Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council
Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report
March 2019
Neil Allen Associates Registered Office: 20 Brook Road, Lymm, Cheshire, WA139AH A limited company, registered in England and Wales no. 616528
Contents
Section 1: Introduction 1
Section 2: Methodology 4
Section 3: Strategic Context 10
Section 4: Cricket 20
Section 5: Bowls 51
Section 6: Tennis 73
Section 7: Golf 92
Section 8 Hockey 111
Section 9 Rugby 122
Section 10 Football 139
Section 11 Summary 213
1: Introduction
Introduction
1.1 In June 2017, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, (HBBC) working in partnership with Sport England, and the National Governing Bodies of Sport, commissioned naa to produce a Playing Pitch Strategy for the period 2018 - 2036 (this will cover the Local Plan period 2016 - 2036).
1.2 The strategy covers the sports of football, cricket, rugby, golf, hockey, tennis and bowls.
1.3 This document is the assessment report. It summarises the key issues arising from the assessment of facilities and informs the preparation of the strategy document (under separate cover). For each of the sports covered, it aims to;
summarise the current supply of facilities;
outline current demand and evaluate likely future demand;
evaluate the overall adequacy of provision to meet current and projected future demand; and
identify the key issues for the Playing Pitch Strategy to address.
1.4 The strategy document will build on the issues identified and set out strategic priorities and actions for delivery.
Key Drivers
1.5 HBBC and partners are developing a playing pitch strategy for the following reasons;
to ensure that the provision of outdoor sports facilities is planned for holistically, and that the needs of the current and future population of the Borough can be fully met;
to inform the review of the local plan - the existing core strategy, area action plans, site allocations and development management policies DPDs are under review and a new plan will set out how the borough of Hinckley and Bosworth will grow and develop up to 2036 - the strategy will inform this document;
to provide a robust evidence base and data set, to inform future planning on all levels, from strategic to neighbourhood planning;
to inform and support the determination of relevant planning applications. The strategy will also help identify priorities that can assist the collection and allocation of developer contributions; maximising the benefits for sport and active recreation;
to provide an evidence base to support funding bids to National Sports bodies like Sport England and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport, as well as regional and local funders; for the delivery of sports and recreational facilities in the Borough;
to inform Hinckley and Bosworth internal capital spending on the provision and management of playing pitches;
to support improvements to pitches and other sports facilities across the borough, both within the urban areas and in the more rural outlying Parishes; and
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To help promote sports development.
Vision and Objectives
1.6 The strategy (and this assessment report, which supports the strategy document) seeks to support HBBC and its partners in attaining its vision for outdoor sports, which is that:
The Playing Pitch Strategy will help secure access to high quality opportunities for sport and recreation across the borough, contributing to the improvement of the health and well-being of communities. The Strategy will help to ensure that the planning policies in the Hinckley and Bosworth Local Plan are based on a robust and up-to-date assessment of the needs for outdoor sports facilities.
1.7 To achieve the strategic vision, the strategy therefore seeks to deliver the following objectives;
Strategic
Help improve health and well-being and increase participation in sport
Ensure a strategic approach to playing pitch and outdoor sports facility provision.
Planning
Inform the development and implementation of planning policy by adding to the evidence base for the review of the Local Plan and associated documents
Inform the assessment of planning applications that affect playing fields or propose creation of new facilities
Improve evidence to help protect and enhance existing provision.
Operational
Improve current asset management to ensure the most efficient management and maintenance of playing pitch provision
Understand the use of current, lapsed and disused sites to determine whether the current maintenance and management regimes are appropriate or require change.
Sports Development
Identify where community use of school sports pitches is feasible and most needed to address any identified deficits in pitch provision
Promote sports development and unlock latent demand by identifying where the lack of facilities might be suppressing the formation of teams / community needs
Help identify future trends in sports provision and align this to need.
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1.8 The remainder of this assessment report is set out as follows;
Section 2: Methodology - this section sets out the methodology undertaken
Section 3: Strategic Context - this section summarises the key issues in the borough relating to demographics, health and wellbeing and the facility implications
Section 4: Cricket - this section outlines the current picture for cricket and evaluates the adequacy of existing provision to meet current and projected future demand
Section 5: Bowls - this section outlines the current picture for bowls and evaluates the adequacy of existing provision to meet current and projected future demand
Section 6: Tennis - this section outlines the current picture for tennis and evaluates the adequacy of existing provision to meet current and projected future demand
Section 7:Golf - this section outlines the current picture for golf and evaluates the adequacy of existing provision to meet current and projected future demand
Section 8: Hockey - this section outlines the current picture for hockey and evaluates the adequacy of existing provision to meet current and projected future demand
Section 9: Rugby - this section outlines the current picture for rugby and evaluates the adequacy of existing provision to meet current and projected future demand
Section 10: Football - this section outlines the current picture for football and evaluates the adequacy of existing provision to meet current and projected future demand
Section 11: Summary – this section provides a summary of the key issues arising for each sport that will need to be addressed by the strategy document.
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2: Methodology
Introduction
2.1 This section summarises the methodology that has been used in the preparation of this assessment report and the strategy document that is under separate cover. This assessment and strategy has been produced in line with ‘Playing Pitch Guidance, An approach to Developing and Delivering a Playing Pitch Strategy (Sport England 2013) and Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guide for Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities; Sport England 2013).
Playing Pitches for Football, Cricket, Rugby and Hockey
2.2 Figure 2.1 summarises the stages of the methodology used. This assessment report summarises steps 1 – 6 (also referred to in the guidance as Stages A - C) while the strategy document will include recommendations and actions (Stages D and E).
Figure 2.1: Developing and Delivering a Playing Pitch Strategy – The 10 Step Approach
Geographical Analysis
2.3 The assessment covers the area within the local authority boundaries of Hinckley and Bosworth.
2.4 To provide a further understanding of the spatial distribution of both supply and demand, as well as to add a geographical dimension to analysis, the borough has also been divided into sub areas. These divide the borough into the urban area of Hinckley and Burbage and the remaining area (termed Northern Parishes for the purpose of this assessment).
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2.5 While analysis in this assessment report is primarily presented at a borough wide and sub area level, site specific detail is also provided both in the report and in the accompanying appendices and database. This ensures that data can be analysed at any geographical level required.
2.6 PPS guidance uses the following definitions of a playing pitch and playing field. These definitions are set out by the Government in the 2015 ‘Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order’.1 It should be noted that the reference to five years within the Order is purely in relation to whether Sport England should be consulted in a statutory capacity. The fact that a playing field may not have been marked out for pitch sport in the last 5 years does not mean that it is no longer a playing field - this remains its lawful planning use whether marked out or not;
Playing pitch – a delineated area which is used for association football, rugby, cricket, hockey, lacrosse, rounders, baseball, softball, American football, Australian football, Gaelic football, shinty, hurling, polo or cycle polo.
Playing field – the whole of a site which encompasses at least one playing pitch.
2.7 Although the statutory definition of a playing field is the whole of a site with at least one pitch of 0.2ha or more, this PPS takes into account smaller sized pitches that contribute to pitch stock, for example, 5v5 mini football pitches. This PPS counts individual grass pitches (as a delineated area) as the basic unit of supply. The definition of a playing pitch also includes artificial grass pitches (AGPs).
2.8 As far as possible the assessment report aims to capture all of the pitches within Hinckley and Bosworth. There may however be instances where a site is omitted. Where pitches have not been recorded within the report they remain as pitches and for planning purposes continue to be so. Furthermore, exclusion of a pitch does not mean that it is not required from a supply and demand point of view. The strategy document will seek to ensure that the list of sites within the Borough is kept up to date as any omissions arise.
Steps 2 and 3 – Gather Supply and Demand Information and Views
Supply
2.9 The data collection process included a full audit of pitches across the borough. For each site, the following information was collected;
Site name, location, ownership and management type Number and type of pitches and outdoor sports facilities Accessibility of pitches to the community Overall quality of pitches and ancillary facilities (including maintenance regimes) Level of protection and security of tenure Views of users and providers.
Demand
2.10 To evaluate the demand for playing pitches, the following information was collated;
Number of sports clubs and teams and their match and training requirements Casual and other demand Educational demand
1. www.sportengland.org>Facilities and Planning> Planning Applications
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Displaced demand (i.e. teams wishing to play within the borough but unable to) Latent demand Future demand (including club and team aspirations for development as well as National Governing Body priorities and targets) User views and experiences, including trends and changes in demand.
2.11 The following tasks were undertaken to compile the above supply and demand data;
Review of existing HBBC data on playing fields and open space and the Sport England Active Places tool Reviewing NGB data on pitches, outdoor sports facilities and local participation Full review of local league websites, fixture lists and pitch booking records Use of available technical quality assessment reports Undertaking non-technical site visits Undertaking a detailed survey and follow up consultation with secondary schools and other schools with community use A full programme of consultation with sports clubs and league secretaries Face to face and telephone discussions with NGBs to discuss key issues and priorities. 2.12 A high proportion of teams in Hinckley and Bosworth successfully engaged with the process as set out in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1: Club Survey Response Rate
Cricket Hockey Bowls Rugby Football Tennis Golf Union 75% 100% 80% 100% 90% 100% 100%
Steps 4, 5 and 6 – Assessing the Supply and Demand Information and Views
2.13 The supply and demand information collated has been used, in line with the Sport England methodology, to;
understand the situation at individual sites; develop the current and projected future pictures for each sport; and identify the key findings and issues that need to be addressed.
2.14 Figure 2.2 overleaf, extracted directly from the guidance (Sport England 2013), provides further detail of the issues explored during the analysis of the adequacy of provision.
Steps 6 - 10 Develop the Strategy and Deliver the Strategy and Keep it Up to Date and Robust
2.15 The strategy document will use the issues identified to set out a strategic framework for the provision of pitches. Recommendations and priorities will be developed following extensive scenario testing and in conjunction with key stakeholders (both internal to the Council and external).
Non Pitch Sports - Sport England (Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guide for Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities; 2013)
2.16 For bowls and tennis, the assessment stages (Phase A) of the Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guide (ANOG) approach are as follows:
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Stage 1 – Prepare and tailor your assessment Stage 2 – Gather information on supply and demand Stage 3 – Assessment, bring the information together.
2.17 The key tasks undertaken in relation to the assessment are briefly summarised below.
Stage 1: Undertaking an Assessment:
2.18 This was carried out through detailed discussions with the steering group.
Stage 2: Gather Information on Supply and Demand
2.19 To gather information on supply, visits were made to all bowling greens and tennis courts and assessments made of their quality, maintenance and ‘fit for purpose’ rating. Discussions were held with operators, managers and users.
2.20 To gather information on demand, questionnaires were sent (many with follow up phone calls and/or visits) to all known sports clubs. Consultation took place with national and regional governing body of sport representatives.
Stage 3: Assessment – Bring the Information Together
2.21 The analysis seeks to bring together the evidence gathered to gain an understanding of the relationship between supply and demand. Key findings and issues to be addressed are set out for each of the sports / facilities covered.
B Application of Assessment – Strategy Development
2.22 Recommendations and strategy priorities are developed to address the issues identified through the data collection and analysis undertaken in Step A.
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Figure 2.2: Overview of the Assessment Process
Understand the situation at An overview for each site available to the community should 2.1 be developed consisting of: individual sites 2.2 1. A comparison between the amount of play a site can accommodate with how much play takes place there; 2. Whether there is any spare capacity during the peak period for relevant pitch types; 3. The key issues with, and views of, the provision at the site.
Develop2.3 the current Site overviews should be used to help understand: picture2.4 of provision 2.5 1. The situation across all sites available to the community; 2.6 2. The situation across only those sites with secured community use; 3. The nature and extent of play taking place at sites with unsecured community use; 4. The nature and extent of any displaced, unmet and latent demand; 5. Key issues raised with the adequacy of provision; 6. The situation at any priority sites.
Develop the future The current picture of provision and the future demand picture of provision information from Stage B should be used to help understand:
1. How population change will affect the demand for provision; 2. How participation targets and current/future trends may affect the demand for provision; 3. Whether there are any particular sports clubs or sites where demand is likely to increase; 4. How any forthcoming changes in supply may affect the adequacy of provision to meet demand.
Identify the key findings The current and future pictures of provision, along with the and issues site overviews, should be used to answer the following questions:
1. What are the main characteristics of the current and future supply of and demand for provision? 2. Is there enough accessible and secured community use provision to meet current and future demand? 3. Is the provision that is accessible of sufficient quality and appropriately managed?
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This Assessment
2.23 The remainder of this assessment therefore provides an overview of each sport in Hinckley and Bosworth BC and provides the evidence behind the issues presented in the strategy document.
2.24 To inform the analysis of the current and projected future picture for each sport, Section 3 summarises the strategic context, as well as demographic profile (both current and future).
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3: Strategic Context
Introduction
3.1 This section briefly summarises the key policies that impact upon the preparation of this assessment and strategy and provides an overview of the demographics of the borough and the impact of this on demand for pitch sports and outdoor sports facilities. It provides an overview only - sport specific issues are discussed in Sections 4 onwards.
Strategic Context
National Level
3.2 At a national level, there are several key policies that impact upon the preparation of this Playing Pitch and outdoor sports facilities assessment.
3.3 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) clearly establishes the requirement for local plans to ensure that there is proper provision of community and cultural facilities to meet local needs. The NPPF’s expectations for the development of local planning policy for sport and physical activity/recreation is set out in paragraphs 96 and 97 which require there to be a sound (i.e. up-to- date and verifiable) evidence base underpinning policy and its application. Paragraph 96 indicates that:
‘Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation and physical activity is important for the health and well-being of communities. Planning policies should be based on robust and up to date assessments of the need for open space, sports and recreation facilities (including qualitative or quantitative deficits or surpluses) and opportunities for new provision. Information gained from the assessments should be used to determine what open space, sports and recreational provision is needed, which plans should then seek to accommodate.’
3.4 Paragraph 97 states that:
‘Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, should not be built on unless:
an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements; or
the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or
the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the benefits of which clearly outweigh the loss of the current or former use
3.5 The preparation of this playing pitch assessment and strategy will help to ensure that Hinckley and Bosworth BC are able to deliver upon the requirements of this national policy.
3.6 Sport England has been a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing pitches since 1996 and has a long established policy of retention, which is the precursor to the National Planning Policy Framework guidance above. Sport England also advises that informed decisions on playing pitch matters require all local authorities to have an up to date assessment of need and a strategy emanating from this. Sport England recommend that a strategy is monitored and updated annually and refreshed every three years. This assessment will support the Council in implementing a robust strategic approach to the delivery of pitches. Sport England’s National Strategy ‘Towards an Active Nation (“016 - 2021)’ underpins this playing pitch assessment.
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3.7 Focusing specifically on sport, most of the National Governing Bodies have facility strategies setting out the requirements for their sport as follows;
The Football Association - National Game Strategy for Participation and Development (2015 - 2019)
Cricket Unleashed –Strategic Plan (2016)
The Rugby Football Union National Facilities Strategy (2013 – 2017) (currently being updated).
England Hockey Facilities Strategy – (2017 - 2021).
3.8 The key principles of each of these strategic documents are outlined in the appendices. These principles will be considered both in the assessment of the adequacy of facilities and in the strategy document, determining the future priorities for delivery of each sport.
Local Policy Context
3.9 The preparation of this Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Facility Strategy also impacts upon, or is informed by, a number of key local documents. These are briefly summarised in Table 3.1.
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Table 3.1: Key Strategic Documents in Hinckley and Bosworth
Document details Description of main content Key implications for Playing Pitch Strategy
The Core Strategy was adopted in 2009 and sets out the general vision and spatial The Local Plan 2006 - 2026 will be superseded by the new Local Plan. A strategy for the delivery of the local plan 2006 - 2026. It outlines the broad Local Plan Review is currently underway to deliver this and will set out how Local Plan 2006 – 2026: locations proposed for housing development and other strategic needs. the borough will grow and develop up to 2036. It will will set out the Core Strategy (2009), policies to guide development and protect the environment. It will also set two Area Action Plans, Development Plan Documents implement the vision contained within the core aside land to meet identified needs. and Site Allocations strategy. These include site allocations and local area action plans and these and Development amount to the ‘Local Plan 2006-2026’. This Playing Pitch Assessment will inform the Local Plan Review, providing a Management Policies robust evidence base for decision making. It will highlight where new DPD (2016) provision is needed and where existing provision requires enhancement and will help to ensure that the facility stock is tailored to the changing needs of the local population.
The corporate plan sets out the Councils vision for the Borough up to 2021. It sets This playing pitch strategy will contribute to the achievement of the goals out key priorities under three overarching strategic priorities; of the corporate plan, providing an evidence base outlining the current situation and setting key actions that will support the improved delivery of People - helping people to stay healthy, active and protected from harm sport and recreation facilities across the borough.
Places - creating clean and attractive places to live and work
Prosperity - encouraging growth, attracting businesses, improving skills and supporting regeneration.
Hinckley and Bosworth In order to achieve each of the strategic priorities, the corporate plan sets a series Corporate Plan 2017 of actions that will happen. Of specific note to the preparation of the playing pitch strategy, the document indicates that;
We will bring in initiatives to improve health through our health and wellbeing strategy
We will continue to work with our partners to make the most of our thriving voluntary and community sector
Our existing parks, open spaces and playgrounds will continue to meet high quality standards.
This strategy document and assessment will provide a robust evidence base Leicester and outlining the adequacy of facilities to meet existing demand and the Leicestershire Strategic The emerging Strategic Growth Plan is being developed by a partnership improvements that are required to the facility stock to meet the needs of
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Document details Description of main content Key implications for Playing Pitch Strategy
Growth Plan formed by Leicester City and Leicestershire County councils, the seven local projected future populations. It will inform the Hinckley and Bosworth borough and district authorities including Hinckley and Bosworth and the Borough Local Plan, which will inform the Leicestershire wide growth Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP). It sets out strategy. This will ensure that , valuable sporting assets are protected and aspirations for delivering growth in Leicestershire until 2050. The final that new facilities are provided in line with population growth where it is version of the plan will provide strategic direction and help shape the new highlighted that they needed. Local Plan for Hinckley and Bosworth.
The assessment considers the need for housing and employment land over the This Playing Pitch Strategy may inform decision making relating to land Housing and Economic next 20 years for the whole of Leicestershire. The findings of this document, required for housing. Following the allocation of sites, it will also be Development Needs alongside wider evidence on land availability and infrastructure will be used to necessary to consider the implications that the location of future provision Assessment 2017 inform the preparation of the Leicestershire Wide Strategic Growth Plan and the will have on demand for sports facilities. new Local Plan for Hinckley and Bosworth.
This document provides an assessment of provision of a range of green space This Playing Pitch Strategy will update the outdoor sports facilities types across the borough. It updates the initial PPG17 study that was completed in assessment of the 2010 PPG17 assessment and complement the findings of 2010. The 2010 study included a review of outdoor sports facilities in the borough. the Open Space and Recreational Study 2016. Hinckley and Bosworth Open Space and While the Open Space and Recreational Study 2017 considers the role of Recreational Study open spaces in general terms, the Playing Pitch Strategy will consider the 2016 specific needs for football, rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis, golf and bowls and follows a detailed methodology set by Sport England. It sets out site specific priorities and actions which should be read in conjunction with the recommendations in the open space assessment.
The strategy presents a long term vision for sport and physical activity in the region This playing pitch assessment will contribute to the achievement of the and indicates that across the partnership, there is a shared commitment to enrich aims and objectives of this strategy document. the lives of the residents of LLR by:
Getting more people to take part in physical activity and sport
Improving physical and mental well being Leicestershire and Rutland Strategy for Sport and Physical Developing the paid and unpaid workforce Activity 2017 - 2021 Creating a strong voice for physical activity and sport
Building a physical activity and sport environment that is safe, fair and customer focused.
The strategy sets the following ambitions:
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Document details Description of main content Key implications for Playing Pitch Strategy
Get Active - ensure that everyone has the opportunity to start participating in physical activity and sport
Stay Active - support people to develop a resilient physical activity and sport habit to ensure lifelong sport participation
Active Places - create facilities, playing pitches and informal spaces that encourage physical activity, are high quality and accessible
Active economy - promote the area as a premier, high performing location for undertaking the business of physical activity and sport.
The plan sets out the strategic priorities for the sport and physical activity growth This playing pitch assessment will contribute to the achievement of the plan, specifically; aims and objectives of this strategy document.
1. Business Theme
a. Provide Sport & Physical Activity sector businesses with access to support to increase their competitiveness both domestically and in international markets
b. Support Sport & Physical Activity sector businesses to maximise innovation in new products, services and processes to increase Leicester and productivity. Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership c. Maximising the impact of increased participation and healthier lifestyles Sector Growth Plan – on the Sport & Physical Activity sector business base. Sports & Physical Activity 2. People Theme
a. Develop the skills base to meet the current and future needs of the sector.
b. Attract and retain young people into the sector.
3. Place Theme
a. Promote Leicester & Leicestershire as a premier location to attract sport & physical activity business investment and tourism
b. Develop a coherent plan to attract and develop sport events of national
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Document details Description of main content Key implications for Playing Pitch Strategy
and international standing
c. Develop sport & physical activity infrastructure to support sector growth and meet increasing demand.
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3.10 Analysis of the key strategic drivers set out in Table 3.1 therefore identifies a consistent theme around increasing participation and ensuring that a network of facilities is provided that can do this, both now and in future years as the population grows and its composition changes.
3.11 The challenge of achieving much needed investment, whilst at the same time making considerable savings is however significant. An effective network of outdoor sports facilities can be central to the achievement of health improvement and participation related goals and will be key to delivering the desired outcomes of other strategies. This will however need to be delivered within an arena of budget cuts and reducing maintenance programmes.
Demographic and Participation Profile
3.12 An understanding of the character of an area, population trends and overall participation in sport underpins the evaluation of the adequacy of outdoor sports facilities in later sections. It provides an important context for the provision of outdoor sports facilities and can significantly influence the amount and type of demand for sporting activities, as well as the challenges associated with providing an adequate supply.
Demographic Context
3.13 The demographic context is central to determining current and future need for outdoor sports facilities.
3.14 The total population of Hinckley and Bosworth according to the Census 2011 was 105,100. On average the population of those under 15 is lower (16%) than average (England 19%), while the population of those that are over 64 is higher (20%) than average (England 16%).
3.15 Given that younger age ranges most traditionally participate in outdoor sport, and the amount falling into this group is below average, this is a less positive indicator in terms of potential sport and physical activity participation. This may impact upon the overall levels of demand for outdoor sports facilities.
Projected Population Growth
3.16 Analysis of projected changes to the population profile forms a key component of facility requirements for outdoor sports facilities and is essential to ensure that there are sufficient facilities to meet future need.
3.17 Population projections (2014-based Subnational Population Projections released in May 2016 - the most up to date source available) reveal that the number of people living in Hinckley and Bosworth had risen to 109,898 by 2017. Figures suggest that the population will further increase by a further 8.9% by 2036 (from 109898 to 122875). This represents a relatively significant level of growth, which may impact upon demand for sports facilities in the borough.
3.18 Critically for the provision of sports facilities, it is the proportion of the population in older age groups that is increasing. This is evident in Table 3.2 which indicates that the number of people in older age groups is rising and the proportion of people in younger age groups is declining. Given that it is the younger age groups that are more active in pitch sports, for the majority of sports considered in this document, changes to the population profile are therefore likely to mean that demand for facilities will not increase in line with population growth.
3.19 That said, there will still be an increase of 3769 people aged up to 45 in Hinckley and Bosworth Borough up to 2036 and this will impact upon demand facilities. The actual increase in people of age groups most likely to play pitch sports is however proportionally smaller than the increase in the general population
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Table 3.2: Projected increases in Population
Total Total Number of Proportion of Number of Proportion of People in Total People in Total Age Group Population Age Group Population Age Range 2017 2036 0 - 15 19243 18% 20789 17% 16-44 35476 32% 37699 31% 45 -64 31303 28% 29700 24% 65+ 23876 22% 34688 28% Total 109898 122876
Potential Housing Growth
3.20 The Council is reviewing its Local Plan, including site allocations and Development Management Policies. The new Local Plan will partly respond to the Leicester and Leicestershire Strategic Growth Plan and provide detail on where and how much new development will take place in the Borough. The Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment (HEDNA) 2017 identifies an Objectively Assessed Housing Need (OAN) of 454 dwellings per annum to 2036 for Hinckley and Bosworth. The new Local Plan will identify how much development land is needed to meet the growth and regeneration needs of the Borough and identify the most sustainable sites to accommodate this. While an initial housing requirement has been identified for Hinckley and Bosworth, it is yet to be determined how this will be delivered and this requirement may increase (particularly if Hinckley and Bosworth are required to accommodate demand from other areas of Leicestershire).
3.21 The current Local Plan (via the Core Strategy) indicates that the majority of housing growth in the Borough will be focused around Hinckley urban area, along with two sustainable urban extensions at Earl Shilton and Barwell. Elsewhere within the Borough, the current Local Plan reflects modest housing growth.
3.22 The location of development (delivered through the current Local Plan and any future Local Plan Review) may impact upon demand for sports facilities and this will be considered where appropriate in the strategy document as well as in sections that follow.
Sports Participation Profile
3.23 A review of Hinckley and Bosworth’s sporting and health profile concludes that;
Hinckley and Bosworth demonstrate fluctuating participation since the Active People Survey started in 2005/6. Over this period, participation levels (16+) (as measured through the Active People Survey) demonstrate that around 37% of the population take part in 1 x 30 mins of sport and physical activity each week (although this has declined and risen again in recent years) This level is above the national and East Midlands trends (and is particularly positive given the slight ageing population of the borough)
While participation has remained relatively static, the number of residents who indicated that they were members of clubs declined slightly in recent years, with levels of membership now reaching figures below East Midlands and England averages
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The 2017 Public Health Profile for Hinckley and Bosworth indicates that the health of people is generally better than the England average and life expectancy is higher. This links with the positive participation statistics, but there remain significant opportunities for further increasing the number of residents participating in sport and physical activity. It reveals that life expectancy is 5.4 years lower for men and 4.1 years lower for women in the most deprived areas of Hinckley and Bosworth than in the least deprived areas. Levels of obesity in Hinckley and Bosworth are also higher than national and regional averages. Engagement with sport and physical activity can make significant inroads into addressing these problems
None of the sports featured in this playing pitch and outdoor sports facility assessment are amongst the top sports (in terms of participation numbers in the Borough). Sport England Market Segmentation however reveals that the dominant segments include Philip and Tim, both of whom are high participants in pitch and active sports. The other three segments in the top five dominant segments are however Elsie and Arnold, Roger and Joy and Elaine. All of these are older age groups with lower propensities to participate in pitch sports (although bowling is often enjoyed by residents in these groups). This suggests that there is a spread in the profile of residents of the borough and that a variety of sporting opportunities will be required in order to ensure that there are activities for all.
Summary
Context - Summary and Key issues
The key issues arising from analysis of the context and issues for this playing pitch assessment in Hinckley and Bosworth are therefore;
the preparation of the assessment will contribute directly to the national and local policy agenda, providing foundations for the review of the Hinckley and Bosworth Local Plan as well as decision making in relation to planning applications
This assessment and strategy document will also inform local priorities - existing strategic documents identify a consistent theme around increasing participation and ensuring that a network of facilities is provided that can do this, both now and in future years as the population grows and its composition changes. The challenge of achieving much needed investment, whilst at the same time making considerable savings is however significant
An effective network of outdoor sports facilities can be central to the achievement of health improvement and participation related goals and will be key to delivering the desired outcomes of other strategies. This strategy will provide the foundations for delivering such a network and therefore support the achievement of the key goals of many local, regional and national strategic documents
Demographically, the profile of the borough has a lower propensity to participate in outdoor sports, with slightly lower proportions of people in age groups that more traditionally participate. This will be exacerbated further according to population projections, which suggest that the proportion of people falling within the more active age groups will actually decline (although the total number of residents falling within these age groups will increase, providing a knock-on requirement for a greater number of facilities)
The health profile of the borough is mixed, with issues of poor health in areas of deprivation and levels of obesity above national and regional averages. There is therefore significant scope to use sport and physical activity as a vehicle to improve health
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Levels of activity are relatively static in the borough although club membership has declined. Market segmentation demonstrates a split in the interests of the population, with the five dominant segments including Tim, Philip (both active and interested in pitch sports) and Elsie and Arnold, Joy and Roger and Elaine (all less active and more likely to take part in recreational activities). A variety of different sporting opportunities across the borough will be essential if opportunities are to be provided for all sectors of the population.
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4: Cricket
Introduction
4.1 This section evaluates the adequacy of pitches for cricket and provides:
An overview of the supply and demand for cricket pitches An understanding of activity at individual sites in the borough; A picture of the adequacy of current provision; and The future picture of provision for cricket.
Pitch Supply
4.2 There are 17 sites containing grass facilities for cricket in Hinckley and Bosworth, providing a total of 17 pitches. There are no sites containing two or more cricket pitches.
4.3 This figure includes all known public, private, school and other pitches whether or not they offer community use. Pitches available are summarised in Table 4.1, along with the level of community use that is offered. Further detail is provided in the Appendix.
Table 4.1: Grass Cricket Pitches across Hinckley and Bosworth
Area Number Non- Turf Level of of Grass Pitches Ownership / Community Use Site Name Pitches Management Northern Alans 1 0 Secure community Parishes way/Newbold use Town Council / Club Vernon CC
Barwell Sports 1 0 Secure community Trustees of sports club. and Social Club use Maintained by Club Keats Lane /Earl 1 1 Secure community Owned and managed Shilton CC use by club 1 0 Owned by Church, Secure community Higham on the managed by club. use Hill Some concerns over security of tenure Jubilee Playing 1 0 Secure community Fields / Altar use Markfield Parish Playing Fields Council Markfield
Market 1 0 Secure community Bosworth Sports use Owned and managed Club/Bosworth by club CC
1 0 Secure community Owned and managed Ratby Sports use by club Club
Stapleton 1 0 Secure community Commercial, managed Village CC use by Parish Council
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 20
Area Number Non- Turf Level of of Grass Pitches Ownership / Community Use Site Name Pitches Management Stoke Golding 1 0 Secure community Stoke Golding Parish Recreation use Council. Managed by Ground Parish and Cricket Club
Twycross CC 1 0 Parish Council, Secure community managed by Club use Hinckley 1 0 No access to grass Academy School pitches. Access to AGP only Dixie Grammar 1 0 No access to grass School School pitches. Access to AGP only Brookvale 1 Secure community Learning use 0 School Campus
Redmoor 1 Unsecure Academy community use - 0 School ad hoc agreements with specific clubs South 4 Unsecure Charnwood community use - High School 0 School ad hoc agreements with specific clubs 1 Unsecure St Martins community use - Catholic 0 School ad hoc Academy agreements with specific clubs Urban Ashby 1 0 Secure community Road/Hinckley Site now owned and use Amateurs CC managed by Club
Urban Hinckley Road 1 0 Secure community Managed by Burbage Recreation use TC. Parish and Club Ground maintain facility
Langdale Park 1 0 Owned and managed Secure community by HBBC use Hinckley Sports 1 0 Secure community and use Owned and Social/Hinckley maintained by club Town CC
Swallows Green 1 0 HBBC, leased and Secure community managed by club use 8 Total 17
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 21
4.4 Table 4.1 reveals that;
the only grass pitches not available for community use are the two pitches at school sites - Hinckley Academy and Dixie Grammar. The remainder are all secured although there are some concerns over long term security of tenure at Higham on the Hill CC;
public ownership of cricket pitches is comparatively high, with large quantities of pitches in park / recreation area settings. There is one facility managed by the Borough Council, provided at Langdale Park. The majority of pitches are managed by clubs themselves (either alone or in partnership with Parish Councils). This means that on the whole, despite the high levels of public ownership, clubs have a strong influence in the quality of the cricket pitches that are provided; and
the majority of non-turf wickets are available at school sites. There is some unsecured access to these facilities although there is little promotion evident of their availability.
