will therefore be dual-purpose facilities. In line with the key findings, this will mean that the pitches and their associated changing facilities will be accessed by schools predominantly during weekdays and by the community during weekends and evenings.
It is therefore proposed to develop a total of 6 synthetic turf pitches at Keith Grammar School, Speyside Community High School, Buckie Community High School, Elgin Academy, Forres Academy and Elgin High School. This will mean, that within the 5- year time frame of this plan, 6 out of 8 of Moray’s secondary schools would have access to a synthetic turf pitch.
The proposed pitch locations have also been strategically selected on the basis of optimising community access thereby allowing an estimated 98% of the population of Moray to be within an immediate 10mile catchment area of a synthetic turf pitch. The only major population centre that would fall outwith this area would be Tomintoul (pop 322) which would be 22 miles from the nearest pitch at Aberlour.
Diagram 1 illustrates the immediate 10mile catchment area for each proposed pitch development.
14 In line with the key findings, each synthetic turf carpet material will be required to support PE and Active Schools’ staff in delivering a broad range of sporting activities. The audit also highlighted the acute under-supply of quality football pitches. Although there are three main different types of synthetic carpet surface material, and while all may be used for more than one sport, none is suitable for all.
Table 1 illustrates the most suitable type of synthetic turf in relation to each sport.
Type of synthetic turf material Sport 3rd Generation 2nd Generation 2nd Generation (long pile) (sand dressed) (water based) Football 13 3 (11 a-side) Football 13 3 (5 a-side) Rugby 1 4 4 Hockey 3 1 1 Tennis 4 2 4 Netball 4 2 4 Rounders 2 2 2 Lacrosse 2 2 2 American 23 2 Football Athletics 22 2 Training (not field events)
1=Recommeded 2=Suitable 3=Basic Level/Training only 4=Not suitable
From this table it is clear that both 2nd generation and 3rd generation type pitches can be used for a broad range of sports including football and hockey. Nevertheless, although suitable for training purposes, competition league hockey can only be played to a basic/training level on a 3rd generation pitch. Conversely, a 2nd generation pitch will only be suitable for football at a basic training level.
With a ratio of approximately 20 footballers to every 1 hockey player in Moray it is proposed that 5 of the 6 pitches at Keith, Aberlour, Forres, Buckie and the Regional Sports Facility in Elgin will have a 3rd generation carpet installed (certified to a FIFA 2 star standard). In light of the audit findings for the need of a pitch for competitive league hockey, it is however proposed that the synthetic turf pitch at Elgin Academy will have a 2nd generation sand dressed carpet installed.
It is important to note that all of the 3rd generation pitches should not only facilitate 5 a-side and 11 a-side football but will also be equipped with hockey goals and markings in line with the audit’s key findings to support multi-sport use. Furthermore, since one of the key benefits of a synthetic turf pitch is that the surface material can endure 20 to 30 times more play compared to a natural grass pitch this will have two main benefits.
15 First of all, the provision of synthetic turf pitches will provide a strong foundation for increasing the number and frequency-use of people who participate in a range of pitch sport, at all levels and ages, throughout Moray. Secondly, the development of the synthetic turf pitches will have a knock on effect by reducing the demand on Moray’s overused natural grass pitches. It is therefore a reasonable expectation that Moray’s portfolio of natural grass pitches will therefore be in a better, more playable condition with the development of the proposed synthetic turf pitches.
The above information is integral to the development of the objectives and strategies outlined in the following section.
3.2 Strategy Implementation This section will outline the 5 objectives that were identified by the audit and strategies for their realisation.
Objective 1
Issue to be addressed: For SJFA affiliated clubs, changing facilities need to be brought up to a higher standard and pitches need to be enclosed to meet new health and safety requirements. Elgin City also wish to develop a synthetic turf pitch as part of their Club facilities.
Objective 1:To improve the standard of football pavilions and pitches used by Bishopmill United, Fochabers FC, Lossiemouth United, New Elgin FC and Elgin City FC by 2009.