4.5 Spatially, pitches are spread across the borough and are primarily located in the northern parishes. 25% of pitches are located within the urban area.
4.6 In addition to the pitches outlined in Table 4.1 above, there are several other sites known to have previously contained cricket pitches but to no longer do so. These include Barlestone Recreation Ground, Clarendon Park, Old Colliery Ground and Richmond Park. At all of these sites, cricket is believed to be no longer provided due to a perceived lack of demand.
Pitch Quality
4.7 The quality of cricket pitches is a key component of pitch provision. It is so important that the Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League require umpires to rate the pitches after each match, ensuring that they are fit for purpose and that any issues with the overall pitch quality, the wicket, or the outfield are identified. If pitches and associated ancillary provision are not up to the required quality standards, this can lead to relegation from the league and / or loss of promotion. Many clubs can reach a stage where they are unable to progress further due to the quality of their facilities, rather than their playing capabilities.
4.8 To evaluate the suitability of pitches for cricket, the quality of pitches was therefore assessed through a variety of sources, including;
site visits undertaken using the non-technical assessment that accompanies the Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance note and prepared by the ECB;
analysis of local league pitch ratings; and
consultation.
4.9 The broad issues identified across Hinckley and Bosworth as a whole through each of these means are set out below. Site specific issues identified are summarised in Table 4.2.
Non-Technical Site Visits
4.10 Non-technical assessments provide a basic overview of the facilities available and the quality of facilities on the site. They provide a view at a point in time, but to provide a full picture of quality, the findings need to be triangulated with other sources of evidence.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 22
4.11 Assessments indicate that the overall quality of pitches that are accessible to the community in Hinckley and Bosworth is mixed, specifically;
the majority of sites for cricket in Hinckley and Bosworth are fit for purpose, although there is a range in the scale and scope of facilities provided. While many sites offer only basic facilities (grass pitch / small pavilion) others offer a wider range of facilities with training equipment and larger pavilions. Pitches overall are rated standard to good. The lack of facilities (training facilities in particular) as well as issues with outfield / wicket quality are the key reasons for sites achieving lower scores;
there is scope to improve the maintenance procedures applied to many sites and this is one of the key issues arising. Several sites demonstrate evidence of weed infestation in both the outfields and the squares;
almost all outfields are uneven. Some of the grass squares are also uneven in parts, which can impact upon the quality of the game;
there is a lack of outdoor training facilities, with very few sites containing training nets and / or non-turf wickets. Training facilities are important in promoting junior development, as well as in ensuring that teams are able to practice without impacting on the match squares. This is of particular significance as cricket clubs grow, as without off field practice facilities, there is a conflict between training requires and junior / development activity. Where training facilities are provided, they are not always high quality and some are in need of repair;
many sites suffer from recreational use, which can offer a conflict of interest, and impact upon the quality of the square and outfield. The dual use of sites for cricket with football is also evident, with some outfields demonstrating heavy wear and tear as a result of this.
4.12 All of the above issues impact upon the functionality of the existing pitches and their suitability for the purpose that they are intended. It should be noted that there are no geographical patterns relating to the quality of pitches - the only patterns evident are by provider.
4.13 Chart 4.1 reflects the points raised above, and summarises the scores achieved in the site visits. It demonstrates that the quality (and availability) of the training facilities is a particular concern for cricket in Hinckley and Bosworth.
Chart 4.1 - Average Quality Scores achieved in site visits
Local League Pitch Rating and Consultations
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 23
4.14 The Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League work to ensure that cricket is played on pitches of appropriate quality, both for player safety and enjoyment. Improvement of the standard of cricket grounds across Leicestershire was one of the key drivers of the formation of the new league (2013).
4.15 All clubs must affiliate to the Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League which includes membership of the L&RACG. For the clubs this includes access to experienced pitch advisors, assistance in obtaining formal IOG Qualifications and opportunities to benefit from second hand equipment sales, equipment hire and discounts through a bulk purchasing scheme amongst other benefits.
4.16 Reflecting the focus on quality, the league implements a detailed pitch quality review. After each match, pitches are scored in terms of the quality of the outfield, quality of the wicket and condition of the facilities overall. Sites achieving scores of below 3 are considered to have poor or unacceptable facilities. Reflecting the standards of play in the league and to ensure that facilities do not become a barrier to participation, there are different criteria according as follows;
Teams playing in the premiership - A minimum of Grade B Ground
Divisions 1, 2 and 3 - Grade B Ground
Divisions 4, 5 and 6 - Grade C Ground
Divisions 7,8 and 9 - Grade D Ground
Divisions 10 - 11 ungraded.
4.17 The league has a dedicated facility manager who works with clubs to improve the condition of grounds and to support clubs where issues are identified.
4.18 The issue of facility quality is regularly raised at meetings of the League Executive Committee, evidenced by a review of the monthly minutes of meetings. At the August 2017 meeting, it was noted that several clubs will again be impacted by the poor condition of their facilities, with some clubs that have good playing strength but poor facilities unable to improve the division that they are playing in. This impacts the progression of clubs and player experience. Specific to Hinckley and Bosworth, Stoke Golding CC were in the running for promotion from Division 4w but were unable to move up due to limitations with their facilities. There are also concerns that some clubs are seeking to improve but are limited by their grounds, while others do not wish to carry out the required work but are based at grounds that offer significant potential.
4.19 The regular assessments undertaken by the league enables more detailed evaluation of the pitch quality in Hinckley and Bosworth and a comparison of facilities compared to pitches in other parts of Leicestershire. The key findings are set out in Chart 4.2. It reveals that for each of the three criteria (pitch / outfield / facilities), sites in Hinckley and Bosworth achieve a rating slightly below the league average.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 24
Chart 4.2: Average Site Quality Ratings (Leicestershire and Rutland League 2017)
4.20 Table 4.2 breaks down the league ratings further, highlighting in red any sites achieving below the average score for the league as a whole. It indicates that Earl Shilton CC and, Ratby Town CC achieve scores of below average for all three criteria.
4.21 Average calculations exclude pitches with clubs in the premier league as the steering group felt that inclusion of these sites would unfairly skew average figures. It should also be noted that this analysis provides a comparison only, as in reality grounds will be graded against their ground grading requirements (ie B grade grounds will be compared against more strict criteria than C grade grounds).
Table 4.2: Ratings achieved by sites in Hinckley and Bosworth (Leicestershire and Rutland League)
Ground Name Pitch Mark Outfield Mark Facilities Mark Stoke Golding 6.75 6.31 6.8 Newtown Linford 6.91 6.45 8.05 Twycross 6.91 7 5.93 Hinckley Amateur 3 7.95 7.45 6.53 Hinckley Amateur 7.01 7.02 6.91 Earl Shilton 5.86 6.57 6.3 Newbold Verdon 6.27 6.31 7.64 Higham Village 6.6 7.21 6.57 Hinckley Town 7.14 7.36 7.19 Stapleton 5.9 6.78 6.5 Newbold Verdon 2 6.67 6.85 6.91 Barwell 6.95 7.55 7.06 Ratby Town 6.33 5.64 5.89 Newtown Linford 3 5.94 6.83 7.3 Burbage 6.39 5.95 7.15
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 25
Ground Name Pitch Mark Outfield Mark Facilities Mark Market Bosworth 5.98 6.04 8.13 Asian Sports 3rd XI 5.76 6.07 6.57
Last Man Stands
4.22 There are no Last Man Stands leagues based within Hinckley and Bosworth and therefore no known facility requirements. The nearest Last Man Stands League is hosted in Leicester City at Evington Park.
4.23 There are no known plans to establish a Last Man Stands franchise in the area and no clear evidence of demand.
Club Consultation
4.24 Consultation was carried out with all clubs playing league cricket within Hinckley and Bosworth. Again, quality emerged as a key concern. Site specific issues are recorded in Table 4.2, but the key issues emerging with regards quality were;
A greater number of clubs indicate that pitches have improved in quality than consider there to have been deterioration. Most improvement is attributed to specific, targeted investment by the provider while deterioration is considered to have arisen due to issues with maintenance. The overall trends are illustrated in Chart 4.3
Opinions are mixed with regards the overall quality of facilities, but reflecting the findings of site visits, vary between standard and good
the key concern raised relating to quality is the condition of the outfield (a particular concern for those club sharing with football clubs) and this reflects the findings of site visits. Several clubs also raise concerns about the condition of their pavilion and the lack of training facilities that are on offer
The maintenance of facilities also arises as a key issue, with several clubs highlighting the prohibitive costs of effective maintenance regimes and concerns about the maintenance regimes that are currently being applied. Many clubs have ageing / inappropriate machinery which impacts upon the success of any maintenance regime. While most clubs maintaining their own grounds felt able to do so, two felt that they did not have appropriate knowledge and more referenced the reliance upon one or two club members for effective maintenance procedures (and therefore raising concerns about appropriate succession planning. Lack of funding was perceived to be a key barrier to pitch and facility improvement
75% of responding clubs are satisfied with the quality of the existing facility stock as demonstrated in Figure 4.3. Those that are not attribute this to concerns about pitch and clubhouse quality. Other concerns that are raised by clubs include the lack of funding and the challenges that dwindling participation presents to clubs.
Chart 4.3: Perceived Trends in Pitch Quality
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Chart 4.4: Satisfaction with Facility Stock
Site Specific Issues
4.25 Building upon the general findings, Table 4.3 summarises site specific quality issues identified. Areas of concern are highlighted in red. The information included is based upon the triangulation of evidence from clubs, provider, non-technical site visits and local league feedback.
4.26 Table 4.3 also indicates that the highest standard of team playing at each site and the subsequent ground grading level required. While many grounds currently accommodate teams in the middle of their grading system, there are several teams that would need to increase their ground grade to support a promotion (and facilities may therefore hold them back from progressing). These clubs are;
Earl Shilton Burbage
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 27
Stoke Golding Hinckley Town CC Twycross CC
4.27 The clubs using Swallows Green as overspill are also at the top end of their ground grading requirements meaning that the facilities may become unsuitable in the event of promotion unless further work was undertaken.
4.28 The Cricket Board highlight the importance of all components of pitch quality, prioritising pitch maintenance, pitch quality and the provision of appropriate pavilions. Cricket Board research indicates that the components of sustainability are social / economic and environmental and that all elements are central to building a successful cricket club.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 28
Table 4.3: Quality of Cricket Facilities available for community use across Hinckley and Bosworth
Turf Wicket Wicket Turf
-
Site Name Site Club Standard Highest site clubon Condition Pitch and (Wickets Outfield) Pavilion Non Nets Maintenance Alans Newbold Verdon CC Division 2 - Grade B Some weeds in New lottery funded None provided Mobile net cage way/Newbold Ground outfield and scuffing pavilion. Good Vernon CC on wicket. condition Barwell CC Division 3 - - Grade Some moss and None provided In need of update. B Ground thatching on the One is worn and one outfield. Square is patched. Barwell Sports and cracking on older social club wickets. Earl Shilton CC Division 1 - - Grade Good condition but Two storey pavilion Non-turf wicket Mobile nets are in Inexperienced B Ground (but outfield is uneven in and bar provided need of attention to grounds team promotion would parts. Inadequate improve. require increase to fencing has caused Grade A) people to trample the outfield and club Keats Lane /Earl have experienced Shilton CC vandalism. Highham Village CC Division 8 - - Grade Outfield undulating Pavilion basic but None provided Mobile nets Land is owned by D Ground and has broadleaved adequate. Club use church - security of weeds. local pub for tenure unknown. refreshments etc due Higham on the Hill to limited facilities. Hinckley Amateurs Division 3 - - Grade Dry weather caused Large pavilion None provided 2 artificial nets in Professional CC B Ground cracking on square catering for good condition groundsman. Club Ashby and wickets. Pitch functions and shared well supported Road/Hinckley slightly sloping and with other sports. Amateurs CC uneven. Burbage CC Division 4 - Grade C Site used for Basic None provided None provided Ground (But informal recreation. currently. Some nets promotion would Outfield uneven, to be relocated from Hinckley Road require increase to some evidence of site to support club. Recreation Ground Grade B) repair on wickets. Hinckley Sports and Hinckley Town CC / Division 1 - - Grade Outfield has a few Two storey pavilion None provided Mobile net in good Club equipped to Social/Hinckley City Cricket Academy B Ground (but weeds but is well shared with clubs condition maintain own Town CC promotion would prepared. Even but from other sports. facilities
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 29
Turf Wicket Wicket Turf
-
Site Name Site Club Standard Highest site clubon Condition Pitch and (Wickets Outfield) Pavilion Non Nets Maintenance require increase to issues with foxes and Further work Grade A) rabbits. required including plumbing, some recent renovations have taken place. Jubilee Playing Newtown Linford CC Division 9 - Grade D Square uneven and Basic but requires None provided None provided Fields / Altar / Asian Sports CC Ground likely to impact on TLC. Playing Fields flight of ball. Markfield No club. Functioned N/a Square is uneven Shared with football, None provided None provided Issues with as overspill only in and has poor ball very basic. maintenance and / 2017 flight. Evidence of or informal use - misuse (doughnuts). doughnuts evident Langdale Park on square. Market Bosworth CC Division 6 - Grade C Weeds and funghi New pavilion this None provided None provided Club require support Ground on outfield, season, shared with with maintenance. vertidraining has other sports and They have a strong taken place but field community activities. pavilion but issues is poor. Requires with outfield and reseeding and club wicket and are ill believe that they equipped to deal need help. with these issues. Market Bosworth They also lack in Sports appropriate Club/Bosworth CC machinery. Ratby CC Division 3 - Grade B Damage to square Large sports building None provided. Club 1 mobile net. Club No issues identified. Ground and square was and separate cricket priority. priority to provide uneven which may pavilion with balcony fixed nets. impact ball flight. and scorebox. Outfield also uneven Unfinished and club with some weeds. indicate that support Ratby Sports Club is urgently required. Stapleton CC Division 9 - Grade D Tidy site but Small timber pavilion None provided None provided Ground molehills requires updating Stapleton Village encroaching towards CC pitch near pavilion.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 30
Turf Wicket Wicket Turf
-
Site Name Site Club Standard Highest site clubon Condition Pitch and (Wickets Outfield) Pavilion Non Nets Maintenance Stoke Golding CC Division 4 - - Grade Some bare patches Medium sized basic None provided None provided Some maintenance C Ground (but on wicket, with pavilion issues relating to promotion would sloping outfield and frequency of outfield require increase to trip hazard from cut. Club able to Grade B) football lines. Issues support maintenance with cutting of of wicket. outfield (done by Parish). Club also Stoke Golding concerned by Recreation Ground overlap with football. Hinckley Amateur CC Division 7 - Grade D Weeds and fairy ring Pavilion is shabby. None provided but None provided but Lease has lapsed and / Nuneaton Nomads Ground (but evident on outfield. function as overspill function as overspill is due for renewal. promotion would reduces requirement. reduces requirement. require increase to Swallows Green Grade C) Twycross CC Division 4 - Grade C No issues identified. Brick / metal None provided. Club has mobile Ground (but pavilion, very basic. practice nets and promotion would also has a require increase to homemade artificial Twycross CC Grade B) practice net.
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4.29 Bringing together both the findings of the site specific information presented in Table 4.3, as well as the key issues arising through consultation and triangulation of data, it is therefore clear that based upon the above components of pitch provision;
There are many quality concerns, with issues relating to the condition of the outfield in particular evident on almost all pitches in the borough (to a greater or lesser degree). Pitch improvements and enhanced maintenance procedures (as well as the use of appropriate equipment) represent the key priority for most of the clubs;
the availability of outdoor facilities for training is poor. Training facilities at more than half of the sites are either limited in function or none existent. There is a lack of facilities at Barwell Sports Club, Burbage CC, Market Bosworth Sports Club, Stapleton Village CC, Stoke Golding CC and several more facilities have only small mobile nets of limited quality. The amount of field training facilities provided is very poor; and
improvements are required to ancillary facilities at Higham on the Hill, Hinckley Sports and Social Club, Burbage CC, Ratby CC, Stapleton CC and Tywcross CC either as a result of provision being very basic and / or quality issues identified with the current arrangements.
4.30 As may be expected, the sites that are higher quality are those that are serving teams playing in the higher echelons of the Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League.
Security of Tenure
4.31 Many sites in the borough are owned and managed by clubs, or larger sports Trusts of which the cricket club is a part. As is common across Leicestershire, Parish Councils are also key providers of cricket pitches, with Markfield PC, Burbage TC, Newbold Verdon PC all maintaining cricket pitches in conjunction with clubs.
4.32 On the whole, facilities are managed and maintained by clubs, although some issues are raised by clubs with regards the frequency of maintenance and it is clear that this issue arises particularly in relation to Parish Councils. This means that while some clubs have security of tenure, several are only renting from Parishes, meaning that opportunities for funding are more limited and there are greater concerns about the longevity of provision.
4.33 Higham on the Hill CC is on land owned by the church. The club raise concerns about the security of tenure of this facility.
4.34 The lease has also lapsed at Swallows Green and is due for renewal.
Demand
4.35 There are 31 adult male teams currently based in Hinckley and Bosworth. The majority of these play in the Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League (which serves the whole of Leicestershire) and offers formal cricket on a Saturday afternoon. The remainder play in Sunday leagues and a small number play T20 cricket in midweek leagues.
4.36 Junior cricket is relatively poorly developed, with 17 teams. Junior activity is focused at Ratby CC, Hinckley Amateur CC, Barwell CC, Earl Shilton Town CC and Newbold Verdon CC meaning that there are few pathways from junior to senior cricket in the more rural parts of the borough. This means that 65% of all participation in cricket is by senior teams which is a high proportion.
4.37 Reflecting this, while smaller more rural teams indicate that their players primarily travel below 5 miles, players at clubs with junior sections in Hinckley and Bosworth are more likely to travel greater distances to reach their cricket club.
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4.38 It is also notable that there is no female cricket taking place in the borough, and no dedicated girls or ladies teams.
4.39 In addition to the teams based within the borough, there are several teams travelling into Hinckley and Bosworth to play cricket. These include;
Asian Sports CC 3 rd X1 and Newtown Linford CC 3 rd X1 - both travelling to Markfield to use Jubilee Playing Fields;
Nuneaton Nomads - travelling to Swallows Green; and
Atherstone CC 3rd X - playing at Market Bosworth CC.
4.40 This is caused by unmet demand in neighbouring areas.
4.41 There is also a small amount of displacement within the borough, with teams from Newbold Verdon CC and Hinckley Amateur CC forced to travel to use overspill facilities due to insufficient pitch availability at their home grounds.
4.42 Table 4.4 summarises the cricket teams playing in Hinckley and Bosworth.
Table 4.4: Cricket Teams in Hinckley and Bosworth
Club Participation Trends Standard of Adult Junior Club Name Sites Used Play (Top Teams Teams Team) Market Market 1 0 Static participation Division 6 Bosworth Bosworth CC CC
Stoke 2 0 Static participation Division 4 Stoke Golding Golding CC Recreation Ground Ratby CC 2 3 Static senior, declining junior Division 3 Ratby CC participation with the withdrawal of 2 teams Hinckley 5 4 Decrease in both senior and Division 3 Hinckley Amateur CC junior play. Teams lost in both Amateur CC / Swallows sections Green Barwell CC 2 3 Static senior, declining junior Division 3 Barwell CC participation with the withdrawal of 2 teams Earl Shilton Earl Shilton 3 2 Static senior, declining junior Division 1 Town CC participation
Hinckley 3 2 (includes Static senior, declining junior Division 1 Town CC City Cricket participation Academy who are Hinckley based at Town CC Hinckley Town CC) Higham Higham 1 Static adult participation Division 8
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Club Participation Trends Standard of Adult Junior Club Name Sites Used Play (Top Teams Teams Team) Village CC Village CC
Newbold Alans Way, 4 4 Division 4 Verdon CC Newbold Verdon Stapleton Stapleton CC 1 Static adult participation Division 9 CC
Twycross CC Twycross CC 4 0 Division 4
Burbage CC Burbage CC 2 Static adult participation Division 4
4.43 It should be noted that the above participation is based upon the 2017 season. It is now known that Bombay United will be using the facilities at Langdale Park from the 2018 season.
Trends in Participation
4.44 As evidenced in Table 4.4, participation in cricket in Hinckley and Bosworth appears to be dwindling, with no responding clubs reporting an increase and several indicating that there has been a decline. Decline is evident in both junior and senior cricket.
4.45 Clubs that have experienced decline attribute this to the lack of interest of local young players and a shortage of coaching staff as well as a lack of funding. One club highlights that their biggest challenge is the promotion of junior cricket and the attraction of young players.
4.46 Feedback from the Leicestershire County Cricket Club demonstrates that in reality, adult cricket is fluctuating across the county and it is anticipated that there will be a slight increase again in 2018. In contrast, junior participation continues to struggle and a decrease in the number of players has been seen. It is hoped that new initiatives focusing upon the recruitment of players at young ages will have a positive impact on the number of junior cricket teams in years to come.
Training Needs
4.47 Clubs primarily use indoor training nets during the winter months, with Bosworth Academy, William Bradford Academy and Hastings College having indoor cricket nets available for hire.
4.48 In the summer months, all clubs train on their existing sites although several are forced to use the grass square, with no off-field training facilities and no non-turf wickets available.
4.49 Leicestershire County Cricket Club highlight the importance of clubs having access to appropriate training facilities – this is particularly important for clubs trying to develop junior sections, as juniors tend to gravitate towards high quality training facilities and a developmental environment. A lack of off field training facilities can also restrict the amount of development activities that can take place, as youth training / implementation of All Stars programmes etc starts to conflict with space required for training.
Casual Demand
4.50 Langdale Park, managed and maintained by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council is the only facility in the borough available for casual bookings. This pitch was booked three times during the 2017 season, twice by a team from Coventry and once by a local business team. It is known
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 34
however that for the 2018 season, this site will be used formally within the Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League.
4.51 There is limited other evidence of casual demand for cricket in the Borough at the current time.
Educational Demand
4.52 Demand for formal cricket pitches is much less evident from the education sector than other sports and this is also echoed by the lack of cricket facilities that are located at school sites. Indoor cricket at secondary schools is however increasing.
4.53 Cricket in schools is however strong and the Leicestershire County Cricket Club offer both indoor and outdoor programmes for primary schools. Circa eight schools within Hinckley and Bosworth have already signed up for next year. Cricket at primary or first school typically does not involve the use of formal facilities, instead being played indoors or on the playground. The Chance to Shine Programme, which brings cricket back into primary schools and seeks to create strong links between schools and clubs has however been particularly successful.
4.54 Competitive cricket is also being organised at a secondary school level through the Chance to Compete however it is thought that pathways to clubs from schools are currently fragmented.
4.55 It is notable that participation and interest amongst school girls in Hinckley and Bosworth is high, but that there are currently no girls teams in clubs, meaning that there is no outlet for these young players to continue their interest in the sport.
4.56 There is therefore a strong opportunity for the development of junior cricket in the borough, particularly using the education sector as a base for developing interest. The EWCB have recently developed a series of resources for schools and these are accessible to all schools and it is hoped that this will further stimulate interest.
Assessing the Supply and Demand Information and Views
4.57 The adequacy of facilities for cricket is measured by comparing the amount of wickets available against the level of use of these wickets. This is considered firstly at a site specific level and then compiled to present a borough wide picture.
4.58 For cricket, unlike other pitch sports, the capacity of a pitch is measured on a seasonal basis (as opposed to weekly) and is primarily determined by the number and quality of wickets on a pitch. Play is rotated throughout the season across the wickets to reduce wear and allow for repair.
4.59 As a guide, the ECB suggests that a good quality wicket should be able to take;
5 matches per season per grass wicket (adults);
7 matches per season per grass wicket (juniors);
60 matches per season per non-turf wicket (adults); and
80 matches per season per non-turf wicket (juniors).
4.60 For sites where the condition of the wicket is poorer, the amount of games that can be sustained without impact on the condition of the facility is lower.
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4.61 Demand is therefore measured in terms of the number of home games that each team will play per season.
4.62 All competitive cricket in Hinckley and Bosworth Borough currently takes place on grass wickets. There is limited opportunity to transfer this to non-turf wickets due to a lack of provision, however several clubs indicate that the provision of non-turf wickets would have reduced the number of cancellations that have occurred over the course of this season.
Demand at Peak Time
4.63 While use of the wicket across the season is important, the majority of adult demand is from teams playing in the Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League on a Saturday afternoon and the availability of pitches at this time has therefore also been considered. Junior teams and friendly teams generally play across the week when pitches are available and so access to facilities on a specific day is less important. Higher numbers of junior teams can however restrict the use of facilities by midweek teams, therefore having a knock-on effect to the adult game.
4.64 Furthermore, the lack of off field practice facilities also pressurises activities at the cricket club base, with teams competing for training facilities with junior teams wishing to play competitive fixtures. The introduction of other schemes such as Chance to Shine adds further requirement for access to space.
Situation at Individual Sites
4.65 Table 4.5 provides an overview of site specific activity for each of the pitches that offer community use in Hinckley and Bosworth. It also highlights other issues that have arisen in relation to each site and summarises the information relating to quality that was presented in previous tables. It clearly indicates that;
all facilities offering community use are used at least once per week except for Langdale Park, which was only used three times last season;
there is very little spare capacity available on a peak time (Saturday PM), although some sites are used by teams travelling from outside of the borough; and
all sites are able to accommodate a little more play based upon the capacity of existing squares.
4.66 At a site-specific level;
there are no sites that are overplayed and almost all sites can sustain further play across the season;
Stapleton Village CC, Stoke Golding CC and Hinckley Amateurs CC, as well as Swallows Green (which acts as overspill site) have the smallest amounts of spare capacity across the season, with the scope to accommodate only one additional adult team. Spare capacity is highest at Earl Shilton CC, Hinckley Town CC and Langdale Park;
at almost all sites, training takes place on the grass pitches, meaning that spare capacity is in reality more restricted than may first appear. The introduction of non-turf wickets and / or
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 36
training nets would reduce this usage and ensure that the wickets are maintained for competitive play;
while across the season there is scope for additional play, capacity is much more restricted at peak time. Higham on the Hill CC and Swallows Green CC (0.5 match equivalents) are the only sites that are currently used in the Leicestershire and Rutland League that have any spare capacity. The only remaining site with scope for use on a Saturday is Langdale Park. The quality of this facility is likely to mean that it is only suitable for use in the lower divisions of the Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League; and
some capacity within Hinckley and Bosworth is used by clubs travelling from other areas. This equates to 0.5 match equivalents at peak time (at Markfield CC and Market Bosworth CC).
4.67 As noted previously, while there is spare capacity showing at Langdale Park currently, it is known that this pitch will be used during the 2018 season for league play.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 37
Table 4.5: Site Specific Usage
Site Site Name pitchesNo. KeyFacility Gaps / Priorities Number Total of Strips to Required Accommodate demand grass No. wickets of Adequacy Wickets (Amount of Spare Capacity) Match Equivalents at available peak time Comments 1 No Non Turf wicket. Some 8.8 14 5.2 0 Busy site accommodating large club. No weeds in outfield and spare capacity at peak time and one team scuffing of wickets is displaced to smaller site. Some capacity to accommodate further play taking into account just matches. Training however adds further usage of the site and the lack of non turf wicket means that the grass Alans wickets must be used. Pavilion in good way/Newbold condition, but improvement required to Vernon CC outfield. 1 Moss and thatching of 7 10 3 0 Some spare capacity on site, but lack of outfield, slight ridge and non turf wicket means that grass wickets furrow effect (club believe must also be used for training. Added to would benefit from this, nets require updating as the condition levelling) as well as is currently drainage. No remaining spare cracking on square, update capacity at peak time and some quality of nets, no non turf wicket. issues requiring immediate attention (nets). Club highlight the Club highlight further practice facilities as replacement of net surface their key priority. as urgent indicating that it Barwell Sports and is dangerous and prioritise social club improved practice facilities. 1 Mobile practice nets need 7 15 8 0 Large square means that there is spare attention and club does capacity across the season but no not have access to non turf remaining capacity at peak time. Poor Keats Lane /Earl nets or wicket. Outfield is condition of training facilities is likely to Shilton CC slightly uneven place extra pressures on grass wickets (and
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 38
Site Site Name pitchesNo. KeyFacility Gaps / Priorities Number Total of Strips to Required Accommodate demand grass No. wickets of Adequacy Wickets (Amount of Spare Capacity) Match Equivalents at available peak time Comments club highlight training nets as key priority), but quality overall is good although outfield is slightly uneven. Presence of non turf wicket means that youth games / training can take place on non turf wicket where required to preserve grass wickets. 1 Outfield undulating and 2.2 7 4.8 0.5 Despite small square, site has spare has broadleaved weeds. capacity over the course of the season and Pavilion basic only. No also at peak time (although condition of none turf wicket. pitch means it only meets criteria for lower league teams). Outfield is undulating and pavilion is basic only but square is Higham on the Hill adequate. 1 Sloping outfield with some 9.5 11 1.5 0 Limited spare capacity across the season cracking of square. and one team displaced at peak time. Ashby Outfield is of limited quality but site is Road/Hinckley adequate overall. Growing club with Amateurs CC increasing demands on wicket 1 No on site training 4.4 10 5.6 0 Spare capacity across the week but site full facilities, basic pavilion. Site at peak time. Basic facility only, with no on used for informal site training facilities and issues with the Hinckley Road recreation impact of informal recreation on pitch Recreation Ground quality 1 No non turf wicket. 8.5 16 7.5 0 Busy site meeting needs of Hinckley Town CC as well as City Cricket Academy. No non turf wickets limits opportunities for training and spread of activity on the wicket and club highlight training nets as their key Hinckley Sports priority. Ongoing investment taking place and in pavilion and drainage. Spare capacity Social/Hinckley available over the course of the season but Town CC no remaining activity can take place at
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 39
Site Site Name pitchesNo. KeyFacility Gaps / Priorities Number Total of Strips to Required Accommodate demand grass No. wickets of Adequacy Wickets (Amount of Spare Capacity) Match Equivalents at available peak time Comments peak time. 1 No practice nets or non 4.4 9 4.6 0 Spare capacity across the season but no turf wickets. Uneven remaining capacity at peak time. Venue square. Lack of facilities used as overspill for two Leicester City (sight screens etc) based clubs. Facility quality is limited and there are no on site training facilities, but Jubilee Playing these are not required as clubs use Fields / Altar facilities at their own home ground and Playing Fields only require the pitch for competitive Markfield activity. No home club at the site. 1 No nets, no non turf 0.6 8 7.4 1 Extensive spare capacity across the season wicket. Weeds on outfield and site has the ability to sustain 1 match and poor square with equivalent at peak time in theory. In evidence of doughnuts and practice the current condition of the pitch unevenness. is likely to preclude league based activity. Site has only sustained three games during 2017 and therefore currently has a limited Langdale Park role in cricket in the borough. 1 Weeds and funghi on 4.4 10 5.6 0 Small club site with spare capacity across outfield, vertidraining has the season but no remaining scope for taken place but field is more teams at peak time as club poor. Requires reseeding. accommodates team displaced from No training nets or non turf Warwickshire. New pavilion and pitch wickets quality reasonable, but site suffers from sharing with football as well as unofficial use. Outfield demonstrates signs of weeds Market Bosworth and funghi, highlighting a need for Sports improved maintenance and training Club/Bosworth CC facilities are also required. 1 Damage to square and 6.5 8 1.46 0 Site with limited spare capacity and no square was uneven which remaining opportunities available at peak Ratby Sports Club may impact ball flight. time. There is no non turf wicket to support
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 40
Site Site Name pitchesNo. KeyFacility Gaps / Priorities Number Total of Strips to Required Accommodate demand grass No. wickets of Adequacy Wickets (Amount of Spare Capacity) Match Equivalents at available peak time Comments Outfield also uneven with junior development and quality issues some weeds. No non turf highlighted with both the outfield and the wicket square, although drainage has improved and permanent covers have been added. Club identify the need for non turf wicket to support club development. Clubhouse is part finished and requires urgent attention. 1 No non turf wicket or nets. 4.4 6 1.6 0 Small square impacts potential of site but Pavilion needs updating. small amount of spare capacity remaining Molehills encroaching across the season. No further scope at towards pavilion peak time. Site is basic with no non turf wicket or nets and a pavilion with only Stapleton Village basic specification. Molehills starting to CC encroach towards the pitch. 1 No non turf wicket or 4.4 6 1.6 0 No non turf wicket or practice nets. Some practice nets. Some bare bare patches on wicket, with sloping patches on wicket, with outfield and trip hazard from football lines. sloping outfield and trip Club highlight need for increased hazard from football lines. maintenanace on outfield. Small square limits seasonal capacity, but scope for a small amount of additional play. There are two teams playing on a Saturday meaning Stoke Golding that no further demand could be Recreation Ground accommodated. 1 No non turf wicket or 4.4 6 1.6 0.5 Small square limits capacity of site, but one training nets. Pavilion additional team could be accommodated shabby, weeds in outfield and there is spare capacity at peak time. and fairy ring Limited quality of site (which experiences fairy ring and weeds in the outfield, as well as accommodating only a small pavilion) may restrict potential uses of the site within the league. There is a lack of Swallows Green training accommodation but this is not
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 41
Site Site Name pitchesNo. KeyFacility Gaps / Priorities Number Total of Strips to Required Accommodate demand grass No. wickets of Adequacy Wickets (Amount of Spare Capacity) Match Equivalents at available peak time Comments critical as the site currently functions as overspill only. 1 Lack of non turf wickets, 6 11 5 0 Scope to increase the amount of play limited pavilion facilities across the season but two teams playing in the Leicestershire and Rutland League means that there is no remaining capacity at peak time. Small pavilion with limited facilities and no training facilities are Twycross CC currently available.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 42
Current Picture of Provision
4.68 The site overviews set out in Table 4.5 can be used to develop an overall picture of provision across Hinckley and Bosworth. This is set out in Table 4.6 and illustrated in Chart 4.5. It demonstrates that there is scope to accommodate circa 45 additional adult teams across the week if all available strips on all wickets were used. There is however only 1 match equivalent available on a Saturday afternoon (0.5 at two sites) at sites already used in the Leicestershire and Rutland League, plus scope to accommodate matches at Langdale Park (not currently used for league cricket).