Rationale: The Moray Council has agreed, in principle, to support Bishopmill United, Lossiemouth United and New Elgin FC in their proposals to fence pitches and the development of changing facilities at each respective site in line with SJFA requirements. Council has also agreed to support Elgin City FC in progressing their plans for a synthetic turf pitch as part of their Club facilities.
These proposals are, however, subject to securing a lease agreement providing security of tenure for the ground in question. This in turn requires the Council to submit an application to the Sheriff Court/Court of Session. Unfortunately, the legal costs associated with such applications vary considerably and depend on the number and type of objections received. In essence, the fewer and more straightforward the objections the less the cost. The Clubs in question would therefore not only be required to cover the capital costs of each pitch and pavilion development but would also meet any legal costs incurred.
Based on advice from the Council’s Legal Department, it is proposed that it would be worthwhile to undertake a community consultation exercise as a means of ascertaining likely objections and a better assessment of the costs in pursuing a future application to the Sheriff Court/Court of Session. The Council has agreed to facilitate the community consultation exercise and to meet these costs for Bishopmill United, Lossiemouth United, New Elgin FC, and Elgin City FC.
Milestones: To achieve this objective will require the Clubs in question to work in partnership with Council Officers. Neither the community consultation exercise nor
16 the application to the Sheriff Court/Court of Session can be progressed until Clubs have submitted their development proposals to the Council.
• Submission of development proposals from Clubs which are self-financing • Community consultation undertaken by Council Officers • Submission to Sheriff Court/Court of Session for security of tenure • Planning Permission secured • Construction Phase commences
Cost Estimate: In the absence of Club development proposals, the construction costs for each of these projects is not known at the time of preparing this strategy. The legal fees associated with the application to the Sheriff Court/Court of Session for each Club have been estimated in the region of £4,000 to £30,000. In achieving this objective, there will be no financial implications for the Council.
Objective 2 Issue to be addressed: With restricted access to the existing pitches at Gordonstoun and RAF Kinloss, there is a need to develop an additional 2nd generation competition standard, synthetic turf pitch in the Moray area specifically for hockey.
Objective 2: To develop a ‘hockey centre of excellence’, featuring a second- generation synthetic turf pitch, as part of the enhanced sports facility at Elgin Academy by 2012.
Rationale: the enhanced sports facilities at Elgin Academy are fully integrated as part of the PPP initiative for two secondary schools in Elgin. In addition, to an extensive range of indoor facilities, including an indoor hockey pitch (Unihoc), the proposal also incorporates a 2nd generation pitch (approx 65m x 100m) specifically for hockey but also suitable for football at a basic/training level (see table 1). The facility will incorporate team huts, flood lighting and fencing.
This will be a dual-purpose facility. Elgin Academy will access the pitch and associated facilities during the daytime and the community will have access to these facilities outwith school hours.
Catchment Area: By 2012, the pupil school roll for Elgin Academy is forecast to be 957.11 Since this facility is for the whole of Moray, it will cover a total population catchment area of 86,940 (2001 Census for Moray) of which approximately 200 are affiliated to Clubs.
Milestones: At the time of developing this strategy, the revised outline business case for both secondary schools is still under consideration by the Scottish Executive. A timescale for this project has still to be confirmed.
Cost Estimate: The cost of the 2nd generation pitch and ‘hockey centre of excellence’ has been estimated as £400,000 (subject to confirmation). It is proposed that this project will be part funded through the PPP scheme and through securing sportscotland grant assistance of £160,000 (40%) towards the cost of this facility.
11 ‘2005-Based School Roll Forecasts’, The Moray Council, pub 2006.
17 Objective 3 Issue to be addressed: The further development of cricket, at grassroots and club league levels, is being curtailed due to the inadequate provision of indoor and outdoor practice nets.
Objective 3: To provide indoor cricket practice nets, as part of the Moray Regional Sports Facility and as part of the Caledonian Cricket Academy by 2012.
Rationale: The Moray Regional Sports Facility will be located at Elgin High School and will form part of the two secondary schools PPP initiative for Elgin. The proposed range of indoor facilities is extensive and will also incorporate a satellite cricket centre for the Caledonian Cricket Academy. This will provide a facility suitable for indoor and outdoor coaching. The centre will be shared with local cricket clubs and will consist of 2 indoor nets, storage, mats and trolleys. The outdoor facility will consist of 2 outdoor nets and an artificial wicket.