4.69 Table 4.6 summarises the adequacy of provision across the borough as a whole and breaks it down within the two sub areas. It indicates that reflecting the strong availability of sites across the season, there is spare capacity across both sub areas. There is also availability at peak time in both areas (as noted previously, it is now known that Langdale Park will be used by Bombay United from the 2018 season).
Table 4.6: Cricket Pitch Provision - Capacity
Sub Area Total Spare Capacity (Max Sites with Spare Capacity to Sites with Spare number of adult teams that accommodate at least one Peak Time Capacity at could be accommodated) additional adult team across the Spare Peak Time season (2 strips or more) Capacity Hinckley and 23 strips, 17 additional adult Burbage CC (4 teams), Hinckley Swallows Burbage teams Town CC (5 teams), Langdale Park 1.5 match Green, (5 teams), Swallows Green (1 equivalents Langdale team), Hinckley Amateurs (1 team) Park Northern 19 strips, 14 additional adult Market Bosworth Sports Club (4 Parishes teams teams), Jubilee Playing Fields (3 teams), Twycross CC (4 teams). Higham on the Ratby Sports Club, Stapleton Hill (0.5 match N/a Village CC and Stoke Golding equivalents) Recreation Ground (all one team)
Boroughwide 38 strips, 30 additional adult total teams
Chart 4.5: Borough Wide Spare Capacity
4.70 Table 4.6 and Chart 4.5 therefore reinforces the message outlined earlier indicating that while existing pitches are able to accommodate more play across the season, spare capacity is much
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 43
more limited at peak time. There is however sufficient capacity within the pitch stock for clubs to accommodate teams from outside the borough at peak time, suggesting that there are limited pressures on the pitch stock. While there is some displacement of teams from within Hinckley and Bosworth, this arises due to the lack of second ground within the club base and the demand is accommodated within Hinckley and Bosworth itself.
4.71 None of the responding clubs identified a lack of pitches as a key issue for the borough and it is clear that there is spare capacity in both the urban area and in the Northern Parishes.
Latent and Unmet Demand
4.72 Across the borough therefore there appears to be sufficient capacity to meet current demand and there is no evidence of latent demand within cricket clubs. Indeed, many clubs have experienced recent decline and would therefore have the capacity to accommodate increased activity should this arise again.
Future Picture of Provision
4.73 While there is currently adequate provision in quantitative terms (although qualitative issues have been identified), population growth will impact upon future demand, as will changes in participation trends. These issues are considered in turn in order to build an accurate picture of future demand.
Population Change
4.74 Team Generation Rates (TGRs) indicate how many people in a specified age group are required to generate one team. By applying TGRs to population projections, we can project the theoretical number of teams that would be generated from population growth and gain an understanding of future demand.
4.75 Table 4.7 summarises the current TGRs for cricket and uses them to evaluate the potential impact of projected changes to the population profile on demand. It reveals that population growth and changes to the population profile will result in;
an increase in the number of people aged between 18-55 that is insufficient to generate any further teams; and
up to 2 additional junior teams created.
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Table 4.7: Impact of Changes to the Population Profile
Number Potential of Teams Current Future Change in population population Team Sport and Age in age Current in age Change in Numbers Groups group TGR group population in Age within the within the Group area area (2036) (Number of Teams) Cricket Open Age 31 25742 830 25839 97 0.1 Mens (18-55yrs) Cricket Open Age 0 25742 0 25839 97 0 Womens (18-55yrs) Cricket Junior Boys 17 6573 387 7403 830 2.1 (7-18yrs) Cricket Junior Girls 0 6573 0 7403 830 0 (7-18yrs)
4.76 In terms of pitch requirements, this would result in;
demand for senior cricket pitches remaining static; and
a need to accommodate circa 14 junior matches per season.
4.77 Given that there is spare capacity within the current stock, the above levels of growth in participation can easily be accommodated. Total spare capacity in the borough equates to around 45 adult teams.
4.78 It should be noted that while Table 4.7 indicates that the TGR for female cricket is 0, this is based upon the current situation in terms of the number of teams that are run. Female cricket is both a target area and a current growth area and it is likely that the number of teams run will increase in the coming years. This will be discussed below under the heading participation trends and growth aspirations.
Participation Trends and Growth Aspirations– Impact on Pitches
4.79 The Leicestershire County Cricket Club is seeking to implement a sustainable approach to the development of cricket, retaining existing players and developing new players at both junior and adult level, in line with the new ECB Strategy Cricket Unleashed.
4.80 The strategy seeks to support sustainable increases in club membership and increased participation in cricket over the strategy period. The key priorities of this strategy are summarised in Table 4.8.
Table 4.8: Key Objectives of Cricket Unleashed (ECB 2016)
Objectives Delivery Mechanisms Outcomes
Making the game more accessible Growing clubs and leagues Number of people playing and inspiring the next generation (including investing in support cricket of players, coaches, officials and roles and development tools to volunteers simplify club and league Number of U16 playing
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Objectives Delivery Mechanisms Outcomes
management cricket.
Kids - providing more opportunities for children to play through schools
Community - diversifying to ensure all sectors of the community embrace cricket
Casual - breaking down barriers and improving access. This will include indoor cricket as well as informal and small sided formats of the game.
Deliver winning teams that inspire Pathway for talented players Performances in World Cups and excite through on-field and International Test Series. performance and off-field Supporting talented teams behaviour. Consistent and clearly defined Working with elite teams county pathways.
Focusing on clear plans for success in England teams
Create inspired fans Fan focused - improve fan The number of people who experience and engage with club have an interest in cricket. members to understand needs The number of U16 who New fans - attract a new audience attend cricket matches.
Global Stage - maximise opportunities from hosting global events
Broadcast and digital - seek to improve to attract new and enhance experience for existing fans.
We will make decisions in the best Integrity - promote and adopt Coordinated local plans. interests of the game and use the best practice standards of power of cricket to make a positive governance The number of people that difference. benefit from community Community programmes - to programmes. make a positive difference
Environment - work to promote environmental sustainability
One plan - develop local strategies seeking to deliver the
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 46
Objectives Delivery Mechanisms Outcomes
national plan.
Strong finance and operations - People - support and recognise Financial sustainability of Deliver winning teams that inspire the roles of volunteers and staff cricket. and excite through on-field within the game performance and off-field Investment in delivery of behaviour. Revenue and reach - build strategy. stronger revenue streams and commercial partners
Insight - invest in improving understanding of how people engage with cricket
Operations - deliver efficient and response administration.
4.81 While population growth may have limited impact as a result of the projected ageing population (and therefore a reduction in the propensity to play cricket), achievement of the key goals of the national strategy are likely to have a positive impact on club membership and demand for cricket in Leicestershire.
4.82 Local versions of new initiatives are already in place and several clubs are already running the All Stars Initiative, as well as activities designed to increase participation amongst women and girls. Success has already started to be seen in terms of club growth, with Burbage CC in particular highlighting growth in the junior section on the back of All Stars. There is also increasing interest in cricket amongst women and girls which is likely to lead to greater participation in cricket amongst females in future years.
4.83 Linking with the aspirations of the Leicestershire County Cricket Club, many of the cricket clubs have some aspirations for growth. This is however set into a picture of recent decline and so many clubs are currently battling to retain existing players, rather than to create new. It is also hoped that increasing numbers of players will enhance the number of players in each squad, creating greater stability (and rather than creating new teams).
4.84 Table 4.9 considers the aspirations of each club (and the realistic targets that Leicestershire County Cricket Club believes are appropriate) and based upon the current situation, the impact of the achievement of these aspirations in terms of the adequacy of provision.
4.85 It suggests that there is broadly sufficient provision in both the urban area and in the Northern Parishes, with no clubs identified as having any clear unmet demand. Both clubs with significant growth aspirations have the ability to accommodate these easily within their existing infrastructure.
4.86 Several clubs do however have relatively limited opportunity for club growth if demand were to arise, with only scope for one additional team. These clubs are;
Hinckley Amateurs
Ratby
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 47
Stapleton
Stoke Golding.
4.87 Capacity pressures are therefore evident in both the northern parishes and the urban area if future demand were to arise.
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Table 4.9: Adequacy of Provision to Meet Aspirations for growth.
Site Site no Site Name of Adequacy Wickets (Amount of Spare Capacity) Match Equivalents at available peak time Additional teams Adult Growth Aspirations Number of additional games required Comment Northern Parishes 5.17142857 0 4 Growth Aspirations can be Alans way/Newbold Vernon CC sustained Northern Parishes 3.02857143 0 2 Growth Aspirations can be Barwell Sports and social club sustained Northern Parishes 8.08571429 0 6 3 youth 18 Growth Aspirations can be Keats Lane /Earl Shilton CC sustained Northern Parishes 4.8 0.5 3 Growth Aspirations can be Higham on the Hill sustained Urban Area Ashby Road/Hinckley Amateurs 1.54285714 0 1 Growth Aspirations can be CC sustained Urban Area 5.6 0 4 1 youth by 2019 6 Growth Aspirations can be Hinckley Road Recreation and further to build sustained Ground section Urban Area Hinckley Sports and 7.45714286 0 5 Growth Aspirations can be Social/Hinckley Town CC sustained Northern Parishes Jubilee Playing Fields / Altar 4.6 0 3 Growth Aspirations can be Playing Fields Markfield sustained Urban Area 7.4 1 5 Growth Aspirations can be Langdale Park sustained Northern Parishes Market Bosworth Sports 5.6 0 4 Growth Aspirations can be Club/Bosworth CC sustained Northern Parishes 1.45714286 0 1 Growth Aspirations can be Ratby Sports Club sustained Northern Parishes 1.6 0 1 Growth Aspirations can be Stapleton Village CC sustained Northern Parishes Stoke Golding Recreation 1.6 0 1 Growth Aspirations can be Ground sustained Urban Area 1.6 0.5 1 Growth Aspirations can be Swallows Green sustained Northern Parishes Twycross CC 5 0 4 Growth Aspirations can be
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 49
sustained
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report50
Forthcoming Changes to Supply
4.88 There are no confirmed forthcoming changes to the supply of cricket pitches within the Borough of Hinckley and Bosworth.
4.89 It should be noted however that 1.5 match equivalents currently playing within Hinckley at peak time (Saturday PM) is imported from other local authorities. The City Council and the Leicestershire County Cricket Club are working alongside clubs to address this situation and to both improve the quality and quantity of facilities within Leicester to reduce this exported demand.
4.90 Should these priorities be successfully delivered, spare capacity in Hinckley and Bosworth will increase (creating opportunities for further play on a Saturday) without additional facilities being provided.
4.91 It is known however that a further team (Bombay Cricket Club) will be playing in Hinckley and Bosworth during the 2018 season on a Saturday.
Summary and Key Issues
4.92 The key issues arising from analysis of the context and issues for this playing pitch assessment in Hinckley and Bosworth are summarised below.
Cricket - Key Issues
There is a need to protect existing sites - all pitches are well used and required to sustain demand. Langdale Park provides an opportunity to increase cricket in the borough
Concerns over the security of tenure at key sites
Opportunities to improve maintenance at sites across the borough and a need to enhance the succession planning at all clubs
Quality issues (most notably poor outfield), but particularly where these are impacting club progression
Lack of training facilities at the majority of sites (there are no facilities at all at Barwell Sports Club, Burbage CC, Market Bosworth Sports Club, Stapleton Village CC, Stoke Golding CC).
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 51 5: Bowls
Introduction
5.1 This section assesses the adequacy of bowling greens in Hinckley and Bosworth by presenting an overview of supply (quantity, quality, accessibility and availability) and an overview of demand.
Supply
5.2 Table 5.1 summarises the stock of bowling greens and reveals that there are 11 sites containing functional outdoor bowling greens. There is one green on each site, meaning that there are 11 greens across Hinckley and Bosworth. Five of the 11 greens are in the urban area with the remainder in the northern parishes.
Table 5.1: Bowling greens in Hinckley and Bosworth
Ownership / Number of Club Name Sub Area Site Management Greens Hinckley / Bridge Road / Rugby Owned and managed Burbage Crusaders / Burbage Road by Burbage Parish Burgess Bowls Club urban area Council 1 Burbage Burbage Hinckley / Constitutional Burbage Constitutional Constitutional Bowls Burbage Bowls Club 1 Club urban area Hinckley / Hinckley Bowling Club Owned and managed Burbage by Hinckley Bowls Club 1 Hinckley Bowls Club urban area Hollycroft Park Bowls Hinckley / Club Burbage urban area Hinckley Ladies Bowls Hollycroft Park Hinckley and Bosworth Club Borough Council 1 Bagworth Bowling Leased by club from Northern Club Parish Council. Bagworth Bowls Club Parishes Maintained by Club 1 Barlestone Bowling Owned and managed Barlestone Bowls Northern Green by Barlestone Bowls Club Parishes Club 1 Northern Barwell Bowls Club Barwell Bowls Club Parishes Barwell Sports Club 1 Sport in Desford Northern Sport in Desford 1 Desford Bowls Club Parishes Owned and managed Northern by Kingscroft Bowls Parishes Kingscroft Bowls Club Club Kingscroft Bowls Club 1 Market Bosworth Owned by Club Market Bosworth Northern Bowling Green Trustees, maintained Bowls Club Parishes by club 1 Green owned by TTG Hinckley / Inns Ltd. Buildings Burbage Sweetpea Bowling owned by club. Urban Area Green Facilities managed by Sweet Pea Bowls Club club 1
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 52
5.3 Table 5.1 therefore demonstrates that all existing greens accommodate at least one club.
Quality
5.4 Site visits to bowling greens were undertaken during the playing season and a non-technical, visual assessment was made in an attempt to provide a comparative overview of the greens and highlight any issues. It is essential to ensure that the green surface means that the bowls run at an appropriate speed.
5.5 Site visits reveal that all existing bowling greens are functional and fit for purpose, with overall quality scores ranging from 57% to 86%, suggesting that there is quite a range in the standard of provision. The average score of 76% suggests that most greens are of standard quality.
5.6 There is no pattern relating to the quality of greens in terms of geographical distribution. It is clear however that while the higher quality facilities are in general owned and managed by private clubs, public facilities are by and large of slightly lower quality and often have more restricted maintenance regimes. That said, Hollycroft Park, managed and maintained by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council is one of the better facilities in the borough according to site visits.
5.7 Several of the sites also contain social facilities including a bar and social area. As well as being attractive to potential participants, this improves the sustainability of the club, with greater income from bar takings enabling investment to be channelled into the management and maintenance of facilities. Several clubs highlighted the small clubhouses and lack of associated social facilities as one of the key barriers to growing participation for clubs using these venues and indeed, the presence of a bar and ability to put on social functions is perceived to be a key component of a sustainable facility. Some sites were however perceived to lack facilities within club houses (such as heating) and challenging access routes over rough land and / or poor parking were also highlighted as key concerns.
5.8 Chart 5.1 summarises the quality scores achieved through site visits. It indicates that green quality is relatively consistent across most criteria and that sites are on the whole, fit for purpose. Cleanliness is the most highly rated attribute (lack of litter and graffiti) with mowing frequency also rated well. Spectator provision and storage, as well as the grass cover were identified as key areas for improvement, with several greens exhibiting bare patches and patches of weeds. It is however noted that several greens are undulating / sloping and require levelling to enable bowls to be played at a high standard.
5.9 Several grounds also demonstrated thatching (Barwell Sports Club, Sweetpea Bowling Club, Burbage Constitutional Bowls Club, Hollycroft Park), as well as areas of moss in the grass sward and two greens also exhibited signs of fusarium at the time of visit. This suggests that there are issues in the maintenance of the greens, with verti cutting not being undertaken frequently enough. For those greens where fusarium was evident (Hinckley Bowls Club, Rugby Road Recreation Ground), it was clear that disease had been caught early and damage had therefore been kept to a minimum. For greens scoring more poorly, the quality of the surface (uneven, divots and patchy) was the key issue.
5.10 While the quality of maintenance undertaken varied, the majority of greens appeared tidy and well cared for and most were equipped with artificial grass on the ditch walls and or / rubber crumb or sheeting in the gutters. Paths were in general in reasonable condition, and gutters / channels and ditches were well maintained.
5.11 Although the basic infrastructure of facilities is adequate, several sites have poor or limited car parking. Parking for Hollycroft Park is either roadside, or in the park car park at the bottom of the hill (requiring bowlers to walk up) while Market Bosworth BC and Burbage Constitutional Bowls Club also have only roadside parking.
Chart 5.1: Quality Scores for Bowling Greens (Site Visits)
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Club Views on Quality
5.12 Building upon the site assessments, clubs were asked for their views on the stock of bowling greens. While only two responding clubs indicated that that they were dissatisfied with provision, both of these attributed their identified issues to the quality of facilities23% of clubs indicated that quality issues that they experience inhibit the club development.
5.13 Varying perceptions of green quality were however evident, with scores attributed to the club greens rated between 46% and 100%, demonstrating a greater variation than was found by site visits. Similar findings were however evident and the same sites were considered poorer by both clubs and in site visits.
5.14 Reinforcing the site visits, grass cover and the quality of the playing surface were identified as key areas for improvement by clubs, with several raising concerns about uneven, patchy areas and bald areas. Skills to undertake appropriate maintenance were raised as a key concern by several clubs, with the key issues raised being;
those undertaking the maintenance are not skilled / specialist and / or have had no training;
the cost of maintenance is high; and
the age of those volunteers is a concern, and there is becoming a greater reliance on external contractors, which impacts on the finances of the club.
5.15 Many clubs within the borough are responsible for their own management and maintenance. Of those who are, only 2 clubs indicated that they don’t believe that they have the necessary skills to undertake these activities. The remainder all felt that their greens were well maintained and that they were well equipped to ensure that this continued. Finding volunteers with the right skills and time to undertake green maintenance remains a challenge however.
5.16 It should also be noted that the management of the green can also contribute towards issues with quality. For example, some clubs do not move the rink setting, overusing one area and creating ridges. Again, this is potentially down to lack of training and awareness.
5.17 Changing facilities and clubhouses were considered to also require investment and car parking was also rated poorly. Several clubs also felt that there was room for improvement in terms of the facilities that are provided for spectators. Most clubs felt their site to be tidy and clean
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 54
(free from litter) again reflecting the site visits. Chart 5.2 illustrates the perceived quality of bowling greens (clubs).
Chart 5.2: Perceived quality of bowling greens (Clubs)
5.18 Building upon the general issues identified, Table 5.2 summarises the key issues identified by site. It clearly indicates that there is a degree of variation in the quality of facilities and that there are issues at sites across the borough.
5.19 Table 5.2 includes both the full site visit score and also the % score for the condition of the green only, which is considered to be the most important element of the green.
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Table 5.2: Quality of bowling greens
Site Name Quality Site Visit Site Visit Comments Club Perception Rating (%) Standard Astroturf ditches and gutters, Maintained by club who mainly flat but some bits are don’t believe they have uneven. Tidy edges and paths appropriate skills as most Some moss and weeds in sward. trained people no longer bowl. New greenkeeper soon to start. Green standard despite maintenance issues, but hope new keeper will improve facilities. Club currently use local community centre for teas but costs have 71% (75% increased and so they condition wish to expand their own Bagworth of green pavilion in order to Bowling Club only) accommodate teas on site. Standard Limited private parking, good Green in good condition sized bowling pavilion with good with a strong volunteer facilities, the gutters are astro- base. turfed, and some wooden boards. Repairs to bare patches seeded, green was being irrigated at time of visit and had just been cut. Some moss and 76% (70% weeds in sward. Barlestone condition Bowling of green Improvements recently seen to Green only) green.
Standard Green showing moss and Grass cover good and thatching, worm casts and being playing surface swished at time of visit. Sloping acceptable however green. surrounding paths are poor. There is a Tidy site. Rubber crumb and pronounced slope from timber gutters. the cricket pitch towards the road which affects the Adjacent to indoor green but bowling. Overall green 74% (75% limited existing relationship. and pavilion considered condition acceptable. Barwell Bowls of green Lack of disabled facilities but site Club only) includes bar.
Poor Green has fusarium and there are Poor playing surface and some areas that have been filled paths, grooves and ridges with black powder soot. Astro deflect bowls. Bare sides and rubber gutter. The patches and issues with 57% (50% paths are quite narrow in places maintenance around condition so bare patches on one edge. edges of green (since Bridge Road / of green Green slopes away. been addressed and a six Rugby Road only) month improvement plan The pavilion is quite big and with has been implemented
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 56
Site Name Quality Site Visit Site Visit Comments Club Perception Rating (%) reasonable facilities including on the green). Paths also disabled facilities. Poorest quality poor. Sprinkler system facility overall. recently failed. Perception that specialist fine turf maintenance is required. Pavilion too small to Limited bar on occasion only. accommodate all players. This impacts sustainability. Clubhouse unheated and accessed over rough ground so can’t be use for evening functions.
Standard Some weed on the green and Green adequate with some of the paths are narrow, acceptable playing some thatching. Roadside surface. Poor car parking parking only which is particularly - ask visiting clubs to problematic when games clash share transport. with church activities. Maintained by club groundsman Smaller green that can be played in one direction only - narrow. 79% (85% No disabled access. condition Burbage of green Club accesses constitutional club Constitutional only) for bar.
Poor - Bowling green part of wider Located on edge of Standard community leisure centre. village meaning car Standard condition apart from ownership is essential. some damage to the surface Green surface is not level /bear patches. The site is tidy. and is being slowly Some recent issues with levelled by additional top maintenance later in the season. soil each year. Slowly Requires specialist maintenance. improving but playing Green also suffers from water surface currently poor. retention
81% (80% The pavilion is in excellent condition condition. Club have access to Sport in of green own room with teas and bar as Desford only) well as Sport in Desford facilities.
Standard Green usually in good condition Good but members that - good but recent issues identified. maintain site are growing Bowling green has had fusarium older and there is a need hence the patches where it has for outside help to been treated. Thatching on the continue to keep it at its green, good facilities in a best. Good green and residential location. Astro turf comfortable clubhouse sides and rubber gutters. including access for Generally tidy site. Roadside wheelchairs and 79% (80% parking only spectators with good condition viewing facilities. Hinckley of green Bowling Club only)
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Site Name Quality Site Visit Site Visit Comments Club Perception Rating (%) Standard Well kept bowling green in green Occasional problems with flag park. The gutters are rubber green and playing and astroturf. There are some surface. Some issues with weeds in the green and some bare patches and fall thatching. Car park some away at end of rinks but distance from green. adequate overall. Pavilion too small and has cleanliness issues. In need Changing pavilion and toilets of refurbishment. Club adequate. also does not have sole use of pavilion and toilets Green not fenced off. must be accessed via the 81% (80% changing room. Car park condition location poor in relation Hollycroft of green to bowling green and Park only) bowlers struggle to walk equipment up the hill. Good Bowling green had refurb in Routine maintenance 2016 with complete reseed. In done by volunteers with remarkable condition, little professional skills or considering. Well supported training. Out of season club, tidy well-kept site in maintenance by specialist 81% (90% excellent condition. contractor expensive but condition necessary to retain Kingscroft of green surface. Car park surface Bowls Club only) is poor and in need of replacement. Standard Tidy site in relatively quiet area. Green in good condition. Very tidy site with astro turf and Poor parking. rubber gutters. Poorly drained. Market 86% (85% Some moss and grass in sward. Bosworth condition Roadside parking only. Bowling of green Green only) Green not square so can only be played in one direction. Standard Bowling green to rear of pub, Green in good condition buildings owned by Club. Part of although lack of the pub has been burned down. automatic watering The green has just been spiked system means it is which is good as it may reduce difficult to maintain the thatching to the green surface in dry periods. On Rubber crumb gutters astro site pub currently closed sides. Tidy but shabby site, needs due to fire, club updating. Some thatch in the maintenance is restricted Sweetpea grass sward. due to funds and Bowling necessary fees under Green 76% Wooden pavilion of own and terms of lease. includes bar and kitchen.
Accessibility
5.20 Consultation with bowls clubs demonstrates that on average, 39% of participants travel between 1 and 3 miles to reach a green, while a further 33% travel under 1 mile. This means
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that most people play at greens local to their home. Just 8% of bowlers travel more than 5 miles. This is illustrated in Chart 5.3.
Chart 5.3: Average Travel Distance to Bowling Greens from Home
5.21 Map 5.1 therefore illustrates the location of each of the greens in the borough and includes both a 1 and 3 mile catchment area around each green.
5.22 It indicates that bowling greens are well distributed across the borough, with four facilities in the Hinckley / Burbage urban area and the remainder dispersed across the Northern Parishes. There is however relatively poor coverage to the west of the borough, where residents must travel much further to reach a green.
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Map 5.1: Bowling greens in Hinckley and Bosworth
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Demand
5.23 Nationally, the Sport England Active People survey indicates that participation in outdoor bowls has declined over the 2005 - 2016 period. In 2005 0.83% of the adult population played outdoor bowls at least once a week. By 2016 this dropped to 0.51%. Chart 5.4 illustrates this graphically.
Chart 5.4: Participation in outdoor bowls (England 2006-2016) (extracted from Sport England)
Market Segmentation
5.24 Sport England Active People Survey and Market Segmentation data enables evaluation of the proportion of the population that currently play bowls. For Hinckley and Bosworth, it demonstrates that the amount of people playing is inconsistent, with particularly lower levels of participation in the more urban areas (represented by the darker purple shaded areas).
5.25 Comparison of Map 5.2 with Map 5.1 (which outlined the location of existing bowling greens) suggests that this is not really influenced by the location of existing greens, as there are accessible greens in all areas of the borough.
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Map 5.2: Participation in Bowls across Hinckley and Bosworth (Sport England Market Segmentation)
5.26 Market segmentation reveals that overall, across Hinckley and Bosworth there are 893 people playing bowls currently. These players fall primarily in the older age profiles of Elsie and Arnold and Frank. The proportion of people in each segment participating is broadly in line with England and East Midland averages, although it is below average in the Elsie and Arnold group. There is scope to increase the amount of players in other groups, most notably Ralph and Phyllis. This may influence the type of marketing that should be undertaken by clubs in order to successfully generate new participants.
Actual participation
5.27 Table 5.3 illustrates the current playing membership of bowling clubs on greens across the borough, highlighting that there are 592 senior adult players and just 5 players aged U18. There is therefore limited participation at a junior level and poor structures for junior play. Where clubs have not responded to the survey, affiliation numbers from Leicestershire and Rutland Bowls Association have been used (club responses have been used where these were received). Total membership numbers used have however been compared with affiliation data and it is clear that there is some fluctuation but that membership is relatively consistent.
Table 5.3: Membership of existing clubs
Club Name Club Playing Recent Sub Area Site Membership Trends Bagworth 30 (all senior) Increased Northern Bowling Club Bagworth Bowls Club Parishes
37 (all senior) Decreased Northern Barlestone Barlestone Bowls (lost players to Parishes Bowling Green Club other clubs)
Barwell Bowls 39 (provided Northern Club Barwell Bowls Club by LRBA) Parishes
Burbage Increased Hinckley / Bridge Road / Burbage Crusaders / Crusaders - 31 Burbage Rugby Road Burgess Bowls Club (all senior) urban area
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Club Name Club Playing Recent Sub Area Site Membership Trends Burgess Bowls Club - 30 (All senior)
Burbage Burbage 44 (provided Static Hinckley / Constitutional Constitutional Bowls by LRBA) Burbage Club urban area Sport in Desford 30 (all senior) Increased Northern Desford Bowls Club Parishes Hinckley Bowling 90 (all senior) Decreased Hinckley / Club (natural Burbage Hinckley Bowls Club causes) urban area Hollycroft Park Bowls 41 (all senior) Decreased Hinckley / Club (natural Burbage 16 (all senior) causes) urban area Hollycroft Park Hinckley Ladies
Kingscroft Bowls 90 (includes 1 Static Northern Club Kingscroft Bowls Club youth) Parishes
Market Bosworth Market Bosworth 67 (includes 2 Static Northern Bowling Green Bowls Club youth) Parishes
Sweetpea 39 (includes 2 Static Northern Bowling Green Sweet Pea Bowls Club youth) Parishes
5.28 Table 5.3 clearly indicates that there are no clear trends with regards membership numbers across Hinckley and Bosworth, with almost equal proportions experiencing growth and decline. This is illustrated in Chart 5.5. There are also no clear patterns by provider type or by location, suggesting that club membership trends are site specific and unpredictable.
Chart 5.5: Membership Trends
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5.29 While some clubs have experienced an increase in participation, few have grown significantly and several challenges in relation to growing membership are highlighted;
the lack of interest in bowls and the connotations associated with the sport;
the costs associated with playing and funding improvements;
the perceived poor quality of existing facilities (green and pavilion);
lack of coaches and volunteers; and
the location of sites meaning that awareness of their existence is limited.
5.30 More recent affiliation figures supplied by Bowls Leicestershire suggest that the amount of members in clubs in Hinckley and Bosworth remains relatively consistent, although again there have been fluctuations, with some clubs increasing and some clubs in contrast experiencing decline.
5.31 Chart 5.6 illustrates the key barriers that clubs believe exist in relation to growing membership. Bowls Leicestershire highlight the importance of quality and believe that poor quality greens act as a barrier to newcomers, as well as impacting upon the quality of bowls that can be played.
5.32 Chart 5.6: Barriers to the growth of bowls
5.33 All clubs in the borough indicate that they have capacity for new members and are actively seeking new participants.
5.34 Table 5.3 also clearly demonstrates the older age profile of bowls, with only 5 youth players in the borough. Consultation with clubs indicates that the majority of players are 60 or above, which reflects the findings of the Sport England Market Segmentation (earlier in this section). The profile and connotations associated with bowls are perceived to be central to this. Bowls has potential to
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be a family sport for all sectors of the population but does not currently deliver on this potential in Hinckley and Bosworth. It should be noted that the age profile of bowling clubs is particularly key, as where clubs have an older membership with fewer younger bowlers, there is a greater danger that membership will decline due to natural causes.
5.35 In the context of increasing participation being a priority, Chart 5.6 illustrates the views of clubs in relation to perceived barriers to the growth of bowls. They indicate that there are several issues, primarily focusing upon the quality of greens and challenges recruiting members and volunteers, as well as costs associated with participation, rather than the number of greens.
5.36 Other issues highlighted as important by clubs include;
the challenges of managing and maintaining facilities, particularly with regards funding the work required to maintain sites on a day to day basis and funding larger works that are needed (such as pavilion improvements);
the importance of the existing volunteer workforce and the concerns that many of these bowlers are now approaching retirement from bowls, leaving un trained and unskilled club members to maintain the greens;
the challenges of recruiting and retaining members. Most clubs indicate that they actively seek to attract new players through advertising and open days as well as word of mouth and some clubs have recently appointed development officers with a view to attracting more players (Barlestone Bowls Club, Barwell Bowls Club, Hinckley Bowls Club, Kingscroft Bowls Club and Market Bosworth Bowls Club.Some clubs highlight that their location out of view from the road and / or on the edge of villages can restrict opportunities. Issues such as poorly located car parking / lack of disabled access can also inhibit attempts to secure more members; and
linking with challenges relating to funding, clubs see the provision of appropriate social facilities as key to their long-term sustainability, with social functions providing an income to support the financial position of the club (as opposed to a financial drain when clubs are forced to hire other venues to put on such activities).
5.37 Sweet Pea Bowls Club also highlight concerns about their long-term security of tenure (the site is currently rented although they own the buildings, and the on site pub which has recently been demolished (shut down due to fire) and the impact that this insecurity has on their ability to attract additional members. The club is also bound by expensive annual fees under the agreement of their lease and this is becoming unsustainable.
5.38 While the above considers the active participants in the bowling club, the wider role that bowls clubs play in providing social opportunities is clear, with almost all clubs hosting non playing members. Social interaction is key to a healthy mind and bowls clubs therefore have a key role to play in providing opportunities for those that do not wish to (or are unable to) play, but still wish to be involved within the club. There are 89 non-playing members at existing responding clubs. This function of bowls clubs reinforces the importance of the effective provision of spectator and social facilities.
Latent demand
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5.39 As well as evaluating the current participation in bowls, The Active People Survey and Market Segmentation data, enables evaluation of the proportion of the population that would like to play. This can be used to understand if any latent demand exists and reveals the following;
As illustrated earlier in this section, 893 people in Hinckley and Bosworth are currently believed to play bowls (this is marginally higher than the known membership of clubs)
201 additional residents would like to play. Unmet demand is fairly evenly spread amongst different market segmentation groups although is still clearly skewed to the older age profile, and those groups containing higher numbers of Frank, Roger and Joy and Elsie and Arnold.
5.40 Map 5.3 indicates that despite current uneven levels of participation, potential demand across the borough is actually relatively even. This suggests that there is a particular scope to increase participation within the Hinckley and Burbage urban area.
Map 5.3: Percentage of People wishing to participate in bowls (Sport England Market Segmentation)
5.41 Market segmentation therefore suggests that there is scope to increase participation in bowls across the borough, both within the same profile groups as current players and by targeting new groups.
NGB priorities
5.42 Bowls England is the NGB for Flat Green Lawn Bowls in England. The organization’s strategic plan (2013 – 2017) indicates that the vision of the organization focuses upon;
promoting the sport;
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recruiting new participants; and
retaining existing participants.
5.43 There are no direct priorities relating to facilities, although clearly facilities are an important component of increasing participation and the Governing Body will seek to support clubs and county boards through the provision of a variety of online resources. In particular, the Governing Body highlights the health benefits that bowls can bring and the role of bowls in improving health issues.
5.44 Consultation with the NGB indicates that key issues for bowls in general include;
the older age profile of members and the impact that this has on growing and maintaining participation. In particular, there is a lack of people aged 20 - 50 and a dearth of young people;
the need for greater flexibility in the sport if participation is to increase. Current patterns of play rely on afternoon / early evening starts, meaning that the sport can be restrictive for younger members;
the cost of maintaining facilities, declining membership and lack of funding to effect improvements;
the need for closer involvement with schools and sports development staff;
lack of voluntary help for clubs – coaches and administrators; and
the need to promote new ‘short’ forms of the games (e.g. New age bowls, sets play) to attract new players with less spare time.
5.45 The Bowls Development Alliance (which is the body for Bowls England and English Indoor Bowling Association) Whole Sport Plan seeks to;
target those over 55 to increase participation, with a view to ensuring that bowls becomes the number 1 sport for participants aged 55 and over;
support clubs to provide a quality experience that will maintain club membership;
provide a quality coaching structure including recognised qualifications;
provide more opportunities for those aged 16 and over with a disability; and
overall, the Development Alliance are seeking to bring 10,810 new people into the game.
5.46 The achievement of these goals will be delivered through a variety of means, including packages for clubs to aid recruitment, Play Bowls Roadshows to promote the sport and working in hot spot areas.
5.47 A recent research report (October 2016) undertaken by Sport England into the issues facing the sustainability of bowls reflected many of the concerns raised above, indicating that there is;
falling membership and high age profile of existing members;
reduction in the number of new members;
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members are very sensitive to increases in fees, but that increase in membership fees has been necessary to offset declining numbers; and
increasing maintenance / green upkeep fees
5.48 It concludes that;
recruitment of new members is key to ongoing sustainability;
there is a need to implement sound financial management practices. This includes a need to explore alternative methods of income generation (a bar / social facilities etc are key to financial sustainability). There is also a need to maximise secondary income streams (hire out facilities / sponsorship etc) to ensure that income can be ring fence for a sinking fund;
maintenance costs and machinery are the highest financial burdens - there may be opportunities to think creatively about how this can be improved (maintenance hubs etc);
the 40 - 55 age group is crucial to reduce the overall age profile and to drive club activities (but there is a struggle to engage with these groups); and
there is often a reliance on one individual and development business plans need to be put in place.
5.49 Locally in Leicestershire, it is believed that the recent decline in participation has now been arrested. While the LRBA seeks to introduce those aged 40+ to bowls, there remain challenges in recruiting volunteers. Recent successes have however been achieved in the creation of 13 new Level 2 coaches (2 in Hinckley) as well as over 30 level 1 coaches, who will provide a basis for the ongoing development of the sport. Nationally, new development officers have also been appointed to work individually with clubs throughout the country seeking to reverse decline and support club development. A club development programme is available where clubs have lost more than 10% of their members within the last three years.
Adequacy of provision
5.50 There are no formal supply and demand models for bowling greens. The adequacy of provision is therefore evaluated by drawing together the data collated and determining the key issues impacting current and projected future participation.
Green Quality
5.51 Only two clubs were not satisfied with the existing facilities across Hinckley and Bosworth and both cited quality not quantity related issues. While there is a good infrastructure in the borough for bowling overall, Table 5.2 revealed some improvement works that are required as well as ongoing concerns about the maintenance of existing facilities. There are some poorer quality facilities (rated poor - the lower edges of standard) and the quality of greens was viewed as being instrumental in facilitating the ongoing delivery of bowls as well as essential if new players were to be attracted to the sport. There are however concerns about the skills of those maintaining some greens (as well as succession planning for future years) as well as the costs associated with fine turf maintenance.
5.52 Several clubs also highlight issues with the size / suitability of their pavilion and the restrictions that this places on current activities as well as on club development. Social facilities are key to the sustainability of a green.
Amount of Greens
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5.53 Reflecting the spare capacity at all existing sites, as well as the emphasis placed by clubs and key stakeholders alike on increasing participation, data collated indicates that there is no evidence that there is a requirement for additional facilities to meet current demand. In particular;
all responding clubs indicate that they have scope to accommodate additional members;
recent participation trends are varying, with an even number experiencing growth and decline, but all are actively seeking to obtain new members – retention of existing members and recruitment of new is a key priority for bowling clubs across the borough (and nationally); and
the average membership of clubs is just 53 playing members and some clubs have fewer members than this. This is below optimum levels - as a guide, 80-100 members is considered a very healthy membership for a bowls club, while an average club will have 50 - 60 members.
Protection of Existing Greens
5.54 As guidance, Bowls England suggests that the retention of an existing bowling green is difficult to support (due to sustainability issues), where membership is below 16 - 20 people. At any one time, a good quality green can accommodate circa 48 players and the number of club members that can be sustained is significantly higher.
5.55 Recent research by Sport England (2016) sets a membership target of 15 - 20 members per rink to ensure that sustainability as a club can be achieved (and that financial and playing requirements are balanced).
5.56 Analysis of number of members per green, and the number of members per rink in Hinckley and Bosworth is set out in Table 5.4.
5.57 It indicates that;
that there are no greens where membership levels fall below these targets, although facilities at Bagworth, Barlestone and Desford host around only 30 members. All three of these clubs are located in the northern parishes and therefore serve more rural (and often smaller) communities;
in contrast to the greens accommodating fairly low numbers, membership is particularly high at Hinckley Bowls Club, Kingscroft Bowls Club, Market Bosworth and Bridge Road, highlighting the sustainability of these facilities. There is limited scope for expansion of membership at these sites, although all clubs believe that they are still able to accommodate further players; and
reflecting the findings revealed when evaluating membership levels per green, use of facilities per rink highlights that there is relatively high usage at Hinckley Bowls Club and Kingscroft Bowls Club, while there is particular scope (and need if facilities are to remain sustainable) at Bagworth Bowls Club, Barlestone Bowls Club and Sport in Desford to increase play.
Table 5.4: Membership per Green / Rink
Number Number of Membership Number of Green Greens Per Green of Rinks Members
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Per Rink
Bagworth Bowling Club 1 30 6 5 Barlestone Bowling Green 1 37 6 6 Barwell Bowls Club 1 39 6 7 Bridge Road / Rugby Road 1 61 6 10 Burbage Constitutional 1 44 4 11 Sport in Desford 1 30 6 5 Hinckley Bowling Club 1 90 6 15 Hollycroft Park 1 57 6 10 Kingscroft Bowls Club 1 90 6 15 Market Bosworth Bowling Green 1 67 6 11 Sweetpea Bowling Green 1 39 6 7
5.58 The above figures suggest that there is some capacity within the existing facility stock, particularly at those clubs where membership is hovering below 50. Increases in membership would help to promote club sustainability.
5.59 There is more limited capacity within the facilities accommodating more than 70 bowlers already and it is clear that facilities in the urban area are busier in this regard. The average membership per green is almost 60 in the urban area compared to just 48 in the northern parishes.
5.60 This is illustrated in Table 5.5 below.
Table 5.5: Adequacy of Bowling Greens by Sub Area
Number Number Membership Number of of Per Green of Rinks Members Greens Per Rink 8.07 Urban 5 58.2 28
Northern 8.13 6 48.8 36 Parishes
5.61 The participation levels at each green suggest that all existing facilities are valuable and should be protected. While increasing the levels of participation at those with lower membership is key, the membership levels are not sufficiently low to suggest that facilities are currently unsustainable. The target levels set by Sport England however clearly indicate that there is a need to increase club membership in order to maximise both short and long-term sustainability. It should be noted however that several clubs raise the importance of the balance between a high membership and the ability of the club to accommodate all members in matches. Some club members worry that the number of matches that they will play will decrease as the greens become busier.
5.62 Discussions with local representatives of the Bowling Community highlight that the challenges facing the sport are recognised and there is an acknowledgement that to maintain the existing infrastructure, and to address increasing maintenance costs, participation increases are required and driving activity is seen as the key priority in the short term. Retention and improvement of the
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existing infrastructure (through green quality, maintenance improvements and succession planning, as well as pavilion works) will be essential if facilities are to remain fit for purpose in years to come.
5.63 There is also a need to raise awareness of bowling greens and to enhance the presence of clubs in the local community (signage / hard copy and online advertising).
Future Requirements for Bowls
5.64 Although there is sufficient capacity at existing bowling greens to meet current demand, the profile of current participants in bowls means that the ageing population is likely to influence participation more so than for most other sports. Analysis indicates that the proportion of residents aged 55+ is likely to increase from 34.9% now (2017), to 44.4% in 2036. Table 5.6 summarises this in numerical terms.
Table 5.6: Increase in the Population aged 55+ in Hinckley and Bosworth
Year 2017 2036
49153 Number of People Aged 55+ 38430
44.4% Proportion of the Population 34.9%
Total Increase Increase of 10723 between 2017 and 2036
5.65 As the above numbers suggest, the number of people aged 55+ is likely to increase and the propensity to participate in bowls is therefore likely to grow. This is likely to stimulate additional demand for bowling greens in Hinckley and Bosworth and place additional pressures on the existing infrastructure.
5.66 Table 5.7 summarises the potential impact of the population growth. It presents two scenarios as follows;
A – using club membership as a base – this provides an accurate reflection of current participation across the borough (currently); and
B – basing participation on figures according to the Active People Survey (893), which highlights a degree of latent demand (an additional 201 players potential).
Table 5.7: Calculation of potential growth in bowls
Current Situation
Current Participation (Known Club Active People Survey Area considered Membership)
38430 38430 Current Population Aged
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55+
Participation in Bowls 584 893 + 201 potential
% of Current Population 2.88% 1.6% Participating in Bowls
Future Situation (2036)
Future Population aged 49153 49153 55+
Assumed Future 2.88% Participation in Bowls 1.6% (participation remains constant)
Potential Future 1415 786 Participants in Bowls
+321 Change (2017 - 2036) +202
5.67 Table 5.7 therefore indicates that based upon existing club membership, assuming participation rates remain constant with existing club membership, demand for bowls is likely to increase by 202 players as a direct result of population growth. Assuming that membership of all greens is even, this would mean a membership of circa 71 players at each green by 2036, which is still sustainable within the existing stock (12 players per rink, suggesting additional members would still be required to ensure sustainability). If higher participation rates were used, this growth would increase to 128 players per green and provision may be insufficient to meet demand (optimum membership 80 – 100).
5.68 It is clear however that analysis of existing bowling clubs represents the most accurate means of determining demand for bowling greens. An average of circa 71 members is therefore likely to be experienced, which is a very healthy membership. Further players (to meet targets of 15 - 20 members per rink) would however enable a good level of income and a balance between finance and playing opportunities.
5.69 This suggests therefore that there is sufficient stock of facilities to meet current and future demand and there is scope for growth within the facility stock.
5.70 It is acknowledged however that growth is unlikely to be even, with the location of new housing developments significantly impacting the choice of club. The varying membership at club sites means that some have more capacity than others to sustain additional growth however. It is notable that particularly in the urban area, capacity is much lower. The scope to accommodate further play in Market Bosworth will also be limited, given the high levels of play that are already in existence at this site as well as the fact that the site has a small green on which play can only take place one way (meaning wear on green will be greater)
5.71 Should issues with Hinckley Sweet Pea Bowls Club lease continue to be apparent, this could lead to the loss of a green and an increase in average club membership to 59. It should be noted however
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that it is in the urban area where greens are already closer to capacity and it in this area where it is likely that members would be dispersed. It is however thought that many members would be lost should this green close.
5.72 Future participation in bowls is only therefore likely to grow significantly if a more aggressive approach to recruitment is taken by clubs and the governing body, in line with the recently produced Bowls England Strategy. Most clubs are currently seeking to proactively increase membership, but this largely focuses upon open days, word of mouth and leafleting currently and there has been little growth. As well as increasing numbers in the typical age profile, there remain significant opportunities to increase the number of players aged below 60. Bowling offers significant health (both physical and mental) benefits and achievement of increased participation would therefore contribute to numerous wider agendas.
Summary and Key issues
5.73 The key issues for bowls are summarised below.
Summary – Bowls
Facility quality requires improvement - playing surface and grass cover identified as key area, several greens have bare patches and there is evidence of weeds. Some greens undulating
Some issues relating to ancillary facilities and car parking
Opportunities to improve the quality of maintenance. There are concerns about the lack of specialist training or knowledge, cost and age of volunteers and a consequential need to undertake some succession planning
There are opportunities to increase play at some sites in particular Bagworth, Barlestone, Sport in Desford and Burbage Constitutional. There are concerns about the lease at Sweet Pea Bowls Club
Future growth may generate additional demand for bowling (more so than other sports due to the ageing population). There are greater pressures on greens in urban areas currently.
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6: Tennis
Introduction
6.1 This section assesses the adequacy of facilities for tennis by presenting an overview of supply (quantity, quality, accessibility and availability) and an overview of demand for outdoor courts. The key findings are then summarised, alongside the issues to be addressed.
Supply
Quantity
6.2 There are 54 active tennis courts with public /community access located at 15 sites. These courts are split between public (park) sites, schools and private clubs. The split of facilities is summarised in Table 6.1 which indicates that provision at school sites makes up more than half of all community accessible tennis courts (although it should be noted that access levels to these facilities vary and this is outlined in Table 6.2).
6.3 Of the active and accessible courts, 16 are floodlit (30%). 13 out of 16 of these are located at club bases. Floodlighting extends the capacity of a court by ensuring play can take place during the winter months, as well as later into the evenings in summer.
Table 6.1: Split of Facilities
Type of Facility Number of Sites Number of Courts Number of Floodlit Courts
Parks Site 2 4 0
School Site 8 35 3
Club Site 3 13 13
Private Health Club 1 2 0
6.4 In addition to the facilities listed in Table 6.1, there is a former tennis court at Rugby Road, Burbage. This is now overgrown and unsuitable for use and there is no evidence of a specific budget for maintenance within Parish Council budgets. The courts at Alans Way, Newbold Verdon are also poor and almost unsuitable for use (but are included above as they are maintained as current courts).
6.5 There are also tennis courts at Twycross House School (2) that are not available for public use.
6.6 The specific facilities provided at each site and the level of access available is set out in Table 6.2. It reveals that many schools indicate that they offer community use of their tennis courts although there is more limited evidence of actual usage. It should be noted that there is fairly limited level of promotion of the availability of school facilities, however many do list prices and contact details on their websites.
6.7 Table 6.2 also includes the sub area in which the site is located. It reveals that 19 of the 54 courts are located within the urban area, while the remainder are in the Northern Parishes. This suggests that facilities for tennis are relatively well distributed. Two of the three clubs are in the Northern Parishes.
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Table 6.2: Tennis courts in Hinckley and Bosworth
Area Number Number Facility Site Name of of Floodlit Access Arrangements Type Courts courts Playing Fields, Northern Alans Way, Parishes Park 2 Public facility managed by Parish Newbold Council. Full access. Vernon
Market Northern Club facility located on site of Dixie Bosworth Parishes Club 6 6 Grammar School. Club allow pay and Tennis Club play and groups can use facilities by arrangement. Hollycroft Park Urban Park 2 0 Public facility managed by Hinckley Tennis Courts Area and Bosworth Borough Council. Hinckley Urban Lettings to local clubs and Academy / Area School 4 independent groups managed by John Cleveland school. Website includes list of prices Tennis Courts including tennis courts. Heath Lane Northern Academy Parishes Community use agreement in place. (formerly Website provides costs for some William School 8 activities although tennis courts are Bradford not detailed within this and Community availability is not actively promoted. College)
Hinckley Sports Urban Club / Hinckley Area Club facility. Club allow pay and play Club 4 4 Town Tennis and groups can use facilities by Club arrangement.
Sport in Northern Desford Tennis Parishes Club 3 3 Club facility. Pay and play for none Courts members permitted.
Urban Other facilities on site are rented out Hastings High Area to groups. Potential access to tennis School - School 6 courts and website confirms that Burbage facilities are accessible to the community. Spindles Health Northern Private and Leisure Parishes Health 2 Centre (Market Accessible to club members only. Club Bosworth Hall)
Urban Community use agreement - site Redmoor Area School 3 3 used as overspill facility for Hinckley Academy Tennis Club. Website confirms that access is available to facilities. South Northern No formal agreement but site Charnwood Parishes School 4 0 managed manages bookings. There High School is capacity to increase usage.
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Area Number Number Facility Site Name of of Floodlit Access Arrangements Type Courts courts Brookvale / Northern School indicate formal agreement is Groby Learning Parish School 4 0 in place. Website clearly offers Campus lettings of facilities but does not provide costs for tennis courts. Northern Other facilities on site are rented out Market Bosworth Parishes to groups and tennis courts are School 4 0 School available. School website includes lettings policy which specifically references costs for tennis courts. Northern Community use available and tennis St Martins Parishes courts are currently used by the Catholic School 2 0 public. Old lettings policy is available Academy online but there is no active promotion of facilities available.
6.8 It is therefore evident that while there are numerous facilities at tennis courts on school sites, access is varying and the level of promotion is limited. It should also be noted that at most schools, tennis courts are on the same area as other sports (netball / basketball etc) and not all of the area is always marked for tennis so potential users must compete with demand from other sports.
Quality
6.9 Site visits to tennis courts were undertaken during the summer and feedback was also gathered from providers and users. Full site assessment scores can be found in the appendices.
6.10 The average quality score achieved across all sites was 70%, suggesting that most facilities are fit for purpose, but that there remains scope for improvement. While the majority of courts are rated as standard (56%), 10% are rated poor.
6.11 Site visits reveal a hierarchy in the quality of provision, with club-based facilities of highest quality, followed by schools and parks courts. The quality of facilities at school sites is primarily standard, whilst excluding Hollycroft Park in Hinckley (which is good) parks sites are poor.
6.12 While the quality of these facilities is vastly different, in general these three levels of facility serve different requirements and different target markets, with clubs often attracting more serious players and parks courts being used for more informal play (and free to access). The quality required for these sites to be fit for purpose is therefore varying.
6.13 The average site scores demonstrate that the quality of club bases is above the average for both public parks and schools. The scores for parks and schools is broadly similar, although this is influenced by the high score achieved at Hollycroft Park (which negates poor scores achieved by the remainder of parks facilities).
a. Club sites - 85%
b. School sites - 65%
c. Park sites - 65%.
6.14 There are no clear patterns or variations in quality according to geography.
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6.15 Chart 6.1 illustrates the quality of tennis courts across the borough as a whole. It indicates that spectator seating and storage are the poorest scoring criteria (these are not necessarily appropriate on all sites however). Of those criteria that apply to all sites, the playing surface and fencing are the key areas for improvement. Several sites exhibit cracks, weeds and uneven patches and the nets also require investment on some sites.
Chart 6.1: Quality of Tennis Courts across Hinckley and Bosworth
Quality of Tennis Courts across HInckley and Bosworth
1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 Average Percentage Score achievedScore Percentage Average
Quality Criteria
6.16 Table 6.3 sets out the individual quality scores achieved for each site and identifies the key areas for improvement. It also notes the comments made in relation to these sites by the provider / user. It demonstrates that despite the evident variation in quality and the higher calibre of club facilities, there remain improvements required at all types of facility.
6.17 It is clear that while facilities at club bases and park sites are dedicated facilities for tennis, the majority of courts on school sites are overmarked for other sports, meaning that tennis must compete with other activities (and that courts could not be hired for tennis and netball at the same time for example).
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Table 6.3: Quality of Tennis Courts across Hinckley and Bosworth
Number Site Site Site Name of Visit Site Visit Comment Club / Provider Comments Rating Type Courts Score Playing Fields, Tennis courts located on all weather pitch. Quality of Alans Way, Former surface is average to poor and has declined in recent Newbold Courts years. All weather facility is now over 15 years old and Vernon 2 44% Unsuitable for use, markings virtually requires refurbishment within the next 2 years. It is not visible for tennis. however regularly maintained to a 6 month schedule. Poor Market Bosworth Club Good facility with patio seating area for Facilities good. 3 tarmac courts repainted and 3 courts Tennis Club 6 85% spectators. All courts in good condition. resurfaced with artificial grass in last 3 years. All Part of school playing field site. components of site are good - high quality facilities. Good Courts updated 2017 to provide strong park facility. Supported by routine maintenance. Major refurbishment Hollycroft Park Courts newly refurbished and only 2008. No floodlights provided and park closes at dusk Tennis Courts Park 2 85% opened August 2017. New fencing and meaning that floodlighting would have limited equipment also of high quality. opportunity. Good
Rugby Road Patch of tarmac with very faint lines. Tennis Court, Former Site becoming overgrown and fencing Burbage Courts 0 0% is in disrepair. Would require None received. No evidence of site being maintained for reinstatement works before use. tennis any more. Poor
Hinckley Courts in sets of two, standard quality. Academy / Playing surface adequate, line markings John Cleveland clear but fading in part. One of the only Tennis Courts School 4 65% school sites where courts are not Quality good overall, no sinking fund in place for repairs, overmarked. basic maintenance undertaken only. Standard William Bradford Community Four courts are overmarked, others College Tennis appear not to be used for tennis Courts School 8 65% currently. Facilities vary in quality Quality good, maintained by external company. Level Standard between standard and poor. surfaces. / Poor
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Number Site Site Site Name of Visit Site Visit Comment Club / Provider Comments Rating Type Courts Score Well lined and with good equipment, playing surface acceptable although not as good as at other clubs, with some signs of deterioration. Poor facilities for spectators, Hinckley Sports and changing facilities, clubhouse, car parking and Club / Hinckley All courts good and floodlit. Tennis storage all poor. Floodlighting was installed on all courts Town Tennis facilities part of wider large site in December 2014 which has brought significant benefits Club Club 4 79% dedicated to sport. Paths would benefit to the club. General painting and refurbishment of the from improvement. premises is carried out by volunteers. Good Sport in Excellent facilities part of larger sports Facilities in acceptable condition but line markings Desford Tennis complex. Paths would benefit from require investment. All courts soon to be patched and Courts Club 3 91% improvement but all courts good and sealed and court surface viewed as key priority for floodlit. investment. Changing facilities also poor. Good Hastings High School - Burbage School 2 65% Overmarked with lines for other sports but clear overall. Reasonable surface. Facilities in good condition overall. Standard Spindles Health and Leisure Private Centre (Market Health Courts standard quality but only Bosworth Hall) Club 2 0% accessible to hotel guests and / or leisure club members. Standard Redmoor Overmarked with lines for other sports Academy School 3 68% but clear overall. Reasonable surface. All Standard quality facilities, changing accommodation three courts are floodlit. good. Standard South Charnwood High School School 4 53% Overmarked with netball. Lines clear but Tennis courts are in poor condition overall, changing Standard fading in parts. accommodation is good. - poor Brookvale / Groby Learning Clearly defined line markings, playing Campus School 4 65% surface acceptable. Overmarked with netball. Facilities in good condition. Standard Market Bosworth School School 4 0% Not accessible at time of site visit. No.
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Number Site Site Site Name of Visit Site Visit Comment Club / Provider Comments Rating Type Courts Score St Martins Catholic Academy 0% Courts overmarked with other sports. Tennis courts poor and unusable at times. School identify Limited scope for use currently. refurbishment as key priority. Poor
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Accessibility
6.18 LTA insight demonstrates that people are typically willing to travel 3km to play tennis. This increases up to 5km if the courts are floodlit or at a hub site.
6.19 Analysis of the spatial distribution of facilities indicates that;
the three club bases are reasonably well dispersed across the borough, with Hinckley Tennis Club serving the urban area and Market Bosworth and Desford serving the west and east of the borough respectively;
access to parks facilities is more limited, with only Hollycroft Park (Hinckley) providing high quality pay and play courts. The site at Newbold Verdon, the only facility in the Northern Parishes, is of poor quality;
schools with accessible tennis courts are distributed across the borough and provide more localised opportunities for those in the more rural settlements that may have to travel further otherwise to reach facilities; and
despite the equitable distribution of facilities, the rural nature of the borough means that some residents remain outside of the catchment for tennis courts, particularly in the wider extremities of the borough. While many to the east are in the catchment of facilities in Leicester City, there are fewer facilities to the west of the borough in North Warwickshire.
Demand
6.20 The Active People survey indicates that nationally, the proportion of residents playing tennis is declining. While at the time of AP 1, 1.12% of the adult population was participating, this has now decreased to 0.94%. More locally, the percentage of adults across Hinckley and Bosworth who play tennis is represented in map and bar chart form and set out in Map 6.2 and Chart 6.2.
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Map 6.2: Percentage and location of the Hinckley and Bosworth adult population who play tennis
Chart 6.2: Profile of the market segments who participate in tennis
6.21 The key findings from both the map and the bar chart are that:
participation in Hinckley and Bosworth is high, with between 2% and 5% of residents of the borough playing tennis in almost all areas. The only area of the borough where participation is lower is in Earl Shilton / Barwell, where between 1.1 and 2% play. There are no clubs in this
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area, but residents do have access to tennis courts at school sites and the poor quality public parks court;
tennis is played across both sexes and that the age of participants is much more widespread than for most other sports considered. In total 1957 people play tennis, and participation at least once per month is highest by Tim, Philip and Ben. Participation is significantly higher amongst those groups than it is nationally; and
while the dominant participants are similar to those playing other sports, it is clear that tennis provides an effective way of engaging residents who do not participate in some other sports considered within this assessment. The proportion of participants in the Alison and Jackie categories are particularly high in Hinckley and Bosworth compared to national averages, while the proportion of older residents playing is on a par with national levels. There is scope to increase participation in some sectors of the community, in particular Leanne and Ralph and Phyllis.
6.22 The Active People analysis of the percentage of adults who would like to play tennis is set out in Map 6.3 and Chart 6.3. Map 6.3 reveals that propensity to play tennis is consistent across the borough, despite current uneven levels of play.
6.23 Chart 6.3 illustrates that those that do not currently play but would like to are in similar groups to current participants, but that there is particular latent demand from Philip and Tim (who are already high participants) as well as Elaine and Alison. Initiatives to increase participation could therefore be targeted towards these groups.
Map 6.3: Percentage and location of the adult population who would like to play tennis
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Chart 6.3: Profile of the market segments who would like to participate in tennis
6.24 Significantly therefore, tennis is also the only sport where there are more that would like to play than do actually play (2081 people would like to play). This suggests there is a high level of latent demand for tennis and the potential to capitalise on this to increase participation. It should be noted however that this situation arises consistently across the country for tennis and should therefore be treated with some caution.