Catchment Area: By 2012, the pupil school roll for Elgin High School is forecast to be 638.12 Since this facility is for the whole of Moray, it will cover a total population catchment area of 86,940 (2001 Census for Moray) of which there are 6 senior teams in the North of Scotland Cricket Association League with a 6-a-side junior league affiliated with these clubs.
Milestones: At the time of developing this strategy, the revised outline business case for both secondary schools is still under consideration by the Scottish Executive.
• A Stage 2 funding application for £1,200,000 has been submitted to sportscotland. An outcome of this application is anticipated by January 2008.
• A timescale for this project has still to be confirmed.
Cost Estimate: The Regional Sports Facility is a PPP initiative, which it is also proposed will receive £1,250,000 from the Council’s Leisure and Healthy Living Programme. Following the submission of a grant application to sportscotland, it is also the intention to secure grant assistance of £1,200,000 from this source (subject to confirmation). The cost of the cricket facility is an estimated £44,200 and will be part funded by the Moray Cricket Association.
Objective 4 Issue to be addressed: The demand for quality football pitches far exceeds the supply of facilities in Moray. PE teachers and active school co-ordinators also need access to multi-sport synthetic turf pitches for the future delivery of a high quality PE curriculum and extra curricular activities.
Objective 4: To develop five 3rd generation synthetic turf pitches, and associated changing facilities, at Buckie, Keith, Speyside, Forres Secondary Schools and Elgin High School (part of the Regional Sport Facility) by 2012.
12 ‘2005-Based School Roll Forecasts’, The Moray Council, pub 2006.
18 Rationale: As noted under the strategy formulation section (see section 3.1), the proposed pitches are designed for dual purpose use (i.e. access for both community and schools users) and will be installed with a 3rd generation carpet material suitable for multi-sport use and, in particular, football.
A specialist consultant has been appointed to assist in progressing each of these pitch developments. Consequently, as a result of comprehensive site investigations, draft performance specifications (for a design and build option) have now been prepared for each of the proposed facilities (except for the Regional Sports Facility, which is subject to PPP guidelines/procedures).
In light of the substantial capital investment in developing these synthetic turf pitches and associated changing facilities, it is proposed to stagger their development over the 5 -year time frame of this strategy. It is therefore the intention to develop the synthetic turf pitches for the Buckie and Aberlour areas in the period 2007/08-2008/09 and the pitches at Keith, Forres and Elgin High School/Regional Sports Facility by 2010/11- 2011/12.
Catchment Area: Since the 5 synthetic turf pitches will cover the whole of Moray, it will cover a total population catchment area of 86,940 (2001 Census for Moray). As noted, 98% of the population will be in an immediate 10-mile catchment area of a synthetic turf pitch. This represents 85,537 of the population of Moray (2001 Census for Moray).
Each pitch development will also serve each respective secondary school. The following school rolls are based on the forecasted figures for 2012.
Buckie Community High School (841), Speyside Community High School (Aberlour) (472), Keith Grammar School (472), Forres Academy (940), Elgin High School/Regional Sports Facility (638)13.
Milestones: To achieve this objective will require that the following milestones be reached. Please note that the dates are for guidance purposes only and subject to confirmation.
• Appointment of Consultant (complete) • Site investigations undertaken by consultant (complete) • Consultation with relevant community stakeholders and clubs (ongoing) • Performance specifications for a design and build option created (draft complete) Buckie and Aberlour Pitches • Submission of Planning Consent applicants(July 2008) • Submission of Stage 1 application to sportscotland for the Buckie synthetic pitch (August 2007) • Submission of the Stage 2 Application to sportscotland for the Buckie pitch (November 2007) • Tenders for Buckie and Aberlour pitches received (February 2008).
13 ‘2005-Based School Roll Forecasts’, The Moray Council, pub 2006.