Existing participation
6.25 Existing participation in Hinckley and Bosworth takes place in many forms;
formal club membership at club-based sites (and overspill venues where required);
pay and play activity at school facilities; and
more informal play at public park sites.
Informal Play at Public Parks
6.26 There are limited public tennis courts across the borough with the main facility being Hollycroft Park, managed by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. This facility is booked either over the phone in advance or on site through the kiosk. Records demonstrate that there were 253 individual users over the period April 2016 - 2017. This represents a low level of use, with LTA estimates and benchmarking across the country indicating that two court sites within rural areas should be sustaining between 500 - 1000 individual users each year.
6.27 These figures suggest that there is significant scope to increase usage of facilities. This was also bourne out during the course of the site visits undertaken, where despite it being summer holidays, there was only limited evidence of use of the public tennis courts. It should however be noted that the tennis courts at Hollycroft Park are not locked and therefore are likely to also accommodate play from people who have not paid but simply turn up and use the facilities, hoping not to be noticed. Even if official usage figures underestimate the activity that is taking place, it is clear that there are opportunities for further usage.
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6.28 Facilities are chargeable at £7.10 for adults with reduced rates available outside peak time and concessions. Equipment can also be hired on site, enabling those who do not have their own rackets etc still to play. Although clubs indicate that they believe these prices to be a barrier to usage, LTA benchmarking indicates that they are on the high side of average but within the reasonable spectrum of charging.
6.29 Alans Way Playing Field, Newbold Verdon is one of the only other public managed tennis sites. The two courts are located on a synthetic surface and are charged at £6 per 30 min hire (fee for the all- weather facility). Site visits suggest that these courts have received limited use in recent years and the Parish Council confirm that there is scope to increase levels of activity.
6.30 LTA Insight research demonstrates that public courts are a key part of the provision hierarchy, with more than 50% of play taking place at such facilities and these sites being instrumental in grass roots tennis. In particular, research suggests that these are likely to attract a higher proportion of younger people (aged 14 - 29) while older players will gravitate towards clubs.
6.31 Linking with their new strategy, the LTA see increasing participation in public parks as a key priority. It is essential however that these facilities remain sustainable. LTA guidance seeks to promote online booking / key pads etc in order to accurately track usage and to ensure a strong online and on site presence to increase awareness of the availability of courts.
6.32 The quality of public courts is also deemed to be essential if they are to be effective in developing grass roots tennis. It is estimated that circa £1200 per annum per court should be put into a sinking fund to enable repair works.
Pay and Play Access at School sites
6.33 Analysis of facilities at school sites suggests that there is a reasonably good level of access to tennis courts at secondary schools although it is clear that there is very little promotion of the opportunities available and / or the fees charged.
6.34 Where prices are available, fees are generally higher than those listed for public courts and some schools require use to be block booked (ie 10 sessions) rather than offering pay and play opportunities. It should also be noted that many tennis courts are shared with netball and they are therefore not available for hire all year round.
6.35 Hinckley Tennis Club is currently using Redmoor Academy as an overspill facility and St Martins Catholic Academy indicate that there is some use of their courts. Almost all responding schools however suggest that their tennis courts are underused outside of curricular hours and schools therefore represent a significant opportunity for tennis development.
Club Membership
6.36 There are three tennis clubs within Hinckley and Bosworth. Given the size of the borough population, this represents strong foundations for the development of tennis.
6.37 Analysis of club membership gives an indication of demand for more formal forms of the game. Existing clubs and their membership trends are therefore summarised in Table 6.5. It is clear that membership within clubs is fairly static, although investment into floodlights at Hinckley Tennis Club has had significant impact and seen this club generate increases in membership.
6.38 There are a few consistent trends common to all clubs, with the key barriers to growth raised as;
Facility restrictions - site capacity and court quality
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Pressures on coaches / volunteers
Funding issues
A lack of public facilities supporting grass roots tennis.
6.39 LTA insight (2014) demonstrates that 1 in 4 current players would consider joining a club but standard of play, year-round tennis and associated fees are off-putting.
6.40 While this may be the case, the lack of public courts in Hinckley and Bosworth, as well as the limited practical use of courts on school sites means that participation on club sites is of significant importance in the local tennis scene.
Table 6.4: Tennis clubs in Hinckley and Bosworth
Comments on Participation and Membership Participation Club Name Activities Available Perceived Issues Numbers Trends
Club seeking to reach 250 members by end of 2017. Club has seen significant increase since installation of floodlights, which increased court time available. Club has also recently won Leicestershire Wide awards, Competitive Play which has attracted players and the (club ran 22 adult club have a well-respected coach and 24 junior teams which has led to increases in club in last years LTA membership. leagues), 2/3
sessions a week of social play, full Club do not have issues attracting coaching 188 total members but have aspirations to programme, mini active playing expand the club which would mean Hinckley tennis, tots tennis, members (103 relocation (due to lack of on site Tennis Club cardio tennis (2 senior, 85 Increased opportunities). Club currently sessions per week), junior). 6 non struggling for capacity on existing weekly touch tennis, playing site. coaching for the members. disabled (one Club believe that dearth of facilities session a week). within Hinckley impacts tennis Club also worked on development - club hire secondary a free of charge venue at Redmoor Academy to basis to go into service all of their matches and special needs provide more social tennis. school. Key issues identified as amount of club courts and amount of public courts. Club also believe that public courts are expensive to hire.
Competitive play, 191 total Club highlight rural location as key Market casual play, daily active playing barrier to recruitment - there is a low Bosworth junior coaching and members (86 Static density of local players. Would like to Tennis Club twice per week senior, 80 invest in access system to allow more adult coaching, 3 x junior). 13 pay and play access to entice new
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Comments on Participation and Membership Participation Club Name Activities Available Perceived Issues Numbers Trends
mini coaching per non-playing members. Shortage of volunteers week and cardio members. and coaches also impacts tennis 1 per week. development and club has capacity Club also run fun for more members. social tournaments. Club believe that court quality and Competitive play, cost of travelling to compete, as well casual play, as internal / external funding impact 126 total coaching, mini upon club development. Sport in active playing tennis from age 4 Desford members (60 Static and cardio tennis. senior, 66 Club also runs Club prioritise improvements to their junior). inclusive tennis courts to ensure that participation is programme. sustained.
NGB priorities and Intelligence
British Tennis Strategic Plan 2015 - 2018
6.41 The mission of the LTA Strategic Plan is to get more people playing tennis more often. Linking with the three types of facilities that are found, this will be delivered through three strands;
Delivering service to clubs, including providing support for clubs of all sizes by sharing best practice learning, applying focus on clubs seeking to grow the game and their community and helping clubs to achieve management excellence
Participation focus - building partnerships in the community through the deliver y of strong local parks and community tennis venues to deliver inclusive access, investment in people delivering strong experiences in parks and targeted investment in welcoming park facilities for people to socialise and play
Enhancing the tennis offer in education, including strengthening the schools offer while introducing a new secondary school programme, providing support to develop more effective links between schools and other places where tennis is played and maximising playing opportunities to help build a future workforce in colleges and universities.
6.42 Strategic Whole Sport Plan facilities investment will support and facilitate the delivery of the above programmes. It will be largely focused in the priority areas to address gaps or improve provision where critical to park or community programmes. Hinckley and Bosworth are not identified as a priority area, although nearby Leicester City is a key priority, which may have a knock-on impact on demand for tennis across Leicestershire as a whole.
6.43 Building on this, The LTA have recently launched a new investment initiative called ‘Transforming British Tennis Together’. The aim of this ten-year initiative is to make tennis more accessible and more useable and to ensure that rain and darkness no longer inhibit play.
6.44 To deliver this, the LTA has committed to investing £125 million to improve community tennis facilities across the country and it is hoped that this will help bring tennis to a wider audience and overcome key barriers. The LTA notes that currently, over a third of possible playing hours are lost nationally due to rain (only 7% of Britain’s 23,000 courts are covered), whilst only 1 in 7 park courts have floodlights.
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6.45 With key partners, the LTA therefore seeks to;
increase the number of covered and floodlit courts by 50% to boost available playing hours when it’s raining and when the sun has gone down;
use technological solutions to enhance the tennis experience, such as installing online booking and entry systems so everyone can book a tennis court easily from their mobile phone, computer or tablet; and enhancing gate access;
refurbish courts, clubhouses and other social spaces to ensure players have a great experience every time they visit; and
support other innovative and creative ideas that meet local demand.
6.46 Ensuring the sustainability of community tennis provision remains a key focus for the LTA and the NGB has set out suggested sinking fund guidelines for clubs and Local Authorities to work towards, to ensure that quality tennis provision can be maintained for future generations.
6.47 Informing potential areas for growth, LTA national insight work demonstrates that the greatest opportunity for additional growth is amongst 20 - 39 year olds and 40 - 49 year olds. This means that both park courts and club based facilities will be important in driving this participation. It also demonstrated that infrequent park players need and want a range of things to play more often and identify key barriers specifically;
the existing profile of tennis players is restricted - players are more likely to be male (particularly aged 14 - 39) and in the ABC1 demographic. Not having someone to play with is identified as a key barrier (27%);
the poor quality of facilities;
the need to effectively market and promote opportunities for tennis, including a centralised court booking process; and
a lack of online presence.
6.48 It also reveals that men may like group based coaching and fun tournaments, while women enjoy turn up and play formats with a facilitator.
6.49 This assessment has demonstrated that many of the above issues exist in the borough and therefore despite the presence of three strong clubs, there is scope to significantly improve the tennis offering across Hinckley and Bosworth.
Adequacy of provision
6.50 As outlined earlier in this section, Sport England Active People surveys reveal that across the borough, 1957 people currently participate in tennis however a further 2081 people would like to play. This suggests that there is an overall potential tennis playing population of 4038. This is significantly higher than current levels of club membership (505).
6.51 LTA research demonstrates that circa 40 – 50% of play takes place at community venues. Estimated use at public venues and school sites (253 uses of the courts at Hollycroft Park plus only a small amount of usage at school sites that isn’t affiliated to the clubs) compared to 505 club members suggests that the Active People surveys represent perhaps the maximum possible levels of current demand. It also suggests that there is particular scope to increase the amount of play that is not affiliated to a club base.
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6.52 LTA viability modelling assumes that 3% of the population would look to play tennis each month. In Hinckley and Bosworth, this represents 3296 people, a figure lower than the potential figure calculated using the Active People / Market Segmentation research, but still higher than is likely based on known participation records.
6.53 Using existing levels of participation within clubs and assuming that 50% of participants play casually to determine a more realistic baseline position of participation, total participation would equate to 1010 people. This represents 0.9% of the population, which is significantly below target levels.
6.54 The existing and potential participation can be used to calculate the adequacy of existing facilities and the amount of facilities required. Although there are no formal standards for the number of tennis courts needed in an area, the LTA have derived a means of analysing demand for tennis and determining when facilities are at or approaching capacity. Parameters used (LTA 2017) are as follows;
40 members per non floodlit, outdoor court
60 members per floodlit outdoor court
200 members per indoor tennis court.
6.55 These figures can be used to determine an adequacy of provision as follows;
based upon an assumed standard of 1 court per 40 participants (not floodlit) and 1 court per 60 players (floodlit), the existing stock of active outdoor courts that are available for community use will serve 2480 players. According to Active People, there are 1907 existing players meaning that the stock of facilities is above the level required; but
if latent demand (according to Active People) was realised, provision would fall below the levels required. Given that the existing facilities could serve 2480 players, a total playing population of 4038 people would theoretically require an additional 39 courts (depending upon the provision of floodlights this may reduce slightly); and
a similar picture is presented using the LTA viability modelling, which places participation at 3% of the population (3296 people). The stock of facilities would be insufficient to meet target levels of participation (an additional 28 courts required).
6.56 LTA insight however demonstrates that club members generally play more frequently than those using park courts and it is therefore possible to adjust the number of people that park courts serve from 40 to 80 people (non floodlit) and to 120 (floodlit).
6.57 With 4 public courts in Hinckley and Bosworth, this would increase the amount of players that the existing stock of facilities serves to 2640 and reduce the additional number of courts needed to 35. This remains however a significant amount of additional provision, particularly as there is evidence to suggest that existing courts are not used to their full potential.
6.58 It is clear therefore that while there are insufficient courts within Hinckley and Bosworth to accommodate target levels of participation (3% of the population) there is scope to increase the use of existing facilities before new courts are required.
6.59 There is a good distribution of facilities across the borough, particularly when taking into account school sites, with courts in the northern parishes as well as in the urban area.
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Capacity of Club Bases
6.60 The capacity of the club bases can also be accurately measured using the LTA parameters – this is set out in Table 6.5. It reveals that the three current clubs have capacity for 780 players and current membership equates to 505. This means that there is scope to accommodate at least 275 further members. While this suggests that further courts are not required to meet club need overall, this does disguise other issues relating to the club base, including the minimal spare capacity at Hinckley Tennis Club and minor quality issues that need to be addressed
Table 6.5: Capacity of each club
Number Number Membership of Total Spare Club of Comment Numbers Floodlit Capacity Capacity Courts Courts Limited remaining capacity and no scope for expansion. Club currently targeting 250 members by the end of 2017 meaning that they would be over capacity for size of club base.
Hinckley Tennis 188 4 4 240 52 There is no capacity within the Club confines of the existing site for the development of further courts and club are therefore seeking relocation to enable aspirations for additional provision (and therefore growth in participation) to be achieved.
Scope for further membership and club are keen to engage with new players. Market
Bosworth 191 6 6 360 169 Club seeking to introduce pay and Tennis play access systems to increase use of Club facilities and to develop tennis at a grass roots level
Scope for further membership and club are keen to engage with new players.
Sport in 126 3 3 180 54 Club prioritising quality improvements Desford to existing courts. Sport in Desford also in discussion with LTA about creation of two further multi use floodlit courts.
6.61 Modelling and wider consultation work therefore indicates that;
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the stock of existing facilities in numerical terms is broadly sufficient to meet current demand based on existing club membership and assumed pay and play statistics but is more closely matched with demand if the Active People Survey results are used. If these figures are applied, it is clear that further provision is needed to supplement the existing facilities; and
building on this, if latent demand was realised, the existing stock of facilities that is accessible to the community is insufficient. The number of players per court would be too high and there would be a need to create additional courts (or negotiate access to courts that are not currently available for community use.
6.62 Baseline modelling however disguises many of the issues identified through site visit and consultation work, which reveal that existing infrastructure for tennis is not fit for purpose, and that participation will be constrained unless issues are addressed, specifically;
there are site specific issues at two of the three tennis clubs, with Hinckley Tennis Club in particular approaching the point at which capacity may inhibit club growth;
there is a dearth of public sites, with Hollycroft Park (Hinckley) providing the only good quality public facility, as other public facilities have fallen into disrepair. This means that there are few opportunities for grass roots tennis;
there is a lack of use of school sites (although they are available) many of which are of adequate quality and provide associated facilities such as toilets;
there is limited awareness of the location of existing courts and promotion of opportunities is restricted.
6.63 While at face value this suggests that further public facilities are required, it is essential that any network of facilities is sustainable. In a primarily rural district such as Hinckley and Bosworth (and with the main urban area of Hinckley and Burbage served with a tennis club, accessible school sites and a recently refurbished park site) other solutions may be required to meet the needs of residents in outlying areas. This may include maximising the role that clubs can play in grass roots development (including pay and play access to sites) and enhanced marketing and promotion of school facilities.
Impact of population growth
6.64 The wider range of participants in tennis means that population growth may have a greater impact than for other sports. Using LTA parameters that up to 3% of the population may play tennis, the projected increase of 12977 people between 2017 and 2036 will generate a further 389 tennis players. When added to the assumed levels of current participation based on LTA viability modelling (3% of the population playing tennis) it is indicated that existing levels of provision would be unable to accommodate future growth.
6.65 Using existing levels of participation within clubs and assuming that 50% of participants play casually to determine a more realistic baseline position of participation, total participation would equate to 1010 people. This represents 0.9% of the population.
6.66 Assuming that participation remains constant at this level and applying this to future growth forecasts, there would be an increase in demand of up to 129 people by 2036. This population growth would generate a requirement for an additional 3 courts (non floodlit) or 2 (floodlit) and could easily be accommodated within the existing infrastructure, assuming that significant increases in participation over and above estimated levels do not occur.
Summary and Key issues
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6.67 The key issues for tennis are summarised below.
Key issues – Tennis
Good distribution of sites, but quality poor at public courts (excluding Hinckley Hollycroft Park).
There is good availability at school sites and quality is standard, but there is limited promotion and a general lack of awareness of facilities that are available.
Maintenance at all sites is limited and there are few courts where sinking funds are in place. Quality issues (in particular line markings and poor playing surfaces) are identified at several sites.
Although club membership is static, clubs believe that this is impacted by facility restrictions (site capacity and court quality) as well as pressures on volunteers, funding issues and a lack of public facilities supporting grass roots tennis.
Modelling based on actual participation demonstrates that there are sufficient facilities and scope to increase usage (particularly schools and public venues) significantly. Viability modelling indicates that more facilities may be required but the LTA highlight the need to maximise the use of the existing network and to ensure that the facility stock is sustainable moving forwards.
There is limited capacity at Hinckley Tennis Club but scope to reinvigorate participation at Desford and Market Bosworth. There is potential for clubs to play a much wider role in increasing participation.
Low levels of participation compared to modelling estimates suggests that there are significant opportunities for marketing and promotion.
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7: Golf
Introduction
7.1 A study using the ANOG framework is required to advise the local planning authority in Hinckley & Bosworth about the future need for golf facilities as part of the ongoing local plan preparation process and the Playing Pitch Strategy.
7.2 In line with the ANOG methodology this should comprise the following elements:
Quantity – what facilities there are in the area, and how many there are. It is also necessary to look at different catchments to assess the quantity in a more segmented way e.g. ratio of ‘pay and play’ courses as opposed to all courses. Relative supply can be assessed but this should not be adopted as a proxy for need and demand.
Quality – how good they are, to include perceptions from users (where available on websites etc.), an age proxy from APP and any accreditation by CGU. An assessment of fitness for purpose could also be made, but this is subject to the same constraints as above.
Accessibility – where they are located. This will include catchment areas and demonstrate whether there are sufficient courses in the area.
Availability – how available they are. The audit work may show, for example, there is plenty of spare capacity in the surrounding courses and no lack of availability for traditional 18-hole golf but less availability for those looking to start and take-up the game.
Supply
7.3 The supply of golf courses is based on Active Places Power data, supplemented by website and other checks. It is accepted that that the APP database may exclude some facilities, but further research suggests that no further courses have been identified in the immediate area, although lack of local knowledge and time precludes any other amendments over the wider area considered.
Quantity
7.4 The following golf facilities are identified in APP within Hinckley & Bosworth borough. The description of access type is considered inconsistent (in line with all golf data in APP), as some courses are described as pay and play when they are clearly members’ courses where visitors are permitted/encouraged on payment of a green fee. A more accurate description of accessibility to courses is set out later, based on additional information on local courses, but the APP categorization has to be used if a comparison with provision in other wider areas is to be undertaken (see overleaf).
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Map 7.1: Location of golf facilities in Hinckley & Bosworth
Table 7.1: Golf Courses in Hinckley and Bosworth
Site Name Facility Holes/bays Length m Access Ownership/ Year Built sub type management
FOREST HILL GOLF & CONFERENCE CENTRE Standard 18 5934.46 Pay and Play Commercial 1991 HINCKLEY GOLF CLUB LTD Standard 18 5920.74 Pay and Play Commercial 1894 Total 2 courses 36
FOREST HILL GOLF & CONFERENCE Driving CENTRE Range 26 228.6 Pay and Play Commercial 1991 Total 1 range 26
7.5 There are no par 3 courses in Hinckley & Bosworth.
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7.6 Within a wider area around the borough there are a number of other golf facilities as follows.
Table 7.2: Standard golf courses
Site Name Range Holes Length Access Ownership/ Year Local (in mins) m management Built/ Authority refurb HINCKLEY GOLF CLUB Hinckley and LTD 2.5-5 18 5920.74 Pay and Play Commercial 1894 Bosworth BRAMCOTE WATER GOLF COURSE 5-10 9 2333.55 Pay and Play Commercial 1995 Rugby ANSTY GOLF CLUB 10-15 18 5558.64 Pay and Play Commercial 1990 Rugby NUNEATON GOLF Registered 1905/ Nuneaton and CLUB 10-15 18 5757.98 Membership use Sports Club 2015 Bedworth ULLESTHORPE COURT HOTEL & GOLF CLUB 10-15 18 6091.73 Pay and Play Commercial 1976 Harborough ATHERSTONE GOLF North CLUB 15-20 18 5502.86 Pay and Play Sports Club 1894 Warwickshire BLABY GOLF CLUB 15-20 9 2300.63 Pay and Play Sports Club 1990 Blaby COPSEWOOD GRANGE GOLF CLUB 15-20 9 5530.29 Pay and Play Sports Club 1920 Coventry COSBY GOLF CLUB 15-20 18 5919.83 Pay and Play Sports Club 1895 Blaby Local ENDERBY LEISURE Authority/com AND GOLF CENTRE 15-20 9 2651.76 Pay and Play mercial 1984 Blaby KIRBY MUXLOE GOLF Sports Club/ CLUB 15-20 18 5737.86 Pay and Play commercial 1893 Blaby Sports Club / LUTTERWORTH GOLF Community CLUB 15-20 18 5708.6 Association Sports Club 1904 Harborough WHETSTONE GOLF CLUB 15-20 18 5652.82 Pay and Play Sports Club 1960 Blaby 13 Total 0-20 courses 198
7.7 There are 13 standard courses within a 20-minute driving catchment of the main built up area of Hinckley, comprising 198 holes. The more local 10-minute catchment includes one course in H & B plus one in neighbouring Rugby.
Table 7.3: Par 3 courses
Site Name Range (in Holes Length Access Ownership/ Year Local mins) m management Built/ Authority refurb Pay and ANSTY GOLF CLUB 10-15 9 868.68 Play Commercial 1990 Rugby Nuneaton THE LUKE MELLING Pay and and GOLF ACADEMY 15-20 9 997 Play Commercial 1990 Bedworth Total 2 courses 18
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7.8 There are two par 3 courses within the 20-minute catchment, both outside the borough and on the outer edge of the 20-minute drive.
Table 7.4: Golf Driving Ranges
Site Name Range (in Bays Floodli Access Ownership/ Year Local mins) t management Built Authority Pay and ANSTY GOLF CLUB 10-15 18 No Play Commercial 1990 Rugby BRAMCOTE DRIVING Pay and RANGE 10-15 26 Yes Play Commercial 1994 Rugby Pay and COSBY GOLF CLUB 15-20 10 Yes Play Sports Club 2009 Blaby Nuneaton THE LUKE MELLING GOLF Pay and and ACADEMY 15-20 30 Yes Play Commercial 1990 Bedworth Pay and WHETSTONE GOLF CLUB 15-20 30 No Play Sports Club 1960 Blaby Total 0-20 5 ranges 114
7.9 There are 5 GDRs within a 20-minute driving catchment of Hinckley, comprising 114 bays. Three of these are floodlit, comprising 66 bays in total. The more local 10-minute catchment includes just one range with 24 floodlit bays. All of these are outside the borough (it is an apparent anomaly that the GDR within the borough at Forest Hill G & CC is actually more than 20 minutes drive from the middle of Hinckley which forms the basis of the catchment assessment).
7.10 APP describes most of these facilities as pay and play facilities. As suggested above, it is assumed that most/all of the standard golf courses also allow some casual play on payment of a visitors’ green fee. However, some courses are still run as members’ clubs and in reality fewer clubs/courses than suggested in the table are fully pay and play - i.e. do offer facilities that are always available to full community access at all times on demand. A fuller description of the local facilities within H & B borough is set out below, as a means of identifying the roles that all facilities play in meeting demand in the area for golf:
Forest Hill G & CC is situated in The National Forest, and part of the woodland planted around the golf course was created under the Changing Landscape Scheme, funded by the National Forest Company. The course is a commercial members facility, with the opportunity to pay and play. The course opened for play in 1991 but was extended to its current layout during 2006. The course now extends to 6,513 yards (par 73). Full membership costs £699 pa, and there is no joining fee. The club has vacancies for new members, and membership currently stands at 540. The facility also includes a golf academy and junior academy. Green fees are £20 during the week and £25 at weekends. A GDR is mainly available on a pay and play basis
Hinckley GC is a well-established private members club, originally founded in 1894 and brought up to its current layout in 1983. The par 71, 18-hole parkland golf course extends to 6696 yards, and there are 5 sets of tee blocks, which provide an excellent golfing challenge for all handicaps of golfer. The course is laid out on part-lakeland/parkland, meaning water hazards are a particular feature of the course design. With Hinckley being dry and playable during most of the winter period, the course is rarely closed. Full membership of the club costs £1056 pa and there is currently a joining fee of £350. The website suggests there are only limited spaces available for new members. Green fees are available for £35 at present. The club and course have recently
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 96
hosted many prestigious events such as the Midlands Closed Amateur Tournament and the Leicestershire Ladies County Championships.
Categorisation of courses
7.11 The existing courses/facilities in the H&B area can be categorised as follows, to highlight their main function and usage/availability (there may be some overlap between some categories):
Course Type Courses in Hinckley and Bosworth
Well established (old style) clubs where the main Hinckley GC use is by members but with green fees available for visitors
Proprietary/commercial courses (i.e. newer Forest Hill G & CC courses), including hotel resorts, where membership is available, but casual/pay and play access through payment of green fees are equally acceptable
Public/municipal pay and play courses None
Starter clubs, with shorter courses, academy None courses, practice facilities, flexible and low cost membership and beginner friendly culture
Pitch and putt/par 3 and 9-hole facilities, ideal None for beginner and social golf
Free standing Golf Driving Ranges, valuable for None practice, coaching and teaching and for golfers without the time to play a full round, and supplementing GDRs at other golf centres/courses
FACILITIES IN THE WIDER CATCHMENT
7.12 In addition to courses within Hinckley & Bosworth and the local area, there are a large number of other golf facilities in a wider ring, which are likely to offer opportunities for local H&B residents to play golf in its various forms. The table below includes all facilities within a 20-30 minute driving catchment of the middle of Hinckley built up area.
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Table 7.5: Standard courses
Site Name Range (in Holes Length Access Ownership/ Year Local Authority mins) m management Built CITY OF COVENTRY 20-25 18 5942.69 Pay and Play Local 1977 Rugby BRANDON WOOD Authority/Trus GOLF COURSE t COVENTRY GOLF 20-25 18 6025.9 Sports Club / Sports Club 1887 Warwick CLUB Community Association COVENTRY HEARSALL 20-25 18 5853.07 Sports Club / Sports Club 1909 Coventry GOLF CLUB Community Association FOREST HILL GOLF & 20-25 18 5934.46 Pay and Play Commercial 1991 Hinckley and CONFERENCE Bosworth CENTRE KILWORTH SPRINGS 20-25 18 5934.46 Pay and Play Sports Club 1993 Harborough GOLF CLUB OAKRIDGE GOLF 20-25 18 5676.6 Pay and Play Commercial 1992 North Warwickshire CLUB RUGBY GOLF CLUB 20-25 18 5133.44 Pay and Play Commercial 1891 Rugby STONELEIGH DEER 20-25 18 5537.61 Pay and Play Sports Club 1993 Warwick PARK GOLF CLUB WHITEFIELDS GOLF 20-25 18 5750.66 Pay and Play Commercial 1992 Rugby CLUB AND DRAYCOTE HOTEL BEEDLES LAKE GOLF 25-30 18 6072.53 Pay and Play Commercial 1993 Charnwood CENTRE BILTON GRANGE 25-30 9 800 Sports Club / Other 1985 Rugby SCHOOL Community Independent Association School/Trust BIRSTALL GOLF CLUB 25-30 18 5698.54 Registered Sports Club 1901 Leicester Membership use DRAYTON PARK 25-30 18 5919.83 Pay and Play Sports Club 1897 Lichfield GOLF CLUB GLEN GORSE GOLF 25-30 18 6078.93 Pay and Play Sports Club 1933 Oadby and Wigston CLUB HERMITAGE LEISURE 25-30 9 1696.21 Pay and Play Local Authority 1967 North West CENTRE Leicestershire HUMBERSTONE 25-30 18 5683.91 Pay and Play Local Authority 1977 Leicester HEIGHTS GOLF CLUB LEA MARSTON HOTEL 25-30 9 1878.18 Pay and Play Commercial 2002 North Warwickshire & LEISURE COMPLEX LEICESTERSHIRE GOLF 25-30 18 5787.24 Pay and Play Sports Club 1890 Leicester CLUB LINGDALE GOLF CLUB 25-30 18 5908.85 Pay and Play Sports Club 1967 Charnwood LONGCLIFFE GOLF 25-30 18 6057.9 Registered Sports Club 1906 Charnwood CLUB Membership use MARRIOTT LEISURE & 25-30 18 6583.68 Pay and Play Commercial 1978 North Warwickshire COUNTRY CLUB (FOREST OF ARDEN) MARRIOTT LEISURE & 25-30 18 5304.43 Pay and Play Commercial 1987 North Warwickshire COUNTRY CLUB
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Site Name Range (in Holes Length Access Ownership/ Year Local Authority mins) m management Built (FOREST OF ARDEN) MAXSTOKE PARK 25-30 18 5868.62 Pay and Play Sports Club 1945 North Warwickshire GOLF CLUB NORTH 25-30 9 2914.19 Pay and Play Commercial 1894 Solihull WARWICKSHIRE GOLF CLUB LTD ROTHLEY PARK GOLF 25-30 18 5944.51 Sports Club / Sports Club 1912 Charnwood CLUB Community Association STONEBRIDGE GOLF 25-30 18 5125.21 Pay and Play Commercial 1996 North Warwickshire CENTRE STONEBRIDGE GOLF 25-30 9 3032.15 Pay and Play Commercial 2007 North Warwickshire CENTRE THE BELFRY CLUB 25-30 18 6148.43 Registered Commercial 1997 North Warwickshire Membership use THE BELFRY CLUB 25-30 18 6003.95 Registered Commercial 1997 North Warwickshire Membership use THE BELFRY CLUB 25-30 18 5494.63 Registered Commercial 1975 North Warwickshire Membership use THE WARWICKSHIRE 25-30 18 6237.12 Pay and Play Commercial 1994 Warwick GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB THE WARWICKSHIRE 25-30 18 6499.56 Pay and Play Commercial 1994 Warwick GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB WINDMILL VILLAGE 25-30 18 4740.25 Pay and Play Commercial 1990 Coventry HOTEL AND GOLF CLUB Total 20-30 33 courses 549
7.13 There are a large number of standard courses within a 20-30 minute driving catchment of Channels, comprising 33 courses and 549 holes. 24 of these are at the outer limit of this catchment (i.e. over 25 minutes).
Table 7.6: Par 3 courses
Site Name Range Holes Length Access Ownership/ Year Local (in m management Built Authority mins) STONELEIGH DEER Pay and PARK GOLF CLUB 20-25 9 1143.91 Play Sports Club 1993 Warwick ALLESLEY HALL GOLF Pay and Local Authority/in COURSE 25-30 18 1828.8 Play house 1984 Coventry BEEDLES LAKE GOLF Pay and CENTRE 25-30 9 3411 Play Commercial n/a Charnwood HUMBERSTONE Pay and Local Authority/in HEIGHTS GOLF CLUB 25-30 9 576.07 Play house n/a Leicester LEA MARSTON HOTEL Pay and North & LEISURE COMPLEX 25-30 9 708.66 Play Commercial 1990 Warwickshire THE WARWICKSHIRE Pay and GOLF AND COUNTRY 25-30 9 2578.61 Play Commercial 1994 Warwick
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CLUB 6 Total 20-30 courses 63 7.14 There are six par 3 courses with 63 holes within a 20-30 minute catchment, 5 of which are at the outer extremity of this catchment.
Table 7.7: Golf Driving Ranges
Site Name Range Bays Floodlit Access Ownership/ Year Local (in mins) management Built Authority CITY OF COVENTRY BRANDON WOOD GOLF COURSE 20-25 11 Yes Pay and Play Local Authority/Trust 1977 Rugby FOREST HILL GOLF & CONFERENCE Hinckley and CENTRE 20-25 26 Yes Pay and Play Commercial 1991 Bosworth JOHN REAY GOLF CENTRE 20-25 30 Yes Pay and Play Commercial 1974 Coventry KILWORTH SPRINGS GOLF CLUB 20-25 20 Yes Pay and Play Sports Club 1993 Harborough WHITEFIELDS GOLF CLUB AND DRAYCOTE HOTEL 20-25 16 No Pay and Play Commercial 1992 Rugby BEEDLES LAKE GOLF CENTRE 25-30 17 Yes Pay and Play Commercial 1995 Charnwood Sports Club / GLEN GORSE GOLF Community Oadby and CLUB 25-30 8 No Association Sports Club n/a Wigston HUMBERSTONE Local Authority/in HEIGHTS GOLF CLUB 25-30 30 Yes Pay and Play house 1999 Leicester LEA MARSTON HOTEL & LEISURE North COMPLEX 25-30 25 Yes Pay and Play Commercial 1990 Warwickshire MARRIOTT LEISURE & COUNTRY CLUB North (FOREST OF ARDEN) 25-30 16 Yes Pay and Play Commercial 2002 Warwickshire STONEBRIDGE GOLF North CENTRE 25-30 21 Yes Pay and Play Commercial 1996 Warwickshire Registered Membership North THE BELFRY CLUB 25-30 34 Yes use Commercial 1975 Warwickshire North West THE GOLF CENTRE 25-30 24 Yes Pay and Play Commercial 1994 Leicestershire THE WARWICKSHIRE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 25-30 26 Yes Pay and Play Commercial 1994 Warwick 14 Total 20-30 ranges 304
7.15 There are 14 GDRs within a 20-30 minute driving catchment of Hinckley, comprising 304 bays. All but two of these ranges are floodlit, comprising 280 bays in total. Most of these are at the outer
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limit of this catchment.
Map 7.2: Location of golf facilities around Hinckley & Bosworth
Closed courses
7.16 Kyngs Golf Course and County Club, Market Bosworth, has recently closed. There has been a recent planning application for the site, but it was refused. This is not included in the current supply and demand. Forest Hill is also under potential threat for an alternative use at the time of this assessment. Any loss would reduce further the supply and demand balance and mean there would be no GDRs in Hinckley and Bosworth.
Summary of existing facility provision
7.17 In summary, the supply of golf facilities in the wider area within Hinckley & Bosworth and a 30- minute drive of Hinckley is as set out overleaf in Table 7.8.
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Table 7.8: Supply of Golf Courses within 30 Minute Drivetime of Hinckley
Catchment Standard Holes Par 3 Holes GDRs Bays Courses courses Facilities within Hinckley & 2 36 0 0 1 26 Bosworth Facilities 0-20 minutes 13 198 2 18 5 114 Facilities 20-30 minutes 33 549 6 63 14 304 Total 0-30 minutes (incl 46 747 8 81 19 418 Hinckley & Bosworth)
Relative Supply
7.18 Relative provision of golf facilities in the local and wider area, regionally and nationally is set out below - these figures are produced manually and they include all operational courses, available for some community use (i.e. not private) included in the APP database. It should be emphasised that this assessment only comprises existing supply; relative provision of courses is a useful indicator of how well an area is doing for facilities in comparison with other areas, but is only a benchmark against which to judge supply. This section makes no comments at this stage on the local (or wider) demand for golf, which is dealt with below.
All standard courses
7.19 This first assessment below is given as context to allow comparison of the main golf courses in the area. The catchments refer to travel time by car from the middle of Hinckley built up area.
Table 7.9: Comparison of Golf Provision in Hinckley and Bosworth with other areas
Courses Holes Population 2015 Holes per 1000 population Hinckley & Bosworth 2 36 107,938 0.33
Blaby 5 72 95,948 0.75
Charnwood 6 99 174,880 0.57
N W Leicestershire 2 27 95,197 0.28
North Warwickshire 11 180 62,652 2.87
Nuneaton and Bedworth 1 18 127,662 0.14
Rugby 6 90 103,182 0.87
Leics & Rutland CSP area 34 567 1,044,247 0.54
Within 20 minute drive 13 198 497615 0.40
Within 30 minute drive 46 747 1147230 0.65
East Midlands region 182 2943 4652096 0.63
England 2022 31835 54,669,203 0.58
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7.20 Local relative provision for all standard courses in H&B is very low (only about half) compared with the CSP, regional and national average. Only N W Leicestershire and Nuneaton and Bedworth of neighbouring LAs are worse provided with standard courses in the surrounding area.
7.21 Provision of standard courses within a reasonable (20 minute driving) catchment of Hinckley is still low compared with average, although the wider catchment within 30 minutes is much better supplied and is about average for the region and England. However, many of these standard courses are at the outer edge of the 30 minute catchment, and could be considered normally outside a reasonable travel time to a course for most people.
Table 7.10: Par 3 courses
Courses Holes Population 2015 Holes per 1000 population
Hinckley & Bosworth 0 0 107,938 0
Blaby 0 0 95,948 0
Charnwood 2 18 174,880 0.10
N W Leicestershire 0 0 95,197 0
North Warwickshire 1 9 62,652 0.14
Nuneaton and Bedworth 1 9 127,662 0.07
Rugby 2 18 103,182 0.17
Leics & Rutland CSP area 7 69 1,044,247 0.07
Within 20 minute drive 2 18 497615 0.04
Within 30 minute drive 8 81 1147230 0.07
East Midlands region 26 264 4652096 0.06
England 237 2406 54,669,203 0.04
7.22 Local provision for par 3 courses (which are suitable for recreational play, teaching and practice) in H&B and two of the adjacent districts is non-existent, but the 20 and 30 minute catchments are relatively well provided to at least the national average.
Table 7.11: GDRs
Ranges Bays Population 2015 Bays per 1000 population
Hinckley & Bosworth 1 26 107,938 0.24
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Blaby 2 40 95,948 0.42
Charnwood 3 57 174,880 0.33
N W Leicestershire 1 24 95,197 0.25
North Warwickshire 4 96 62,652 1.53
Nuneaton and Bedworth 1 30 127,662 0.23
Rugby 5 95 103,182 0.92
Leics & Rutland CSP area 16 295 1,044,247 0.28
Within 20 minute drive 5 114 497615 0.23
Within 30 minute drive 19 418 1147230 0.36
East Midlands region 65 1154 4652096 0.25
England 621 11841 54,669,203 0.22
7.23 The provision of GDRs in H&B, and generally in the area (including the 20 and 30 minute catchments) is good, and is around the county, regional and national average, although in fact the H&B ratio is among the lowest in the study area.
QUALITY
7.24 When assessing quality, it is necessary to review both condition and fitness for purpose.
7.25 APP data on age/refurb can be used to inform quality, but in the case of golf this is not a valid proxy and in any case details of refurbishment of golf courses is either not collected or not considered relevant. It would be useful to highlight course conditions across the study area, and also at other similar facilities in the local catchment to ascertain whether there is a quality issue overall. It has not been possible to undertake site surveys of any course, and in any case it would be unlikely that course owners would permit access on site, and there is no acknowledged methodology for doing this.
7.26 Accreditation by CGU would be useful in informing the quality criterion, but this may not be available.
7.27 The general feeling is that because of the nature of golf, the predominance of clubs in managing their own facilities, and the demands of users, most courses are of acceptable or high quality or in good condition.
7.28 In terms of fitness for purpose, it may be necessary to look at quality from a wider perspective and consider the need for (say) good quality entry-level golf in line with strategic priorities of the NGB and the needs in the catchment. The aspirations of beginners to the game will be different from those who have played golf at a members’ club for years. In this way quality would be linked to purpose, and the criteria would differ between golf course needs of different types. This information is also not currently available.
Accessibility
7.29 Given the amount and distribution of various types of facilities, all residents within H&B and the wider study area have access by car to a choice of a number of golf facilities to use. However, the
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low relative supply, particularly of standard and par 3 courses, means that choice is not as wide as in many other areas.
Availability
7.30 Availability needs to consider the following (see ANOG):
how much existing courses are actually used, how full they are; how much they could be used; and what scope there is for increasing their availability.
7.31 These are in turn influenced by a number of factors, including:
the management and ownership e.g. whether facilities are public, private or education based;
a programming and sports development policy e.g. is availability given over to specific sports, initiatives and range of activities at certain times. Some facilities may be programmed only for specific sports, users or activities;
the cost of use e.g. a high cost may result in a facility having very little use;
patterns of use e.g. a popular facility that is always full, a facility that is heavily used but only for a limited period across the week, is the nature of use changing over time?
hours of use e.g. opening times available for public use, this will be linked to the programming policies above; and
facility design e.g. the physical design and layout of a facility may limit or prevent use by specific users.
7.32 Because site operators would not necessarily divulge this information in detail, it has not been possible to ascertain the precise availability of all courses in the area in any great detail. There is relatively low supply of standard courses in H&B and the immediate 20-minute catchment, though slightly higher further afield. There are some vacancies at the private club in H&B, but this this club operates a current joining fee. The pay and play course appears to welcome additional golfers, and there is no evidence of over use. This indicates that demand and supply within H&B itself may be broadly in balance. It may well be that there is a problem of accommodating usage at peak times at weekends as is often the case, but this was not researched in detail.
7.33 There is certainly a problem accessing par 3 courses in the local area, where the relative supply is low or non-existent, but GDRs are relatively plentiful, and probably adequate to meet current demand.
Overview of Supply
7.34 There is a limited range of golf facilities in H&B, comprising two standard courses (one members’ and one commercial pay and play), but no par 3 courses and only one GDR located at an existing club, though available on a pay and play basis. There is a greater number of standard courses and free-standing GDRs in the wider catchment, but relatively few par 3 courses.
7.35 Relative supply is a useful indicator in terms of benchmarking local provision alongside other
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similar areas. Standard golf course provision in H&B and within a 20-minute catchment is low when compared with the region or England, but higher over the wider 30-minute catchment, although some of these courses may be too distant to serve H&B residents. Evidence from the two local golf clubs suggest that there may be adequate opportunities for pay and play golf, but that membership vacancies at the private club may be limited, as new members are required to pay a joining fee. In addition, it is likely that at peak times both courses are well used. Overall it is likely that there is a broad balance between existing supply and demand in the borough, and that the standard courses over the 20-minute catchment have to absorb local demand including from H&B.
7.36 There is a distinct lack of conventional ‘municipal’ courses originally established by local authorities or now managed by contractors or a local trust within the 20 minute catchment, and no full-length standard courses that might be considered as specialist academy or learning facilities, although some have an active coaching and development programme.
7.37 Facilities for training/coaching/practice and the development of skills are poor in H&B itself. There is no par 3 course, and only one GDR in the borough. However, provision for both is better in the 20 minute catchment, and there are ample such facilities in the wider area, albeit that these will be outside the reasonable drive of H&B residents.
7.38 However, the need for facilities in the area also needs to take into account demand, and this is addressed below.
Demand
Sports participation
7.39 Current and recent – Sport England data suggests that over the years from 2005/6 to 2015/16 regular participation in golf (once per week) in England declined from 890,000 adult participants (16+) to about 723,000 (extrapolated from overall APS10 data). Currently, about 1.64% of the population (mainly male) now play golf regularly (figures from latest annual data from APS10).
7.40 England Golf believes that the participation levels appear to have stabilised after 2015, but the latest figures show a continued decline in adult numbers. However, England Golf have pointed out that this global figure should be qualified by the fact that their figures show that 2.54% of the over 16 age group play golf and 2.76% of the 26+ age group (data from SE/EG).
7.41 The likely scenario is that there has been a continual decline in golf participation overall, but that this has slowed in recent years, and participation among younger adults is higher than the average.
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Chart 7.1: Trends in Golf Participation
7.42 East Midlands regional participation has generally declined in line with the national average, while participation in the local CSP area (the most local data available) has also generally declined, though there appears to have been a more recent spike in participation in 2015 /APS9 (since reversed). Hinckley and Bosworth data is not available.
Table 7.12: Participation in Golf (Active People surveys)
2005/06 2007/0 2008/0 2009/1 2010/1 2011/1 2012/ 2013/1 2014/1 2015/16 (APS1) 8 9 0 1 2 13 4 5 (APS10) (APS2) (APS3) (APS4) (APS5) (APS6) (APS7 (APS8) (APS9) ) England 2.18% 2.29% 2.15% 2.04% 1.96% 1.97% 1.73% 1.67% 1.68% 1.64% East Midlands 2.42% 2.60% 2.43% 2.07% 2.39% 1.90% 1.86% 1.70% 2.05% 1.74% Leicester, 2.54% 2.69% 1.91% 1.97% 1.83% 2.17% 2.06% 1.39% 2.70% 1.60% Leicestershire and Rutland Hinckley and 3.73% * * * * * * * * * Bosworth
7.43 Based on the trends in participation over the past ten years in the areas where consistent data is available, the current participation in golf among adults in H&B may well be about 1.6 to 1.7%. However, there is data for H&B from APS1, when local participation levels were significantly above average, but this data has not been available for 10 years now at this level. It would be unwise to extrapolate higher levels of participation in the area solely from this old data, unless local data from clubs and other sources is also available. However, to reflect both of these sets of data, there may well be about 1400-2200 current regular adult golfers in the area. Even the higher figure is lower than the MS profiles below. The disparity between these theoretical figures based on market segmentation and the APS data might be explained by the normal reservations about actual usage estimated in MS, the different dates when the data was collected and other factors, such as the
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relative lack of availability of actual opportunities in the area for golf based on the relatively low supply of courses in the area. For the purposes of this study, it is assumed that golf participation in H&B is slightly higher than the national average.
7.44 Participation at local clubs is not recorded, and it is anticipated that this would be difficult to achieve.
Table 7.13: Participation by Gender according to Active People Surveys
Overall Male Female
APS1 (Oct 05/06) 889,100 2.18% Xx Xx xx xx
APS2 (Oct 07/08) 948300 2.29% 805800 3.99% 142500 0.67%
APS3 (Oct 08/09) 897600 2.15% 758200 3.72% 138700 0.65%
APS4 (Oct 09/10) 860900 2.04% 738800 3.59% 122100 0.57%
APS5 (Oct 10/11) 833200 1.96% 723200 3.49% 110000 0.51%
APS6 (Oct 11/12) 850,500 1.97% 733,000 3.48% 117500 0.53%
APS7 (Oct 12/13) 751,900 1.73% Xx xx xx xx
APS8 (Oct 13/14) 730,300 1.67% Xx xx xx xx
APS9 (Oct 14/Sept 15) 740,100 1.68% Xx xx xx xx
APS10 (Oct 15/Sept 16) 723,000* 1.64% Xx xx xx xx
Local population and market profile
Population
7.45 Sport England’s Local Sports Profiles have been used to estimate future population change up to 2020 (Subnational Population Projections. Measure: Population projections for total population, by age band and gender (000s) 2013-based. Time Period(s): 2014-2020). It is estimated that the population overall will increase from the base population of 107,700 in 2014, 109,900 in 2017 to 112,200 by 2020, a 4.5% increase overall. However, almost all of this population growth is anticipated being in the 5-9 and 70 plus age groups. It is unlikely that population change will have any impact on participation in golf up to 2020 based on this data.
Market segments
7.46 The MS profile is set out in more detail in the Appendix. The three main market segments in H&B catchment are Tim (sporty male professional), Philip (mid-life professional sporty male) and Roger and Joy (early retirement couples). These are the highest participants in golf nationally.
7.47 In terms of people within the district who (it is estimated by MS) do play golf, the data confirms that the major participants are indeed the main segments set out above, Tim, Philip and Roger and
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Joy, who in total comprise nearly 60% of the total golfers in the area. The MS data for the catchment estimates that total participation in golf is about 3250 adult players, which is considerably more than the APS data suggests. This is between 2 and 5% of the population of the district and is spread evenly across the whole of the area.
England Golf data
7.48 England Golf published the ‘Raising Our Game’ strategy in 2014, which clearly defined the organisation’s strategic direction for the 2014-2017 window (now recently updated with a new strategy). This document highlighted the need for a strategy to enhance market understanding of current golf facilities, one of the key considerations to increasing participation, and to map alongside segmentation. Jigsaw research was commissioned by England Golf in order to create a market segmentation that is specific to golf. The market segmentation identified that 24% of adults in England are potential players. This is made up of – 9% current players, 8% lapsed and 7% latent – around 9.6 million people in total. This research also provided England Golf with 9 defined profiles and clearly identified behaviours, motivations and barriers within each one. England Golf then worked with LCMB, facility consultancy, to utilise the segmentation work to develop a facility strategy and create some practical tools to overlay supply with demand. When looking at a club, Local Authority or Region, the LCMB mapping report is identifying the total number of golfers within a 20-minute catchment. This number will include current, lapsed and latent – the full 24%.
Unmet, latent, displaced and future demand
7.49 Latent - MS data suggests that there is latent demand from an additional 1,400 adults in the catchment area (or over 40% extra to those which MS suggests might currently play). These are aspirations and considered to be optimistic, as they tend to overestimate the numbers who will eventually find their way into the sport, but an allowance should be made to accommodate some potential latent demand in the area.
7.50 Future – little change in participation is anticipated because of population changes from the present.
7.51 In the shorter term, the newly refreshed England Golf strategy 2017-21 aims to increase membership of clubs from 650,000 to 675,000, golfers playing twice monthly from 971,000 to over 1m and increase the proportion of females playing to 20%. If this is extrapolated to the local area, this could result in an increase of another 55-85 players or club members. As the target is increased participants, it is likely that a large proportion of these would be beginners and young people (particularly girls) learning the game, for which relatively simple courses would be suitable as a first step.
7.52 Some of these targets/likely future participation levels are coterminous, but some are based on long-term projections or unreliable data. A specific target is not appropriate and an end date not identified, because of the lack of information. However, for the purposes of the study, it may be reasonable to conclude that in accordance with the existing character of the area, likely population change and the existing participation levels in golf, demand may increase by about 150 participants over the next 8-10 years.
Overview of Demand
7.53 Current levels of participation – participation in golf in H&B, extrapolated from APS data, suggests
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that there are about 1400 - 2200 regular adult golfers in the area, a slightly higher proportion than the national average rate. This is considerably lower than the MS profile, but the normal reservations about the adequacy of the latter data need considering. The estimated total is compatible with the existence of one members club and a pay and play facility, taking into account that golfers from H&B do have the chance to play outside the borough within a reasonable drive.
7.54 Recent trends in participation –APS data confirms that participation has dropped slightly in the last 10 years, in accordance with national and regional trends and conventional wisdom from NGBs and other commentators.
7.55 Latent and future demand – MS data suggests that there is significant potential latent demand from people in golf-playing segments who would like to take up the sport, in the order of 45%. This is not considered reasonable. Future demand from population is unlikely to increase participation. It is reasonable however to assume that there will be a very small increase in participation in the future from population increase and latent demand.
7.56 NGB targets from strategy – EG has a revised target of a 4% increase in participation over the next four years of its strategy, with particular emphasis on attracting female players. This is considered reasonable. It may have particular implications for the type of course required in the area, as additional participants will be mainly new players needing to learn and develop their skills.
7.57 Overall it is suggested therefore that demand for golf in H&B and the surrounding area, although it may well have fallen in the last 10 years, is slightly higher than the national average, and that with future and latent demand increasing only slightly, if at all, and EG actively promoting additional participation, particularly among new players, demand may increase in the area by no more than about 5-10% overall up to 2020, (i.e. an additional 100-150 players) with a particular demand for the types of course suitable for beginners and high handicap players, and that this should be planned for.
Key Issues
Are there sufficient courses of all types to meet current and future demand for golf in H&B? There is a below average supply of standard golf courses in H&B and the immediate surrounding area, any further loss would reduce this further. Demand for golf in the area is estimated to be slightly above the national average, so in theory there are insufficient facilities to meet overall need. There is no waiting list to join the local members’ club, but a joining fee is still required for membership, and the club’s website suggests membership vacancies are limited. It is also likely that there is excess usage at some peak times as with many courses. Conversely the local commercial pay and play facility is keen to attract additional players and memberships are still available.
Uncertainty over the future of Forrest Hill will impact on the supply position. Given the local situation within the borough, it is likely that some residents of H&B have to rely on courses outside the borough, but within a reasonable driving time, or even outside this 20-minute catchment. Additional standard golf course provision should therefore be considered to meet the needs of H&B at the present time. At the very least, the current level of provision of standard 18-hole courses should be retained to meet current need. In addition, better standard golf course provision can be justified to accommodate the limited increase in participation that might be brought about by population change, NGB targets and other indicators of latent demand.
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Is there a niche market for the development of a starter course or facilities for informal recreational and teaching suitable for beginners and young people, which is not being met in the H&B area? There are no par 3 courses in H&B, and demand for this type of use must rely on courses outside the borough. The only GDR in the borough is attached to Forest Hill, closure would mean there are no GDRs in the borough. If an additional standard course can be justified for current and future demand (see above), at least part of this demand will come from beginners, juniors and others new to the game, particularly women and girls. There is also evidence that future development in golf facilities will need to take into account social factors such as the availability of time and money, and the need for smaller, shorter courses which are more flexible in their use. This type of demand is not being met at present in the area, and there is justification in developing a starter facility, possibly with 9 standard holes, and 9 shorter holes, together with a driving range and other teaching facilities. Such a facility could represent the first stage in a continuum of facilities from par 3 and short courses, GDRs, pay and play courses and then members’ courses which developing players can then join as they progress.
Is quality of courses an issue in the H&B area? Quality is not generally considered an issue in the H&B area, from the limited evidence available, though this is based on factors other than actual course condition and quality, which was not researched as part of this study.
Are there any development initiatives from clubs/NGB/LA/others that might affect future participation and demand? The targets set out in the national golf strategy are taken into account in this study, but any local initiatives from the CGU, LAs, clubs and others will need to be built in.
Is the provision of golf facilities sufficient to meet future demand arising from housing development and additional population? The population projections used in this study are trend based data from ONS and do not take into account housing growth and population increases associated with this. Further analysis may be necessary to take into account approved housing figures in the future, although this is unlikely to have a major impact on demand.
Conclusions
7.58 There is a below average supply of standard golf courses in H&B and the immediate surrounding area. All existing courses in H&B should be retained and protected for the contribution they make to meeting existing demand for regular play for members and casual golfers alike.
7.59 Forest Hill is under potential threat for an alternative use. The loss would reduce further the supply and demand balance and mean there would be no GDRs in Hinckley and Bosworth.
7.60 There is a case for the development of a pay and play starter/improvers course catering for new golfers (say a short 9hole beginners course together with a longer improvers course of 9 holes), and relevant other practice and coaching facilities, including a GDR available for casual access, possibly in conjunction with existing courses in the area or as a new enterprise.
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8: Hockey
Introduction
8.1 Hockey is now almost exclusively played on AGPs and increasingly, AGPs are also used for football. The FA now approves certain types of AGP for use in competitive fixtures (those listed on the FA register) and the FA National Facilities Strategy recognises the role that these facilities play in the provision of facilities for football. AGPs that are compliant with World Rugby specifications can also be used for rugby match play and training.
8.2 The analysis of the adequacy of AGPs and the requirement for additional facilities therefore spreads across all three sports. England Hockey Policy Guidance on AGPs (Artificial Grass Pitch Surface Policy 2016)) indicates the suitability of AGPs to be as follows;
Category 1 - Water Based (suitable for high level hockey and football training if the pitch is irrigated)
Category 2- Sand Dressed (acceptable surface for hockey and suitable for football training)
Category 3 - Sand Filled (preferred surface for hockey and suitable for football training)
Category 4 – Long Pile 3g (acceptable surface for football and introductory Level Hockey but not competitive match play hockey)
8.3 Technology continues to move on and new forms of pitch are being developed frequently. Pitch requirements are therefore likely to evolve as technology becomes more advanced.
8.4 This section considers the adequacy of AGPS for hockey. Specific needs for football and rugby will be considered separately in the relevant sport specific sections, however the interrelationships between the sports will be identified where relevant.
Supply
8.5 Table 8.1 summarises the full size AGPs in Hinckley and Bosworth Borough and outlines the suitability of these facilities for hockey. It records five full sized pitches, of which four are sand based pitches and therefore suitable for hockey. All of the pitches are available for community use although there are some restrictions around the use of the Leicester Road Stadium due to ownership issues involving the AGP and the surrounding land.
8.6 Spatially, full sized pitches are spread across the borough and are located in four different settlements - Hinckley, Earl Shilton, Market Bosworth and Groby.
Table 8.1 - Full Sized AGPs in Hinckley and Bosworth
Site Surface Age / Management and Community Access Suitability for Hockey Maintenance
Brookvale Learning Sand Filled Built 1997. Refurb circa 2012. . Yes Yes - sand filled Campus – Groby Managed and maintained in house with small sinking fund.
Hinckley Academy Sand Filled Built 2008. Managed in house, Yes Yes – sand filled basic repairs carried out as part of maintenance. No sinking fund
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Site Surface Age / Management and Community Access Suitability for Hockey Maintenance
Dixie Grammar Sand Filled Built 2014. Managed in house, Yes Yes - sand filled basic repairs carried out as part of maintenance. No sinking fund
William Bradford Sand Filled Refurbished 2015. No sinking Yes Yes - sand filled Academy (Heath Lane) fund
Leicester Road 3g Built 2006 Yes No - 3g pitch Stadium
8.7 There are also several small pitches. These include;
Alans Way Sports Field Battling Brook Primary School Bosworth Academy Hinckley Club for Young People Markfield Community Sports Centre.
8.8 The pitches at both Alans Way Sports Field and Markfield Community Centre are both sand based and could therefore have a role to play in hockey training, although they would be insufficient in size to meet the demand for match play.
8.9 Table 8.1 reveals that all of the pitches that are suitable for hockey are located on school sites. This means that the Borough Council has more limited control over access to hockey pitches than it does for most other sports.
8.10 Table 8.1 also demonstrates that the age of facilities is varying, with three pitches relatively recently provided (Dixie Grammar built 2014 and William Bradford Academy and Brookvale Learning Campus refurbished in 2015 and 2012 respectively) but the remaining two pitches coming to the end of their life (built in 1997 and 2008). Consultation reveals that sinking funds have not been established at any of the sites and there is therefore a need to plan for the point at which surfaces need to be replaced.
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8: Hockey
Pitch Quality
8.11 Table 8.2 summarises the quality of each full sized sand based AGP and highlights any issues identified. It reveals that overall the quality of facilities is standard but that both newer facilities are standard to good, with the quality of the pitch at Dixie Grammar School being viewed particularly positively.
Table 8.2: Quality Issues at Sand Based AGPs that are suitable for hockey
AGP Surface Quality Rating Quality
Brookvale Learning Campus Sand Filled Standard Fully floodlit. Standard quality – Groby pitch with no clear issues. Equipment good and no damage to surface visible. Pitch considered good by users.
Hinckley Academy Sand Filled Standard No issues identified. No dugouts or seating.
Dixie Grammar Sand Filled Standard to good Standard to good. No concerns identified. Clear line markings. No dugouts or spectator seating
William Bradford Academy Sand Filled Standard to Good Standard to good. Floodlit and (Heath Lane) clear line markings with no evidence of damage to surface.
Demand
Current Participation
8.12 Hinckley Hockey Club are the only club affiliated to England Hockey in the borough. They currently have one team in the 2017 – 2018 season of the Leicestershire Hockey League and are based at Dixie Grammar School.
8.13 The number of teams at the club has been static over several seasons and the club have no aspirations for further growth. Indeed they reference falling membership as one of their key barriers and indicate that they may be forced to fold at the end of the season as they are struggling to put out a team each week. Intelligence gathered during July 2018 indicates that the club have indeed
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folded and the remaining players have merged with Coalville Hockey Club (North West Leicestershire District). Further illustrating the decline in club based hockey in recent years, Bosworth Ladies have also folded in recent seasons.
8.14 There are five teams affiliated to the Leicestershire Mixed Hockey Association (but not England Hockey) currently playing in Hinckley and Bosworth. These teams all play at Brookvale Learning Campus, Groby and play competitive fixtures each weekend.
8.15 The number of teams in the Mixed Hockey league is declining and indeed it now at its lowest since 1975. The number of players involved remains static however, with Mixed Hockey Association Research suggesting that a higher number of players is now required to run a team (due to shift work etc). Further decline is likely next year, with it being known that only four teams will play in the Mixed Hockey Association at Brookvale Learning campus next season and an overall reduction in the number of teams in the league likely. This suggests that like affiliated hockey, demand for hockey in the borough is unlikely to increase significantly without sports development intervention.
8.16 In addition to the above teams, Ashby Hockey Club also travel into the borough on occasion to use Dixie Grammar as an overspill venue when their own ground (Ivanhoe College) is at capacity.
8.17 Table 8.3 summarises the teams playing within the Borough and outlines the approximate number of hours that each site is used for hockey for club activity. The usage is based upon the assumption that each team plays alternate home and away games.
Table 8.3: Hockey Teams in Hinckley and Bosworth
Club Playing Participation Trends Site at Venue Teams Pitch Usage Dixie Grammar Hinckley 1 permanent 1.5 hours Declining club membership, club School Hockey Club and ad hoc training, 2 now struggling to field a team. usage from hours Since the initial data collection second club competitive took place, this club has folded. Ashby Hockey activity every Club (displaced other week. from North West Leicestershire) Ad hoc additional 1 – 2 hours on a Saturday
Brookvale Mixed Hockey 5 3 -4.5 hours Number of mixed hockey teams Learning Campus Association - each Saturday. in league declining, with the Druck Some use for number of teams in 2018 the Aadvarks, training lowest since 1975 / 76. The Leicestershire midweek number of players in teams is Hospitals (3) however thought to be static / increasing. Hinckley Academy None 0 None N/A
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Club Playing Participation Trends Site at Venue Teams Pitch Usage William Bradford None 0 None N/A Academy
8.18 It is clear from Table 8.3 that only two of the four sand based facilities are used for hockey. There is only limited hockey across the borough and no opportunities for junior hockey at all. The highest levels of usage are at the weekend, with all teams playing their competitive fixtures on a Saturday. Concerns have been raised however with regards the use of the pitch at Brookvale Learning Centre - the school are only willing to open the facility up if there are several hours of usage planned. With declining team numbers, this is becoming more difficult to fulfil.
8.19 While all clubs play competitively, there is very little use of facilities midweek for training and training requirements are fairly minimal.
Displaced Demand
8.20 All teams are playing where they currently wish to and there is no evidence of teams being displaced outside of Hinckley and Bosworth for hockey. Instead, Ashby Hockey Club import some demand into the Borough, using Dixie Grammar School as an overspill.
Educational Demand
8.21 Educational use of AGPs takes place outside of peak hours and there is therefore no impact upon the availability of the facilities for community hockey (as the artificial surface means that AGPs are not impacted upon by levels of use in the same way that grass pitches are).