19 • Construction of Buckie and Aberlour Synthetic Turf Pitches Commences (June 2008) Keith and Forres Pitches • Further community consultation exercise undertaken (June 2008) • Application to Sheriff Court/Court of Session for Forres-if applicable and status subject to confirmation (September 2008). • Submission of Planning Consent Applicants (June 2008) • Tenders for Forres and Keith pitches received (March 2009). • Construction of Forres and Keith Synthetic Turf Pitches commences (June 2009)
Subject to confirmation, the timescale for the completion of the construction phase of the Elgin High School/ Regional Sports Facility to thought to be 2012.
Cost Estimate: Each pitch has been estimated as costing in the region of £400,000. Up-grading and providing changing facilities that are suitable for being made accessible to the local community have been estimated as costing in the region of £100,000.
As noted above, it is the intention to secure sportscotland grant assistance of £160,000 (40%) for the cost of developing the Buckie synthetic turf pitch project in 2007/08.
Objective 5 Issues to be addressed: The Council’s portfolio of pavilions and natural grass pitches are made accessible to the community at an adequate standard. Ensure the new pavilion and grass pitches at Thornhill Road, Elgin and the proposed 6 synthetic turf pitches are adequately maintained and to erect a set of rugby posts in the Buckie area.
Objective 5: To adequately maintain a portfolio of existing and new pavilions, natural grass and synthetic turf pitches at various locations throughout Moray and to erect a set of rugby posts in the playing fields at Buckie Community High School.
Rationale: the provision of quality pitches and changing facilities does not stop with their installation. To ensure that facilities retain as much as their value as possible, it is necessary that they remain adequately maintained.
This, in turn, necessitates that an appropriate maintenance cycle is in place for natural grass pitches, pavilions and that a maintenance model is adopted for the new synthetic turf pitches.
While maintenance of a synthetic turf pitch is relatively straight forward, neglecting to develop and implement a cycle will have serious long term consequences and will shorten the 10 to 15 year life cycle of the carpet. The major tasks will be mechanically brushing the carpet fibres on a weekly basis and replacing and topping up the rubber infill particles on a daily basis. Leaves, litter and debris will also have to be removed from the playing surface regularly.
On an annual basis, it has been recommended that an external vendor is contracted to revitalise and thoroughly clean the pitch to help ensure the pitch retains its value.
20 If the daily maintenance tasks can be absorbed by school janitorial staff and the weekly brushing of the pitch fibres can be incorporated within the work load of the Council’s Lands and Parks Section this will significantly reduce the ongoing running costs. The only other major expenses will, therefore, be the ‘one-off’ purchase of a small ground maintenance tractor, with a rotary grooming brush (estimated as £20,000), and the annual cost of a contractor to clean the carpet. This could cost in the region of £20,000 for 4 pitches each year. Please note that the two PPP related pitches will require to have separate maintenance arrangements in place.
Milestones: the major milestone for this objective relates to developing a maintenance schedule for the new synthetic turf pitches. It is the intention that this will be in place prior to construction having commenced on the first synthetic turf pitch in June 2008.
Subject to consultation with Buckie Community High School and Active Schools’ staff it is proposed to erect rugby posts in the grounds of Buckie Community High School by December 2007.
Cost Estimate: For Council properties it is estimated that £133,560 will require to be spent over the next 5 years for the maintenance and general up-keep of Council- owned pavilions.
For pitches on Council sites, it is estimated that the maintenance cycle of grass cutting scarifying, spiking, re-seeding and line marking will cost annually (including labour) £2,000 per full-sized pitch and £1,200 for a 7-a-side pitch. For Council pitches, this would represent a cost of £475,000 over the 5-year period of this strategy.
For the 4 synthetic turf pitches (excluding the PPP related pitches), the major cost will be the purchase of a ground maintenance tractor (£20,000) and annual revitalising of the pitch carpets at £20,000 per year. The synthetic turf maintenance costs over the 5- year period of this plan have been estimated in the region of £120,000 (excluding labour).
The cost of a set of rugby posts has been quoted in the region of £1,500. (please note this excludes the delivery and installation costs).
3.3 Summary: Partner Funding Table The following table provides a summary of who will be the lead partner and the proposed sources of funding in relation to the above objectives.