8.22 School participation can however have a knock on impact on demand for hockey. At a national schools level, tournaments are run for U14, U16 and U18 age groups for both genders. The number of schools entering these tournaments is however declining, with this generally attributed to lack of staff, the need to have time off to participate and frequently, the loss or resurface of a pitch means that the school no longer has a facility on which to train.
8.23 The School Sports Partnership (Team Leicestershire), runs Leicestershire wide competition in a range of sports and there has been clear interest in hockey from schools in Hinckley and Bosworth. Dixie Grammar, Redmoor Academy, Hinckley Academy, Market Bosworth School all playing in competitions this year. Interest in hockey at a school level may translate to greater interest in hockey at a young age and a desire to follow pathways into clubs, however it is clear that there are no obvious opportunities for this currently.
8.24 Increasing participation in hockey in schools is seen as a key means of driving greater levels of participation into clubs and is likely to be the key vehicle for generating increased activity in future years.
The Player Pathway – Development Centres and Academy Centres
8.25 Development Centres are the First phase of England Hockey’s Player Pathway, and are the foundation stage for the route to international hockey. They provide a local entry point to the player pathway for U13 – U17 players.
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8.26 There are four Development Centres currently running across Leicestershire and organisers look to run these at different times and on different days to maximise opportunities.
8.27 While not used this season as a Development Centre venue, Dixie Grammar has been an important venue for hosting the player pathway in recent years, accommdating weekly midweek sessions.
Assessing the Supply and Demand Information and Views
8.28 The adequacy of AGPs to accommodate demand for hockey, taking into account both training and competitive fixtures is discussed below. Demand for football is also considered as while hockey teams cannot use facilities designed for football (3g pitches), the lack of 3g pitches in the borough means that sand based surfaces are used for football training (as well as ad hoc community activity) and hockey clubs therefore face extensive competition in accessing pitches. The FA facility strategy seeks to shift football usage away from sand based AGPs to 3g pitches however and if the stock of 3g pitches is adequate for football, it is likely that activity on sand based sites will be reserved for hockey.
Situation at Individual Sites
8.29 Supply and demand of AGPs is measured by considering;
the amount of play that a site is able to sustain (based upon the number of hours that the pitch is accessible to the community during peak periods up to a maximum of 34 hours per week). Peak periods have been deemed to be Monday to Thursday 18:00 to 21:00; Friday 17:00 to 19:00 and Saturday and Sunday 09:00 to 17:00;
the amount of play that takes place (measured in hours);
whether there is any spare capacity at the site based upon a comparison between the capacity of the site and the actual usage; and
any other key issues relating to the site which have arisen through consultation.
8.30 To ensure that issues for hockey are fully taken into account however, as well as evaluating usage over the week, capacity at peak time should also be considered. England Hockey indicates that an AGP should be considered able to sustain a maximum of four to five games per day, however this is dependent on factors such as floodlighting, warm up areas and local league structures.
8.31 It should be noted that usage figures are approximate only as bookings at several sites fluctuate.
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Table 8.4: Site Specific Usage
Site Current Carrying for Capacity Use Community Current Community Use Current Community Pitch Quality Pitch Availability Views Key Issues and
Good quality hockey facility currently accommodating 3.5 hours Able to training as part of the Single System as well as club based Dixie hockey. Good - sustain activity (primarily overspill from North West Leicestershire). Grammar 21 Remainder Standard additional The site is also heavily used for football. Scope to School of use is play accommodate a small amount of further play and limited football community use on a Sunday..
Good quality hockey facility but heavily used for football although there is some hockey use on a Saturday and On average midweek for evening training sessions. Some slots available Able to Brookvale 3 -4 hours for further play but generally outside of the most popular sustain Learning Standard 29 per week training times. Site is perceived to be expensive by hockey additional Campus hockey users and there are also concerns raised about the desire of play usage. the school to ensure that several hours of usage are planned if the facility is opened up. This raises difficulties for clubs just wishing to hire the site for a couple of hours.
Able to Hinckley No hockey sustain No use for hockey at all and facility is closed at a weekend Standard 16 Academy usage. additional due to lack of demand. Used midweek for football training play Able to William Good quality pitch that is not used at all for hockey but Good to No hockey sustain Bradford 34 heavily used for football. School have aspirations to provide a standard usage. additional Academy 3g pitch. play
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Current Picture of Provision
8.32 Table 8.5 therefore indicates that there is spare capacity at sites that are suitable for hockey across the week and at weekends with two of the four pitches that are suitable for hockey not used at all. Most pitches are used for football training during the week, but cannot be used for football match play due to FA restrictions on the types of surface that can accommodate consecutive activity.
8.33 England Hockey indicates that an AGP should be considered able to sustain a maximum of four to five games per day depending upon circumstances. Table 8.5 evaluates the use at peak time (Saturday) on each AGP and indicates that there is scope to increase the amount of play.
Table 8.5: Peak Time Demand
Capacity of full sized sand based pitches across the borough at peak time (match Total Demand (Match Difference (Match Site Name equivalents) Equivalents) Equivalents) 4 Dixie Grammar 1 3 Brookvale Learning 4 Campus 1.5 2.5 William Bradford 4 Academy 0 4 4 Hinckley Academy 0 4 12 TOTAL 2 13.5
8.34 Table 8.5 therefore reveals that there is significant spare capacity in the borough at peak time. Indeed demand is such that all activity could be accommodated within one AGP.
England Hockey Perspective
8.35 The England Hockey Facilities Strategy (2017) provides a perspective on the facilities that the Governing Body perceive to be required for hockey.
8.36 England Hockey Strategy
Vision: For every hockey club in England to have appropriate and sustainable facilities that provide excellent experiences for players.
Mission: More, Better, Happier Players with access to appropriate and sustainable facilities.
Our club market is well structured and clubs are required to affiliate to England Hockey to play in community leagues. As a result only relatively few occasional teams lie outside our affiliation structure. Schools and Universities are the other two areas where significant hockey is played.
The 3 main objectives of the facilities strategy are:
1. PROTECT: To conserve the existing hockey provision
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We currently have over 800 pitches that are used by hockey clubs (club, school, universities.) We need to retain the current provision where appropriate to ensure that hockey is maintained across the country.
2. IMPROVE: To improve the existing facilities stock (physically and administratively).
The current facilities stock is ageing and there needs to be strategic investment into refurbishing the pitches and ancillary facilities. There needs to more support for clubs to obtain better agreements with facilities providers & education around owning an asset.
3. DEVELOP: To strategically build new hockey facilities where there is an identified need and ability to deliver and maintain. This might include consolidating hockey provision in a local area where appropriate.
The research has identified key areas across the country where there is a lack of suitable Hockey provision and there is a need for additional pitches. There is an identified demand for multi pitches in the right places to consolidate hockey and allow clubs to have all of their provision catered for at one site.
8.37 The strategy seeks to provide clear rationale that identifies where multi pitch sites should be placed and strategic priorities to stabilise the future of England Hockey.
8.38 With regards facilities, it provides guidance that multi pitch sites are required / viable for clubs reaching 500 members or more (although access to pitches at a second site is likely to be required much before this). England Hockey research indicates that in addition to generating additional opportunities for training in an evening, a small sized training pitch located adjacent to the main pitch can add benefits at peak time and increase the capacity of the full size pitch. If this pitch is used for warm ups for competitive fixtures, the number of matches that an AGP can sustain on peak day increases to 5 matches.
8.39 There is no evidence that any of the teams within Hinckley and Bosworth require additional facilities or hockey, and indeed, linking with (3), Develop, there may be a need to consolidate some hockey provision in the area due to the lack of use of many of the facilities.
Mixed Hockey Association
8.40 The Mixed Hockey Association are not affiliated to England Hockey and instead operate independently. They currently believe that the quality of facilities in Leicestershire is the greatest facility related challenge (although the pitch used in Hinckley and Bosworth Borough is deemed to be good). The price of facility hire, along with the management of facilities is also raised as an issue impacting upon demand for hockey.
Latent Demand
8.41 There is no evidence of latent demand for hockey in the area, with existing clubs currently struggling to gain appropriate numbers of members to run a team. Instead, the borough is accommodating displaced demand from neighbouring authorities.
8.42 The Mixed Hockey Association however believe that there is latent demand, with opportunities to increase interest if awareness of hockey was improved and there was greater structured participation within the state school environment.
Future Picture of Provision
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8.43 The future requirement for AGPs for hockey will be impacted upon by several things, including population growth, changes to the demographic profile, club development and evolving participation trends. These issues are considered in turn in order to build an accurate picture of future demand.
Population Change
8.44 Team Generation Rates (TGRs) indicate how many people in a specified age group are required to generate one team. By applying TGRs to population projections, we can project the theoretical number of teams that would be generated from population growth and gain an understanding of future demand.
8.45 Table 8.6 summarises the implications of population growth and reveals that because of low levels of hockey participation; population growth will have no impact in any age group.
Table 8.6: Impact of Changes to the Population Profile
Number of Current Potential Change in Teams population Change Number Sport and Age in age Current Population in Team of People Groups group TGR 2031 Numbers in Age within the by 2036 Group area Senior Men (16- 0 (but 8983 55yrs) equivalent 3 taking into account mixed) 26948 26792 -156 0.0
Senior Women 1 (but 8983 (16-55yrs) equivalent 3 taking into account mixed) 26948 26792 -156 0.0
Junior Boys (11- 0 0 3027 15yrs) 2941 86 0.0
Junior Girls (11- 0 0 15yrs) 2941 3027 86 0.0
8.46 This means that trends based population changes would result in demands for hockey pitches remaining static.
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Changes in Participation Trends
8.47 While population growth will have limited impact on participation, England Hockey seek to build participation in the sport, with a particular focus placed upon retention of existing players as well as an increase in the number of players aged 14+. In addition to the traditional form of the game, new forms of hockey have also been introduced, including Rush Hockey and Back to Hockey. These forms do not require formal facilities and can be played on any facility (including the small based sand AGPs).
8.48 Despite England Hockey aspirations, Hinckley Hockey Club, the only affiliated club in the borough are currently experiencing issues fielding a team and have recently merged with Coalville Hockey Club. This follows the collapse of Bosworth Ladies in recent years.
8.49 Added to this, the Mixed Hockey Association has also experienced a downward trend in the number of teams that are playing, although playing numbers continue to increase (more players are required per team due to flexible working practices etc meaning that people no longer wish to play every week.
8.50 There is therefore no clear growth that is likely to take place in the Borough in participation in hockey over the strategy period. England Hockey has however committed to commence development works, focusing initially with partnership working with the schools with a view to channelling interest into clubs longer term.
Forthcoming Changes to Supply
8.51 There are no known confirmed plans that will impact upon the supply of AGPs for hockey although Brookvale Learning Campus, Hinckley Academy and the William Bradford Academy are all looking to provide 3g pitches on their sites, potentially at the expense of the existing sand based facilities. This will require further examination in order to ensure that the required number of facilities is retained for hockey.
Summary and Key issues
5.74 The key issues for hockey are summarised below.
Summary – Hockey
There are four sand based AGPs but only two are currently used for hockey. Demand equates to only 2 match equivalents at peak time (Saturday) and a small number of hours midweek for training. This could therefore be accommodated on one AGP
The quality of facilities is generally standard to good, although there are no sinking funds in place and therefore potentially longer term concerns about quality issues as surfaces age
Existing levels of participation in hockey are declining and there are concerns that the only affiliated club will fold at the end of the season. Added to this, the number of teams playing in Mixed Hockey Association leagues are also declining (although the number of teams is increasing). Without significant intervention, hockey participation in the borough may become almost extinct.
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9: Rugby Union
Introduction
9.1 This section evaluates the adequacy of pitches for rugby union. It provides;
An overview of the supply and demand for pitches An understanding of activity at individual sites A picture of the adequacy of current provision to meet current and projected future demand.
Overview – Supply and Demand
Pitch Supply
9.2 There are 22 senior rugby union pitches located in Hinckley and Bosworth BC. Table 9.1 summarises the distribution of grass pitches and outlines the level of access that is available.
Table 9.1: Rugby Union Pitches across Hinckley and Bosworth BC
Facility Type Number Sub Area of Level of Total Rugby Floodlit Community Site Pitches Pitches Use Hinckley School - 0 Unsecured Hinckley Academy Academy site 2
Hinckley Rugby Club 2.5 Secured Hinckley and Club 4 and 5 midi Burbage
Burbage Rugby Parish Council 0 Secured Hinckley and Club owned site 1 Burbage
Hastings High School - 0 Unsecured Hinckley and School Academy site 2 Burbage
Redmoor School - 0 Unsecured Hinckley and 1 Academy Academy site Burbage Market Bosworth Club 1 Secured Northern Rugby Club 5 Parishes
Brookvale School - 0 Unsecured Northern Learning Campus Academy site 2 Parishes
South School - 0 Unsecured Northern Charnwood High Academy site Parishes 1 School
St Martins School - 0 Unsecured Northern Catholic Academy site Parishes 1 Academy
Market Bosworth School - 0 Unsecured Northern School Academy site 2 Parishes
Bosworth School - 0 Unsecured Northern 1 Academy site
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Facility Type Number Sub Area of Level of Total Rugby Floodlit Community Site Pitches Pitches Use Academy Parishes
Dixie Grammar School - 0 Unsecured Northern School Academy site 1 Parishes
9.3 Table 9.1 indicates that;
Just under half of the rugby pitches in the borough are located within the Hinckley and Burbage urban area. The remainder of facilities are however spread across the Borough, with the presence of facilities at most school sites ensuring that there are facilities in most of the larger settlements
less than half of all rugby union pitches are secured for community use. Most school sites offer some degree of access to the general public, but as academies, almost all of this access is on an unsecured basis. Schools are actually the largest provider of rugby union pitches in the borough.
Nine full sized pitches are managed by local clubs, with Market Bosworth RFC and Hinckley RFC having large facilities respectively (5 and 4 pitches respectively). Unlike other sports, there are no rugby pitches provided by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. The pitch provided at Burbage for Burbage RFC is the only pitch provided by a Parish Council
the amount of pitches containing floodlights is minimal - there are just 3.5 pitches in total. This means that opportunities for training are limited, particularly for Burbage RFC who do not have floodlit facilities at their own site. Floodlit pitches are concentrated on the other two club bases.
Pitch Quality
9.4 Table 9.2 explores the pitches that are available for community use in more detail. It highlights the pitches that are provided at each site, and the key issues relating to site quality that were identified through both site visits and club and key stakeholder consultation.
9.5 Assessments of pitch quality for rugby are based on guidance produced by the RFU and Sport England (http://www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning/planning-for-sport/planning-tools-and- guidance/playing-pitch-strategy-guidance/. As well as recording key characteristics of the site, including pitch condition and available ancillary facilities, the assessment also evaluates the frequency and type of maintenance, and the drainage that is installed on the site.
9.6 Table 9.2 reveals that the key issues for quality in relation to club based pitches in Hinckley and Bosworth are;
Opportunities to increase the amount of maintenance undertaken and to better tailor this to the pitches provided. Maintenance is is particularly limited outside of the main club pitches (eg on pitches used by juniors) due to financial restrictions. Improving the maintenance would however increase pitch capacity;
There are drainage issues on several sites, with waterlogging evident;
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 125
Clubs raise concerns about the adequacy of changing facilities / pavilions;
there are insufficient floodlights to meet with the needs of all clubs.
.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 126
Table 9.2: Quality of Sites in Hinckley and Bosworth
Maintenance Rating Quality Comments
Site Total Rugby Pitches Hinckley Academy M0/D1 Drainage is good but pitches are undulating. Changing facilities average 2
Hinckley Rugby Club Pitch 1 M1/D1. Pitch 2 M1 D2 Quality got slightly better. Main issues with cancellations due to drainage / overuse. Club consider (but drainage is poor) Pitch 3 two pitches to be good and two to be standard. Some rust on the post outside of the main pitches M0/D1 Pitch 4 M0 / D1 Minis and there are concerns with drainage on all pitches. Pitches 3 and 4 also have a degree of undulation. 4 and 5 midi M0/D1 There are 4 changing rooms and 2 portacabins - club raise concerns with insufficient changing rooms (need 8). The showers are also poor
Burbage Rugby Club M0/D1 Pitch quality is static. Waterlogging main cause of cancellations. Pitch quality standard with grass well cut, but there is rust on the goal posts. Pitch is publicly accessible so suffers from dog fouling, but is generally ok and well maintained. Includes appropriate changing and officials room, but there is no clubhouse - no kitchen etc. There are currently plans to build a new changing room facility for the 1 football and rugby teams but there are concerns about whether it will meet the RFU and FA requirements - approval likely to be subject to meeting. Parish Council indicate that there are rabbits on site so they need to be filled regularly.
Hastings High M0/D1 Pitch quality considered reasonable, with good drainage and adequate parking School 2
Redmoor Academy M0/D1 Pitches standard but drainage and levels are good. Ancillary facilities good with changing rooms, shower and carparking on site 1
Market Bosworth M0/D1 Improving due to implementation of RFU recommendations relating to maintenance. Recently developed 4 new changing rooms Rugby Club 5
Brookvale Learning M0/D1 Pitches of standard quality. Changing facilities also standard but showers are poor. Campus 2
South Charnwood M0/D1 Overall pitch quality is standard. Changing facilities and showers are good. High School 1
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 127
Maintenance Rating Quality Comments
Site Total Rugby Pitches St Martins Catholic M0/D1 Drainage poor on site Academy 1
Market Bosworth M0/D1 Poor drainage and some undulations. Grass cutting also poor School 2
Bosworth Academy M0/D1 No quality issues identified 1
Dixie Grammar M0/D1 Pitches in good condition with changing accommodation School 1
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Demand
9.7 There are three rugby union clubs in the Borough running a total of 7 adult teams, 2 colts, 8 youth and 12 midi teams.
9.8 Both Hinckley RFC and Market Bosworth RFC offer progression from junior through to seniors, running teams at all age groups while Burbage RUFC only run two senior teams. This level of junior play suggests that rugby union is relatively well developed within the borough. There are however no female teams at any age groups and this represents a key gap for future development.
9.9 Table 9.3 summarises the clubs and provides a breakdown of teams that they are running as well as their recent participation trends. It indicates that overall, participation is increasing in the younger age groups while older age groups are generally static.
Table 9.3: Rugby Union Clubs in Hinckley and Bosworth
Area Club Adult Colts Youth Midi Trends
Northern Market Senior decline, static youth Parishes Bosworth 2 1 4 6 participation. Increasing midi RFC
Hinckley Hinckley RFC and Static senior, static youth. Burbage 3 1 4 6 Increasing midi Urban Area
Hinckley Burbage RFC and 2 0 0 0 Increasing Burbage Urban Area
TOTAL 7 2 8 12
Training Needs
9.10 Club training requirements are as follows;
Market Bosworth RFC - 2 match equivalents for adult teams. Youth teams also train midweek meaning that the total match equivalent is 4.5
Hinckley RFC have high training requirements, with senior and colts teams all training twice per week. As well as the club base, the club also use facilities at John Cleveland College, Leicester Road FC, Dixie Grammar, Hinckley Leisure Centre and William Bradford School on occasion. Hinckley RFC is also used by Burbage RFC teams for winter training (due to lack of floodlights at their own venue).
Burbage RFC - two teams train twice per week, meaning that demand is equivalent to 1 match equivalent. A lack of floodlights at the club base however means that the club must travel elsewhere during the winter months for training sessions. These currently take place at Hinckley RFC
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 129
9.11 Only Burbage RFC highlight particular pressures arising from their training requirements.
Educational Demand
9.12 Almost all schools in the borough have at least one rugby pitch, suggesting that there are strong foundations for the teaching of rugby. There is little evidence of participation in national rugby competitions, although both Dixie Grammar School and Market Bosworth School have entered competitions within the last couple of years.
Assessing the Supply and Demand Information and Views
9.13 The adequacy of pitch provision for rugby union is measured through the use of match equivalents. The ability of the pitch stock to service both training needs and competitive requirements is taken into account. To fully understand activity on a site, consideration is given to both;
the adequacy of pitch provision over the course of a week; and capacity of a site to meet additional demand at peak time.
9.14 For rugby union, this analysis is based upon the following principles;
Capacity over the course of a week
9.15 The RFU sets a standard number of match equivalent sessions that natural grass pitches should be able to sustain without adversely affecting their current quality (pitch carrying capacity). This is based upon the drainage system installed at the site and the maintenance programme used to prepare the pitches. The guideline theoretical capacity for rugby pitches is summarised in Table 9.4.
Table 9.4: Theoretical Pitch Capacity Ratings (RFU)
Maintenance
Poor (M0) Standard (M1) Good (M2)
Natural Inadequate (D0) 0.5 1.5 2
Natural Adequate (D1) 1.5 2 3
Pipe Drained (D2) 1.75 2.5 3.25 Drainage Drainage Pipe and Slit Drained (D3) 2 3 3.5
9.16 Demand from each rugby club is converted into match equivalent sessions. This takes into account of both the requirement of pitches to accommodate competitive fixtures, and also the impact that training sessions will have on the capacity of pitches.
Peak Time Demand
9.17 To identify spare capacity at peak time, the number of match equivalent sessions at peak time is measured against the number of match equivalent sessions available.
Senior men’s rugby union - Saturday PM;
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Youth rugby union - Sunday AM;
Mini/midi rugby union - Sunday AM; and
U18-U19 yrs ‘Colts’ rugby union –Sunday AM (male) and Sunday PM (female).
9.18 Table 9.5 therefore provides a summary of activity at each site that is secured for community use and the adequacy of provision to meet demand. Further detail is provided in the spreadsheet accompanying this assessment of need.
9.19 The text that follows then explores the issues identified in more detail, highlighting the areas of key concern based upon the calculations undertaken.
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Table 9.5: Site Overview
Spare Training Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Maintenance Match Spare Capacity Senior Floodlit Match Capacity at Peak Capacity only (floodlit Site / Capacity Equivalents Other Peak Time Overview Pitches Pitches Play (Match Time Including pitch Rating (Training) (Youth Play) Play) (Adult Training capacity - Play) requirement)
Large rugby club where capacity is currently limited by maint enance programme although recent improvements have been made with support from RFU. Some drainage issues also experienced. Site sufficient to accommodate match play. Training on site at club base however pressurises the pitches, particularly given the Market limited maintenance programme. Given that there are only floodlights on one pitch, Bosworth - M0/D1 5 1 4.5 4.5 3 3.5 1.5 -1.5 -3 this pitch is particularly heavily used. 4 new changing room s have recently been Cadeby Lane developed but finances limit ongoing development. Usage of the AGP at Leicester Forest when complete (or relocation of training elsewhere) would see pitch provision become adequate. If training remains on site, additional floodlighting is required. Some training during the Site is heavily used accommodating all competitive and training activity for large winter club as well as training overspill from nearby club. Site also hosts occasional fixtures months by 2 Pitch 1 for Leicestershire RFU. Maintenance on the first two pitches is standard, but the Burbage M1/D1. Pitch second two pitches receive much lower levels of maintenance. Total capacity teams - 1 2 M1 D2 (but therefore equates to 7. All pitches suffer from poor drainage and the newly installed Hinckley RFC extra match drainage is 4 (and 5 drainage on the floodlit pitch is also not performing as hoped. Added to this, there - Leicester 2.5 5 7 equivalent. 2 2 2 -5 -2.625 poor) Pitch 3 midi) are also some concerns with the adequacy of changing accommodation, as there Road Also didi M0/D1 Pitch are currently insufficient rooms and existing facilities are poor quality. Capacity rugby and 4 M0 / D1 overall is just sufficient to meet requirements for match play (supported by the O2 touch (1 Minis M0/D1 availability of midi pitches off the adult pitches) but training pitches are overplayed. each per When taking into account training (and the use from other bodies), overall week) and provision is insufficient. 25 school matches across the
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 132
Spare Training Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Maintenance Match Spare Capacity Senior Floodlit Match Capacity at Peak Capacity only (floodlit Site / Capacity Equivalents Other Peak Time Overview Pitches Pitches Play (Match Time Including pitch Rating (Training) (Youth Play) Play) (Adult Training capacity - Play) requirement)
season
With just two teams playing on the site, the single pitch is sufficient to accommodate competitive play (although the club do experience some fixture clashes on occasion). There is also sufficient capacity to accommodate training, Burbage RFC 0.5(dependent given the M1 maintenance regime, although actual use of the pitch for training is 5 match - Britannia M0/D1 1 0 1 1 1 0.5 upon use for -0.5 -1 inhibited by the lack of floodlights. Pitch condition is standard overall although the equivalents Fields training) site suffers from dog fouling. There is no clubhouse on the site and changing is basic only and a distance from the pitch although this is due to be reprovided imminently. Lease expires in 2022 and there are therefore also concerns around security of tenure.
Hinckley School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity. M0/D1 2 1.5 1 1 2 0.5 2 0 Academy Accommodates school use only
Hastings School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity. High M0/D1 2 0 2 2 1 1 1 2 0 Accommodates school use only School
Redmoor School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity. M0/D1 1 0 1 1 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 0 Academy Accommodates school use only
Brookvale School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity. Learning M0/D1 2 0 2 2 1 1 1 2 0 Accommodates school use only Campus
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 133
Spare Training Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Maintenance Match Spare Capacity Senior Floodlit Match Capacity at Peak Capacity only (floodlit Site / Capacity Equivalents Other Peak Time Overview Pitches Pitches Play (Match Time Including pitch Rating (Training) (Youth Play) Play) (Adult Training capacity - Play) requirement)
South Charnwood School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity. M0/D1 1 0 1 1 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 0 High Accommodates school use only School
St Martins School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity. Catholic M0/D1 1 0 1 1 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 0 Accommodates school use only Academy
Market School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity. Bosworth M0/D1 2 0 2 2 1 1 1 2 0 Accommodates school use only School
Bosworth School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity. M0/D1 1 0 1 1 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 0 Academy Accommodates school use only
Dixie Grammar M0/D1 0 1 -1 School 1 0.5 0.5
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Current Picture of Provision - Secured sites
9.20 Table 9.5 therefore indicates that;
There is no use of any of the school sites by rugby clubs, with no facilities used on a regular basis. All of these sites accommodate curricular use only. This means that there are 13 rugby pitches in the borough that are available but not used. The capacity of these facilities is however limited, with the maintenance programme at all sites (where known) fairly restricted (M0) meaning that maximum site capacity is 1.5. Given that these pitches must also sustain curricular use, this restricts the amount of club based activity that they could accommodate. In total at school sites, there is scope to accommodate 6.5 match equivalents either across the week or at peak time. On the whole however, the limited maintenance that takes place at these sites restricts opportunities for community use, as pitches are only capable of sustaining curricular activity.
Considering match play only, there is sufficient capacity at each of the club bases to accommodate play. Once training is taken into account, supply however becomes much more tightly matched with demand. Specifically;
At Market Bosworth, limited, but improving maintenance procedures restrict capacity to a degree however quality is starting to improve following investment and it is anticipated that capacity will start to increase shorty. The site is sufficient in terms of capacity to accommodate match play (both peak time and across the week) but training places pressures on the pitches and a small degree of overplay is evident. This is exacerbated by the presence of only one set of floodlights, which means that all activity is shoehorned onto tis pitch, meaning that it is heavily used.
At Hinckley RFC, there are varying levels of maintenance, with pitches accommodating the teams playing at higher levels getting more attention. The club also raise concerns about drainage and both of these issues impact upon capacity. Excluding the impact of training, there is a small amount of spare capacity across the week and at peak time. The current levels of training however generate overplay, particularly on the training pitches as all activity must be concentrated on the floodlit pitches. The midi pitches on site are important in reducing the use of the senior pitches and in minimalizing the overplay that is found. There are also insufficient changing rooms, with 8 required to ensure that all pitches can be used at the same time
Maintenance schedules at Burbage RFC restrict club activity, but with just two teams, provision is sufficient to accommodate match play (supply equals demand). The lack of floodlighting however means that the site can not sustain training activity in the winter and the team are therefore forced to locate elsewhere. There are also concerns about the security of tenure on this site. While changing rooms are currently poor, they are due to be improved although it is not known whether this will also involve extension of the lease for the rugby club.
9.21 Although there are unused facilities at school sites, it should be noted that rugby is primarily a club focused sport and facilities are an essential part of the way a club is run. Use of facilities that are outside of the club base is therefore avoided as far as possible. Added to this, there are no existing floodlights at any of the school sites, meaning that they cannot be used for training.
Displaced and Latent Demand
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9.22 Burbage RUFC are the only example of displaced demand at the current time for Rugby Union in Hinckley and Bosworth, with the club being forced to use other venues to train due to a lack of floodlights.
9.23 No concerns have been expressed with regards the amount of facilities available to other clubs, although it is believed that high levels of training and a lack of appropriate training facilities places great pressures on both Hinckley RFC and Market Bosworth RFC.
Future Picture
9.24 The future requirement for rugby pitches will be impacted upon by changes to the population profile, as well as club specific aspirations and changing participation trends. These issues are considered in turn in order to build an accurate picture of future demand.
Population Change
9.25 Team Generation Rates (TGRs) indicate how many people in a specified age group are required to generate one team. The application of TGRs to population projections enables the projection of the theoretical number of teams that would be generated from population growth and provides an understanding of future demand.
9.26 Table 9.6 summarises the current TGRs for rugby and projects the impact of population growth. It indicates that;
there will be an overall decline in the number of people playing adult rugby union, but this will be insufficient to see the loss of a team; and
similarly, increases in people falling into the younger ages will be insufficient to see an overall impact upon the number of rugby union teams in the borough.
Table 9.6: Impact of Changes to the Population Profile
Number Potential Potential of Current Change in Change in Future Sport and Age Teams population Current Number Team Population Groups in age TGR of People Numbers by (2036) group in Age 2036 Group Rugby Union 7 2391 16681 Senior Men (19- 45yrs) 16738 -57 0.0
Rugby Union 0 16681 Senior Women 0 (19-45yrs) 16738 -57 0
Rugby Union 10 355 Youth Boys (13- 18yrs) 3550 3506 -44 -0.1
Rugby Union 0 0 Youth Girls (13- 18yrs) 3550 3506 -44 00
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Number Potential Potential of Current Change in Change in Future Sport and Age Teams population Current Number Team Population Groups in age TGR of People Numbers by (2036) group in Age 2036 Group Rugby Union 12 7273 606 Mini/Midi Mixed (7-12yrs) 7443 170 0.3
9.27 Trends based population growth alone is therefore unlikely to have significant impact upon the demand for rugby union within Hinckley BC.
Changes in Participation Trends and club development plans
9.28 While TGRs provide an indication of the potential impact of club growth directly attributable to increases in the population, the RFU believe that this is less indicative of the likely growth as a whole for rugby. The RFU are working with individual clubs through the implementation of development plans to drive increases in participation, supported by RFU development officers. Aspirations of clubs within Hinckley and Bosworth are as follows;
Market Bosworth RFC - looking to develop additional senior male team and create senior female team
Hinckley RFC - retain existing teams and ensure stability and growth of playing numbers
Burbage RFC - no immediate aspirations for growth, although longer term club would like to develop an additional team.
9.29 Table 9.7 therefore draws upon the application of TGRs as well as the aspired levels of growth at each club to evaluate the degree to which existing pitches at the club bases are able to accommodate the projected increase in demand, and the issues that would need to be addressed to ensure that growth can be accommodated. It should be noted however that growth plans are over a shorter term than the strategy period and should therefore be reconsidered as part of the monitoring process.