21 Sources of Funding
Objective Lead Partner Council PPP Club (own funds) Sportscotland external Other funding 1. To improve the standard of football pavilions and pitches used by Bishopmill United, Fochabers FC, Lossiemouth Clubs 7 Tbc United, New Elgin FC and Elgin City FC by 2009. 2. To develop a ‘hockey centre of excellence’, featuring a 2nd generation Council synthetic turf pitch, as part of the U enhanced sports facility at Elgin Academy by 2012. 3. To provide indoor practice nets, as part Council of the Moray Regional Sports Facility and and as part of the Caledonian Cricket Moray ' Academy by 2012. Cricket Assoc 4.To develop five 3rd generation synthetic turf pitches, and associated changing facilities, at Buckie, Keith, Speyside, Council P U Forres Community Secondary Schools and Elgin Community High School (as part of the Regional Sports Facility) by 2012. 5.To adequately maintain the current portfolio of existing and new pavilions, natural grass and synthetic turf pitches at Council P various locations throughout Moray and to erect a set of rugby posts in the playing fields at Buckie Community High School.
Notes
7= Council has agreed to meet the costs of undertaking a community consultation exercise as a preparatory step in submitting an application to the Sheriff Court/Court of Session (excluding Fochabers FC).
'= While Council is the lead partner, it is proposed that the Moray Cricket Association will contribute towards the £44,200 costs in developing the cricket element of this project.
P= Elgin Community High School (Moray Regional Sports Facility) and Elgin Academy projects only.
U=Over the 5-year period of this plan, it is proposed to submit applications for 40 per cent of the cost in installing the Buckie synthetic turf pitch (2007/2008) and 40 per cent of the cost in installing the synthetic turf pitch at Elgin Academy.
22 4.0 Conclusion Without the commitment to provide modern and accessible outdoor sports facilities in Moray, the opportunities to participate in the pathway from grassroots involvement in sport to participation at an elite level will be severely undermined.
With a commitment to this strategy, more people of all ages, will have the opportunity to participate and excel in team sports than ever before. As articulated in the Physical Activity, Sport and Health Strategy, this will result in more people ‘living active lives and improving their health and well-being through physical activity and sport’.
23 Appendix 1: Summary of Pitch Condition Survey Pitch Use Owner Condition Comment Grading Aberlour Speyside HS (3) F,H Council Prone to being water-logged. 2 Buckie Merson Park (2) F Council Pitch 1: Good condition. 3 Pitch 2: Poor. 2 Buckie HS F Council Poor drainage. 2 Portessie F Council Poor condition due to over-use 2 Linzee Gordon C, Council Good condition, however, severe 2 (2) F,R drainage problem at pavilion car park. Burghead Burghead F Council Over-used and poor car parking. 2 Cullen Logie Park F Council Good condition but sloping ground on 3 field margins. Dufftown Mortlach School F Council Poor drainage. 3 Duffus Duffus Playing F Council Poor drainage. 2 Field (2 ) Gordonstoun C,R,F Private Restricted access. School ,H (2nd generation synthetic turf pitch) Elgin Area Borough Briggs F Council Poor drainage/within flood alleviation 1 area. Deanshaugh (3) F Council Currently being renovated. Tbc Dovecot Park F Council Poor drainage. 1 Thornhill Road F Council 2 pitches under development. Tbc (2) Pinefield F Council Damage due to overuse. 2 Mosstowie F Council Over-used, 7 a-side only. 3 Lhanbryde F Council Over-used. 3 Seafield School F Council Over-used. 7 a-side only. 3 West End F Council Over-used. 7 a-side only 2 Morriston F,R Community Prone to flooding. Within the flood 1 alleviation area. Cooper Park C,F Council Within the flood alleviation area. Prone 3 to over-use. Elgin High H,F Council Location for PPP School. Synthetic turf 2 School (2) pitch proposed. Elgin Academy F,H Council Location for PPP School. Synthetic turf 3 pitches proposed. Forres Area Grant Park (3) C,F Council 7-a-side pitches. 3 Roysvale F Council Damaged due to over-use. 2 RAF Kinloss C,R,F RAF Restricted access. 3 (2nd generation synthetic turf pitch) Forres Academy F Council Over-used. 2 (2) Fochabers Milne’s High F,H Council Good condition. 3 School (2) Cricket Ground C Community Good condition. Restricted access, 3 private club. Fochabers F Council Poor drainage 2 Playing Field Hopeman
24 Hopeman F Community Good condition, prone to over-use. 3 Playing Field Keith Fife Park (2) C Council Slight drainage problem, especially in 3 winter. In general, good condition. Newmill Park F Community Good condition, restricted access, prone 3 to overuse. Seafield Park F Council Showground area. Poor drainage. 1 Keith Grammar F,H Council Poor drainage in parts. 2 School (2) Simpson F Community Good condition though prone to drainage 3 Memorial Park problems. Knockando Cardhu F Community 7 a-side only. Over used. 2 Distillery Knockando F Community 7 a-side only. Over used. 2 Playing Field Lossiemouth Coulardbank F,H Council Very poor drainage and over-played. 1 Park RAF F,H,R RAF Restricted access. 3 Lossiemouth F (2nd generation synthetic turf pitch.) 3 Mosstodloch Mosstodloch F Council Good condition, restricted access. 3 Playing Field Portgordon Portgordon F Community Good condition, restricted access. 3 Football Club Portknockie Macleod Park F Council Good condition, restricted access. 3 (2) Rothes Public Park F Council Subject to Flood Prevention Order. 3 Tomintoul Tomintoul F Council Good condition, restricted access. 3 School Urquhart Public Park F Community Over-used. Restricted access. 7 a-side 2 only.
Key Grading (based on sportscotland categories)
1=Requires refurbishment or replacing 2=Requires rejuvenation/renovation/patching 3=Adequate
C=Cricket F=Football H=Hockey R=Rugby
25 Appendix 2: Scottish Junior Football Association Pitch and Facilities Requirements (Extract from SJFA Guidelines)
Item 5 states: -
“All new clubs making application for membership of the Scottish Junior Football Association must have a ground complying with the following requirements:
a) Must be enclosed with a suitable fence to keep spectators from gaining entry to the ground without payment; b) Must have a pavilion situated inside the ground and closely adjacent to playing field with separate stripping accommodation for home and visiting teams and for match official, all with adequate toilet and washing facilities. c) The playing field must be properly fenced to keep spectators from encroaching on the field; d) Grounds and facilities must satisfy the inspection of the Scottish Junior Football Association. Ground inspection fee of £40 must accompany application for membership and clubs will be responsible for expenses incurred for any further inspections required.”
Appendix 3: Summary of Pavilion Condition Survey
Facility Use Referees’ Number of Estimated Grading Changing Team restoration Room? Changing costs (for the Rooms next 5 years) Buckie Linzee C,F,R No 2 £5,250 4 Gordon Park Pavilion Cullen Logie Park F No 2 £10,350 3 Pavilion Elgin Cooper Park C,F No 2 £17,050 2 Cricket Pavilion Deanshaugh F Yes 6 £4,450 4 Pavilion Dovecot Park F No 2 £17,300 2 Pavilion Pinefield F No 2 £8,600 3* Pavilion Fochabers Fochabers F No 2 £5,550 3* Playing Field Pavilion Forres Changing F N 2 £13,700 2* Pavilion (Grant Park) Grant Park F Proposed new facility currently under development. Pavilion
26 Roysvale F Yes 2 £8,830 3 Pavilion Keith Fife Park C,F No 2 £10,450 3 Pavilion Seafield Park F No 2 £4,200 4 Pavilion St Rufus ? No 2 £13,500 3 Pavilion Lossiemouth Coulardbank F Yes 4 £7,750 4 Pavilion Rothes Football F No 2 £6,580 3 Pavilion (Green St)
NB- All of the above pavilions are Council owned. Conditions surveys were not avaiable for pavilions owned by Clubs. The survey excludes the Ian Johnston Park Pavilion (Buckie), and the Station Park Pavilion (Lossiemouth) which are currently not in use.
Key Grading (based on sportscotland categories)
1=Requires replacement 2=Requires major refurbishment 3=Requires moderate refurbishment 4=Reqires minor refurbishment 5=Satisfactory standard *= Asbestos present
C=Cricket F=Football H=Hockey R=Rugby
27