Table 9.7: Adequacy of Existing Provision to Meet Projected Future Demand
Current Position Likely impact of Growth Issues to address Club
2.5 capacity match play. Potential 1 match equivalent Ongoing maintenance Overplay 2 taking into account (plus 1 match equivalent improvements (capacity of 2 on each all activity (training pitch -3) training. Overplay would pitch would be sufficient to meet increase marginally current demand. Further Market improvement on one or two Bosworth additional pitches required to RFC accommodate future demand) Drainage improvements Potential to relocate training to AGP to reduce pressures on grass pitch
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 137
Current Position Likely impact of Growth Issues to address Club
Provide floodlights for second pitch if training is not relocated
2 capacity match play only. Club seeking to retain playing Maintenance restricts capacity, Overplay taking into account all teams and increase numbers - particularly on pitches 3 and 4 - activity -5). Floodlit pitches no impact in terms of match potential to invest further to increase overplayed 2.5 each) equivalents this
Drainage also requires improvement to enhance capacity – drainage recently installed on some pitches but not effective – under review Clubhouse / changing room believed to be restricting club growth (club Hinckley RFC indicate 8 rooms required – one for each pitch) although not all pitches appear to be used at one time. Shower / toilet facilities also limitedCapacity of 3 on each pitch needed to meet all demand (and club growth may see this increase further (club indicate 8 rooms required). Unless this is achieved, pitches are not effective to meet training and a 3G pitch may offer a potential solution
Spare capacity 0.5 match play Club seeking further growth of Short term lease (expires 2022). only. Site also sufficient to 0.5 match equivalents longer Potential opportunity to extend accommodate training (supply term. Existing site only contains linking with other improvements would equal demand) during one pitch, meaning that if this Opportunity to improve capacity of summer months with light team played at peak time pitch to ensure that more play could nights. Lack of floodlights pitches would need to be be accommodated. means club travel off site in staggered. Pitch could however winter. accommodate additional play Lack of floodlights impact on if no training was undertaken capacity of other pitches as well as on site. causing displacement of Burbage Burbage RFC RFC for training. Maintenance improvements would need to be undertaken if training was to be accommodated on site. Lack of clubhouse / impending improvements to changing facilities Dog fouling as site is public recreation ground Lack of opportunity for expansion at
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Current Position Likely impact of Growth Issues to address Club
peak time
Forthcoming Changes to Supply
9.30 There are no confirmed changes to provision however plans are underway to improve the changing and pavilion accommodation at Burbage RUFC. The rugby club currently has a short lease left on this site and it is hoped that the opportunity to increase the lease at the same time as facility improvements are made will be taken should changing facilities be improved to RFU specifications. It is important that these facilities are made to RFU specifications to ensure that they remain fit for purpose to host the rugby club.
The RFU AGP Strategy (2015)
9.31 The RFU Council has recently approved a strategy to invest in Artificial Grass Pitches (AGP) which will see 100 artificial, floodlit pitches installed across the country over a four-year period. The strategy will see the creation of;
60 AGPs on rugby club sites to be used by the host club and other local clubs; and
40 on community sites with a guaranteed number of hours for use by rugby.
9.32 The key drivers for this are to sustain and grow participation while addressing the increasing pressure on natural turf pitches, changing player expectations, competition from other sports investing in artificial pitches and changing weather conditions.
9.33 While this scheme has been approved at RFU Board level, it has currently been put on hold and it is unknown how / if it will be taken forward.
9.34 Although the scheme is currently on hold, there may be opportunities in future years within Hinckley and Bosworth. Both Hinckley RFC and Market Bosworth RFC currently have overplay caused by use of facilities for training, while Burbage RFC do not have any appropriate training facilities. The strategy may provide opportunities for the development of a Rugby Compliant 3g AGP, although it should be noted that others have been developed nearby (including Leicester Forest East) as part of this scheme and usage and programming of these sites would need to be considered as part of decision making in relation to viability. The 3g pitch at Leicester Road is currently hardly used (but is very close to Hinckley RFC and indeed access is via the rugby club and this should be considered as part of the future decision making process.
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Key Issues and Summary
Summary - Rugby Union
Maintenance improvements at all three sites would increase capacity and ensure the longevity of pitches. The quality of facilities has recently improved following a particular focus on maintenance. There are also drainage concerns at both Market Bosworth RFC and Hinckley RFC that need to be addressed
All club bases are heavily used when taking into account training. There is a need to consider the provision of extra floodlighting (Market Bosworth RFC and Burbage RFC) and / or access to a 3g World Rugby Compliant AGP (Hinckley RFC)
The clubhouse at Hinckley RFC is believed to be restricting growth and there is a need to ensure that planned changes to the pavilion at Burbage RFC meet the needs of the rugby club
The remaining lease at Burbage RFC expires in 2022 and is therefore short - security of tenure is therefore a concern
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Introduction
10.1 This section assesses the adequacy of pitches for football in Hinckley and Bosworth. It includes;
a brief overview of the supply and demand for football; an understanding of activity at individual sites; a picture of the adequacy of current provision; and the future picture of provision for football.
Football in Hinckley and Bosworth – An Overview Pitch Supply 10.2 There are 123 individual formal grass football pitches currently available for community use across Hinckley and Bosworth. Table 10.1 summarises the breakdown of pitch sizes. Site specific detail is provided in the appendices.
10.3 Pitch totals should also be considered approximate only, as on many sites, layouts change weekly in response to league fixtures.
10.4 It should be noted that pitches and teams within this section are categorised according to pitch size requirements (ie teams in U17 and U18 age groups use adult pitches). This differs slightly from the categorisation methods used in FA affiliation data, which considers U17 and U18 teams to be juniors.
Table 10.1: Football Pitches across Hinckley and Bosworth
Pitches Available to Recommended % of Total Pitches on Percentage of the Pitch Type Pitch Dimensions Pitch School Pitches on Community (including run off) provision sites School Sites (Used or not used) Adult Football 106 x 70 m 28 23% 5 18% (aged 16+) Junior Football 88/97 x 56/61 m 24 20% 13 54% (age U13 - U16) 9 v 9 (age U11 and 79 x 52 m 24 20% 14 58% U12) 7 v 7 (age U9 and 61 x 43 m 27 22% 12 44% U10) 5 v 5 (age 43 x 33 m 20 16% 5 25% U7 and U8)
Total 123 100%
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10.5 Table 10.1 reveals that; of the pitches that are currently available for community use; 23% of pitches are full sized grass pitches while the remainder cater for younger teams (although some of the pitches classified as adult and youth are interchangeable). The number of pitches accommodating each age group is broadly similar.
Unsecured Pitches
10.6 While currently available for use, football pitches at school sites are often considered unsecured, particularly as schools with academy status have greater independence around the lettings of their facilities.
10.7 40% of pitches that are available for community use in the Borough are located on school sites. With all secondary schools in the Borough having academy status, the number of pitches managed and maintained by the education sector highlights the importance of securing appropriate agreements to maintain long term access to these facilities. This is particularly important for youth and 9v9 pitches, where a greater proportion of the total number of pitches are on school sites.
10.8 While almost all of the secondary school sites in Hinckley and Bosworth Borough indicate their facilities are available (and indeed some have a strong online advertising presence), it is considered that these facilities offer a greater degree of insecurity as;
a. Many have policies in place that are reviewed annually or biannually
b. There is frequently no advertisement of facilities, despite schools indicating that they are available
c. Some schools do not have specific booking / letting procedures in place, making it difficult for clubs to access facilities
d. As independent bodies, academies are able to control their own facilities easily, and there are no third parties involved (other than clubs) to input into letting policies and procedures, as well as pricing models.
10.9 Added to this, there are risks involved with the provision of facilities on school sites without secure agreements around pricing etc. Increasingly schools see facility hire as a commercial activity and changes to the pricing structure can quickly eliminate potential community activity if clubs are priced out of the market.
10.10 The text in this assessment report will consider the adequacy of supply taking into account varying levels of access and security of this access.
10.11 The majority of primary schools are not open for community access but do have some playing fields. Most of these are basic playing fields and are not marked out as formal pitches regularly and therefore offer limited potential resources for the local community. There are however some schools with fairly large playing fields and these may offer significant opportunities in areas where there are pressures on existing facilities. Burbage Junior School is the only primary school that is currently accommodating community use.
Closed / Potential Sites
10.12 There are no sites that can be considered to be completely redundant playing fields, although several green spaces have previously contained formal playing pitches but do not currently do so. These include Higham on the Hill Playing Field, Thornton Playing Field, Keats Playing Field (Earl Shilton), Stamford Memorial Park and Bosworth Road Recreation Ground, Barlestone.
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10.13 Pitches that are not operating as formal playing pitches this year are excluded from all calculations. The loss of any of the playing fields listed in this section would therefore not impact upon the figures outlined in this report, but would instead eliminate the potential to address deficiencies by reinstating pitches rather than providing new. The future of these pitches and their potential role in meeting current or projected demand will be considered within the strategy document.
3g AGPs
10.14 The FA now approves certain types of AGP for use in competitive fixtures (those listed on the FA pitch register) and the FA National Football Facilities Strategy recognises the role that these facilities play in the provision of facilities for football.
10.15 During the 2017 - 2018 season, there was just one full sized 3g pitch in the Borough located at Leicester Road, Hinckley. This pitch was not listed on the FA pitch register (and therefore cannot be used for competitive fixtures). Added to this, there are concerns about access to the pitch due to ongoing issues relating to the ownership of and access to the site.
10.16 In addition, there are several smaller sized 3g pitches which supplement the stock of full size facilities and provide training opportunities for local clubs, as well as a range of informal five a side opportunities. These include pitches at Battling Brook Primary School, Bosworth Academy (indoor) and Hinckley Club for Young People.
Distribution of Playing Fields
10.17 The majority of pitches are located within the Northern Parishes, with circa a third of pitches provided in the Hinckley and Burbage urban area.
Ownership and Management
10.18 Chart 10.1 illustrates that ownership and management of pitches within Hinckley and Bosworth is mixed. The education sector is the largest provider, managing 40% of pitches. 28% of pitches are managed by clubs, while a further 20% are the responsibility of Parish Councils. This means that Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council have relatively limited control over the range, type and quality of facilities provided.
10.19 While the amount of clubs managing their own facilities is positive, there remains a reliance upon the public sector and schools to provide facilities. The FA National Strategy recognises the challenges that this reliance brings and seeks to increase the number of asset owning clubs, as well as to work closely with partners to improve the landscape for football.
10.20 The level of facilities managed by schools is a particularly key issue for the borough and highlights the importance of securing long term access to school sites in order to maintain the level of facilities are available to the community. The importance of these sites is clear later in this section, where it is evident that many schools are providing homes for key football clubs.
10.21 The mix of providers can also present a challenge to users of football pitches in the Borough, with this leading to inconsistencies in quality, pricing and booking policies.
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Chart 10.1: Management of Playing Pitches (pitches available for community use only)
Management of Football Pitches across Hinckley and Bosworth
Ownership and Management Club HBC Schools Parish Council
Views on the Pitch Stock across Hinckley and Bosworth
10.22 Chart 10.2 indicates that there are mixed views in relation to the overall pitch stock in the borough, with a larger proportion of clubs indicating that they are unhappy with the pitch stock than are satisfied.
Chart 10.2: Satisfaction with Pitch Provision
Overall Satisfaction with Pitch Provision
Yes No
10.23 The key reasons given by those responding clubs that are dissatisfied are;
A perceived lack of pitches – these views are particularly apparent from large junior clubs A perceived lack of 3g football pitches for both matches and training The quality of pitches (and the impact that overuse has on pitch quality) A lack of appropriate changing / welfare facilities for young people.
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10.24 Reflecting the issues raised in Chart 10.2, Chart 10.3 illustrates that there are a number of issues that are perceived to impact club development. Many of these are directly related to the facilities provided, specifically a lack of pitches and a lack of AGPs.
10.25 It was also noted that it is difficult to recruit and retain coaches and volunteers, which represents a key challenge for the ongoing development of football in the borough. Costs associated with playing, including pitch hire, travelling and securing funding for pitch improvements are also believed to impact the growth of football in Hinckley and Bosworth.
Chart 10.3: Barriers to Club Development
Perceived Barriers to the Growth of Football 10
9
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ClubsofNumber
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Issues Raised
Pitch Quality and Changing Accommodation
10.26 All local leagues running within the borough require (within their rules) clubs to keep their grounds in playable condition (and deemed suitable by the Management Committee). Pitch quality is therefore an essential component of an effective pitch stock. The presence and quality of changing facilities can also be of significance in determining the suitability of pitches and a lack of facilities can impact on the desirability of grounds for clubs, particularly where there is a lack of toilets as well as changing facilities.
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10.27 There are specific rules relating to pitch quality, changing accommodation and social facilities for clubs participating in leagues at levels on the football pyramid and this will be returned to later.
10.28 To ensure that pitches meet league requirements, pitch quality and changing accommodation is therefore as important as the number of pitches.
10.29 A number of different sources have been used to evaluate the quality of sites and these are discussed in brief in the sections that follow. The overall quality of pitches and the issues that are to be addressed is determined by the triangulation of data from all sources.
Site Visits
10.30 Site visits categorise almost all visits as standard. There are few pitches of very high quality and site assessment scores range from 40% (just in the poor category) up to 90% (good). There are however numerous pitches achieving scores in the lower echelons of the standard category (below 60%).
10.31 The average score achieved by pitches visited is 58%, which falls within the standard range. This is based upon the appearance of pitches and the maintenance programme that has been undertaken. This is a fairly low average score and suggests that if pitch quality deteriorates as the season progresses, several sites may include pitches that become poor. This would cause an overall reduction in capacity.
10.32 In addition to this, on site analysis of pitch quality demonstrated that the overall condition of facilities is lower in many instances than the scores achieved suggest. This is attributed to the maintenance schedules, which in some instances artificially inflate scores. This occurs particularly when some out of season maintenance is undertaken, but limited in season maintenance takes place and pitches therefore deteriorate (albeit not as quickly as they would otherwise have done). On the whole however, it is clear that the maintenance undertaken across the borough is relatively basic.
10.33 In general, with regards football pitch quality, site visits reveal that;
there were very few if any poor / unplayable pitches however there was evidence of compaction, poor drainage and standing water on numerous pitches in the borough. The issues with drainage and waterlogging may be caused (or exacerbated) by the compaction that is evident;
there is evidence of undulation on many sites, and pitches would benefit from levelling to improve the playing surface;
reflecting the relatively low levels of maintenance that are carried out on most sites, there are issues with weed growth;
although many sites are open to the public (and indeed function as parks / recreational facilities) little impact of the widespread informal access was evident at the time of site visits.
the condition of associated ancillary facilities varies and there are some sites where facilities would benefit from improvement. Most facilities are of limited quality and are relatively basic.
10.34 Chart 10.4: summarises the issues identified through site visits, by illustrating the average score achieved for each of the criteria evaluated.
Chart 10.4: Key Issues Arising from Site Visits
Average Quality Score achieved during site visits
6 Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 146
5
4
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0 Grass Size Slope Length of Evenness Dog Unofficial Drainage Coverage Grass Fouling / Use / Litter / Damage to Glass the Surface
10.35 There is very little variation on the quality of pitches according to provider, with average scores achieved ranging only between 56% and 60%. This is illustrated in Table 10.2, which outlines the average score achieved by pitches under each ownership.
Table 10.2: Average Quality Scores by Ownership / Management
Provider Average Quality Score %
Parish 57
School 58
Club 60
HBBC 56
Views on Pitch Quality
10.36 Chart 10.5 and 10.6 evaluate the user perception (club) of pitch quality. Figure 10.5 illustrates that overall, the quality of pitches is perceived to be moving in the right direction, with the majority of clubs indicating that the condition of facilities that they use has either remained static or improved and only a small number of clubs believing that there has been a decline.
10.37 Interestingly, similar reasons were given by clubs evidencing both improvement or decline, specifically;
Improved maintenance generating enhanced pitches / reducing maintenance creating poor pitches
The installation of drainage improving pitch conditions / drainage continuing to impact pitch quality and causing cancellations
Pitches benefitting from more limited use / Heavy usage impacting upon quality and causing deterioration.
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Chart 10.5: Trends in Pitch Quality
Perceived Trends in Pitch Quality 12
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Much Better Slightly Better No Difference Slightly Poorer Much Poorer Perception of Quality
10.38 Chart 10.6 illustrates the club perceptions relating to quality of pitches and confirms many of the findings of the site visits and other consultations (a score of 3 equates to good, 2 to average and 1 poor). It is clear that drainage and pitch evenness are considered particularly problematic by clubs, reflecting the findings of site visits. Dog fouling is raised as a much greater concern than was evident in the site visits.
Chart 10.6– Perceived Quality issues at football pitches in Hinckley and Bosworth
Quality of Football Pitches in Hinckley and Bosworth
3.0
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Quality Criteria
10.39 The specific issues raised in relation to quality reflect the overall findings of the site visits. It is evident that whilst there are concerns raised by clubs using facilities in all ownership (and therefore ownership is not a clear determinant of quality), there is greater negativity from junior clubs than other consultees. It is at sites used by these clubs where overuse is believed to be at it’s highest and pitches are therefore subjected to significant wear and tear.
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10.40 Quality issues and views specific to each site are outlined in the appendices and are also summarised in Table 10.5 later in this section. Overall however the key messages arising from site visits and consultation in relation to quality are;
across the borough in general, the quality of pitches is standard. Within the standard categorisation however there are a range of facilities and many of the pitches are closer to the poor categorisation than they are good. Any level of deterioration may therefore impact and this will be returned to in the analysis;
maintenance schedules vary but in general, are relatively basic and little out of season reinstatement takes place. This has a detrimental effect on both the immediate quality of the pitch, but also the long term capacity of the pitch across the season and beyond. Many of the issues arising (including drainage / evenness / worn goalmouths etc) could be addressed through improved in and out of season maintenance;
while drainage emerges as a key issue, it is clear that in some instances, this is exacerbated by heavy usage and the resulting compaction at the site. Waterlogging is responsible for the majority of cancellations on pitches across the borough and this does not vary by ownership. It is likely however that the drainage issues experienced are caused / exacerbated by the compaction, which is associated with heavy usage and /or lack of maintenance.
the quality of changing provision is varied and there are some sites that would benefit from improvement
pitch quality is perceived to be one of the key challenges facing the game and a key issue to address if football is to continue to develop and grow. There is however a perception that quality has started to improve following a focus on tailored maintenance schedules, however it is felt that the amount of pitches provided needs to be better in line with demand if pitches are to adequately meet demand. This links with the key issues experienced (compaction) which can be generated by heavy usage).
Quality of AGPs
10.41 There is only one 3g pitch in the borough at the Leicester Road Stadium, Hinckley. This facility was built in 2006 and has a dynamic base. It is starting to age although the overall quality of the facility remains standard (supported by limited use). The pitch has not been tested and is therefore not listed on The FA register for 3g pitches or approved for use for competitive fixtures. Recent visits however suggest that refurbishment / replacement would be required if the facility was to be added to the FA Pitch Register.
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Demand
Current Participation – Match Play
10.42 Table 10.3 summarises the teams currently based in Hinckley and Bosworth. It reveals that in total, there are 236 teams in total, including Inclusive and Futsal teams.
10.43 It demonstrates that just 24% of teams are senior teams, with the remainder being age group teams. This broadly balances with the proportion of pitches that are full size, suggesting that the pitch stock is well tailored to demand.
10.44 As noted earlier, pitches and teams within this section are categorised according to pitch size requirements (ie teams in U17 and U18 age groups use adult pitches). This differs slightly from the categorisation methods used in FA affiliation data, which considers U17 and U18 teams to be juniors.
Table 10.3: Football Teams in Hinckley and Bosworth
Number Format of Football of Proportion Teams of Teams
Football Adult Male (16-45yrs) 56 23.7%
Football Adult Female(16-45yrs) 2 0.8%
Football Youth Male(12-15yrs) 34 14.4%
Football Youth Female(12-15yrs) 3 1.3%
Football 9v9 Male (10 – 11 years) 31 13.1%
Football 9v9 Female 4 1.7%
7V7 (8 – 9 years) 55 23.3%
5v5 (6 – 7 years) 43 18.2%
Disability Teams 8 3.4%
Futsal 3
10.45 While there are strong participation rates for males, female football is less well established, with 3.8% of teams, which is slightly below the national average. Several girls do play within mixed teams rather than in dedicated female. The inclusion of female teams within a club can place additional pressures on a site, particularly with regards changing accommodation as there is a need to ensure that separate facilities are available and this is something that clubs indicated was a barrier to further growth of these teams.
10.46 Disability football is strong in the borough, reflecting strong engagement and support for disability football in Leicestershire. There are 8 Inclusive teams primarily focused in Barwell, who primarily use AGPs and indoor facilities for training and travel to central venues (often nationally) for matches. There are also three futsal teams. Inclusive football is a big growth area in Leicestershire and it is hoped that this will continue to be reflected across Hinckley and Bosworth in the coming years.
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Displaced Demand
10.47 Included within the above totals, there are three teams that are currently displaced out of the borough due to a perceived lack of appropriate facilities within Hinckley and Bosworth;
Hinckley AFC and Hinckley AFC U18 teams are displaced to Ibstock Miners Welfare. They previously played at Heather St Johns FC but no longer have access to this facility. League requirements dictate the grading of facility that must be used by the club and there are no alternative venues within the borough. The club have secured use of this venue for the 2018 – 2019 season and are now the only users of the facility;
Groby Town Honey Badgers are displaced to Cedars Academy in Birstall due to challenges securing facilities within their local area.
Club Structure and Participation Trends
10.48 The majority of junior and mini teams within Hinckley and Bosworth are based at a large club. There are clubs in the majority of larger settlements and very few clubs with only a single or small number of junior or mini teams.
10.49 In contrast, most teams playing adult football are single teams operating in isolation. There are however several clubs offering opportunities for progression right through from mini, to junior and adult age groups. These include Market Bosworth Town, Leicester Road, Hinckley AFC / Juniors, Caterpillar FC, Desford FC, Groby Town and Greentowers FC. There are also issues with drop off, with many players ceasing to play as they reach the upper echelons of junior leagues and do not join / form adult football teams.
10.50 Consultation demonstrates that similar to the national picture, there has been a decline in participation in adult football in recent years, although this appears to have levelled out slightly and most clubs now believe that participation is static. In contrast, there is perceived to be strong growth in the younger (mini) age groups and more clubs have experienced an increase in junior participation than have seen decline.
10.51 As outlined in Chart 10.3, there are perceived to be several barriers to the growth and development of football clubs in the borough, with facilities having an impact, as well as challenges securing coaches and volunteers. It is particularly notable that the lack of 3g pitches in the borough restricts the coaching courses that can be put on within Hinckley and Bosworth and means that any volunteer wishing to undertake such training must travel elsewhere in Leicestershire. This may impact upon the number of coaches that become qualified and the willingness of local residents to engage with football.
Pyramid Clubs
10.52 There are several clubs playing in the Non League System. As a result of the standard of football played, there are specific requirements that must be adhered to in relation to the facilities provided at the home ground.
10.53 Table 10.4 summarises these clubs and highlights the ground grading requirements that must be met. If clubs continue to progress up the pyramid, requirements and regulations for facilities that clubs must adhere to will become more onerous.
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Table 10.4: Pyramid Clubs
League Associated Current Location Ground Grading Club Standard Requirements Leicestershire Grade C Barlestone St Giles Senior Sports Club Football Barlestone St Giles League Step 7 Evostick South Category C Barwell Cricket and Premier Sports Club Division Barwell FC Central Step 3 Midlands Category H Leicester Road Football Stadium League Leicester Road Division 1 Step 6 Midlands Category H Displaced – Ibstock Football Miners Welfare League AFC Hinckley Division 1 Step 6 Midlands Minimum Step 7 Bqrwell Cricket and Football Ground Grading Sports Club League Requirements (recently promoted to NKF Burbage Division 1) Step 6 Leicestershire Category H Sport in Desford Senior League Premier Desfprd FC Division Step 7
Ground grading specifications are available in full at http://nav.thefa.com/sitecore/content/TheFA/Home/Leagues/NationalLeagueSystem/GroundGradin g.
10.54 Issues identified at each site in relation to meeting these criteria will be evaluated later in this section.
10.55 It should also be noted that in addition to the above teams that already require facilities to meet ground grading criteria, Earl Shilton Albion FC have indicated that they are looking to progress into the football pyramid. They currently play in the Leicestershire Senior League Division 1. If they achieved promotion within this league into the Premier Division they would then be required to meet baseline ground grading criteria.
Training Needs
10.56 Consultation demonstrates that clubs use a mixture of grass pitches and AGPs for training.
10.57 With only one 3g pitch in the Borough (the preferred surface for football training) clubs are forced to make alternative arrangements. While many clubs use sand based AGPs midweek therefore, there is also fairly extensive training on grass pitches on a Saturday morning, in particular by junior
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clubs. Some teams playing within the football pyramid, who have access to floodlit pitches, also use their own facilities for training.
10.58 Sites used for football training in Hinckley and Bosworth include;
3g AGP –Leicester Road, Alans Way Sports Field (small sized pitch). The indoor pitch at Bosworth Academy is also used
Sand based AGP – Dixie Grammar, Bosworth Academy, Brookvale Learning Campus, Hinckley Academy,
Grass – Barlestone St Giles FC, Caterpillar Pitches, Bosworth Academy, Weaver Springs, South Charnwood School, Langdale Recreation Ground, Clarendon Park / Westfield Community Colleg Dovecote Pavilion, Redmoor Academy, St Martins Academy, Sketchley Hill Recreation Ground, Barwell Cricket and Social Club, Richmond Park, Brookvale Learning Campus, Swallows Green.
10.59 There is also some evidence of teams travelling out of the borough to reach Brockington College (Blaby District) and Newbridge High School, Coalville (North West Leicestershire), as well as to use 3G AGPs in Nuneaton. There is however a relatively limited stock of facilities in the local area.
10.60 The use of sand based AGPs and grass pitches is clearly caused by the lack of local access to 3G pitches. FA targets seek to ensure that all teams have access to at least one hour of training on a 3g pitch per week. Sand based surfaces are not considered conducive to good quality football, and the use of grass pitches can have ramifications for pitch quality due to the increased level of use that pitches are subjected to.
10.61 Surprisingly, club consultation demonstrates that a higher proportion of clubs are satisfied with the facilities that are provided for training than are dissatisfied. 40% of clubs are however unhappy (illustrated in Chart 10.7) and the key reasons given for dissatisfaction include;
A perceived lack of pitches – there are no local facilities for many clubs and there are no slots available at desirable times on any facilities that do exist
With only 3g pitch in the borough, most clubs using AGPs are forced to train on sand based facilities, which is inappropriate for football and does not meet FA requirements
The cost of pitch hire is a barrier to usage – clubs cannot afford to pay the prices that are charged
On some sites, there is a lack of welfare facilities, which restricts the use of facilities.
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Chart 10.7: Satisfaction with Training Facilities
10.62 Reflecting concerns about the access to 3g pitches in the borough, several clubs and schools raised aspirations for a 3g pitch on their site including;
Hastings High School (Burbage)
Brookvale Learning Campus (Groby) c
South Charnwood High – planning permission for 3g AGP, FF funding decision due December 2018. If approved, construction will commence Spring 2019
Bosworth Academy – currently undertaking feasibility study for 3G AGP
Market Bosworth School – seeking AGP
Hinckley Academy – looking to replace sand filled AGP with 3g
The William Bradford Academy - looking to replace sand filled AGP with 3g
Barwell FC (Kirby Road Barwell Cricket and Sports Club) – Southern Premier league (level 7)
Earl Shilton Albion (Stoneycroft Sports and Social Club) – Leicestershire Senior Football League (premier division is step 7, club currently in division 1).
10.63 The need for additional 3g pitches will be considered later in this section.
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Educational Demand
10.64 All secondary schools in Hinckley and Bosworth have their own playing fields. The majority of primary schools also have some playing fields, although most do not mark them out as permanent formal pitches.
10.65 There is fairly extensive use of school playing fields, with some large clubs based at school grounds and several clubs using facilities for both training and matches. Schools are hiring out both AGPs and grass pitches and using a variety of arrangements to do so. The following schools are currently particularly important to community use;
Bosworth Academy
Brookvale Groby Learning Campus
Redmoor Academy
South Charnwood High School
10.66 While curricular use impacts on the overall ability to sustain community play, school use of grass pitches has limited impact on peak time demand and the availability of pitches, as this largely takes place midweek. Where pitches are used heavily at weekends however, this must be carefully managed in order to maintain quality for curricular requirements.
10.67 Almost all secondary schools in the borough participate in interschool competitions, as well as hosting PE lessons. School sites are therefore able to sustain fewer community games per week on average than facilities owned and managed by other providers to protect against quality deterioration.
Casual Demand
10.68 Many of the sites in Hinckley and Bosworth do function as parks / public recreational areas. While limited evidence was found of this impacting pitch quality at the time of site visit, it was highlighted as a key concern across the season by users, particularly with regards dog fouling.
10.69 While this recreational use is not necessarily extensive enough to reduce the capacity of pitches, particularly during the winter months, it impacts upon the player experience on occasion and also causes dissatisfaction with pitch users.
Other Issues
Cost and Consistency
10.70 The cost of facility hire and of participating in football in general emerged as a key issue for clubs. Concerns were raised particularly with regards training. It is clear however that there a number of pricing models running across the borough, directly reflecting the wide variety of providers of pitches. These include long term leases, an overall fee for use of the whole site regardless of the number of pitches, free of charge use in return for support in the maintenance process and informal / ad hoc rental arrangements. The inconsistency in pricing can place greater pressures on clubs who have to contact multiple providers in order to find an appropriate facility and also generate insecurities around value for money.
10.71 While cost analysis did not demonstrate costs to be above expected levels, it is important that cost sensitivities are noted, particularly as this would need to be taken into account in the creation of any network of 3G pitches.
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Benefits of hub sites
10.72 Many clubs highlight that the amount of pitches is a key issue across the borough and both the quality and quantity of pitches is considered to be one of the key barriers to provision.
10.73 The growth in the size of clubs in the borough (particularly those with junior teams) means that sites with capacity to deliver a high number of matches in one morning are becoming increasingly desirable as clubs wish to focus all of their activity on one site as far as possible. Dispersal of teams across multiple venues was one of the main concerns raised by clubs. As well as creating challenges for parents, the desire to avoid multiple venues often forces clubs to overplay pitches on their main sites. The dispersal of teams across multiple venues also reduces the club atmosphere and therefore inhibits club development.
10.74 Several clubs reference the need for a network of high-quality facilities on hub sites, believing that this is necessary in order to ensure that supply can meet demand. Clubs expect to see both good quality (and sufficient pitches) and adequate welfare facilities in order that they can develop and attract new players.
Adequacy of Pitch Provision – Assessing Supply and Demand information and Views
10.75 The Sport England Methodology enables evaluation of the adequacy of provision, taking into account both the quality and number of pitches provided. Adequacy is measured both over the course of a week and at peak time using the concept of match equivalents. There is a strong interrelationship between the quality of a pitch and the amount of matches that it can sustain.
Weekly Capacity
10.76 The quality of the pitch has a greater influence on weekly capacity - this directly impacts the number of matches that can be sustained. Table 10.5 summarises the guidelines used with regards pitch capacity (extracted from Sport England Guidance on the Production of a Playing Pitch Strategy, prepared by the FA).
Table 10.5: Capacity based upon Pitch Quality
Agreed pitch quality rating Adult Football Youth Football Mini Soccer
Number of match equivalent sessions a week
Good 3 4 6 Standard 2 2 4 Poor 1 1 2
10.77 The majority of sites in Hinckley and Bosworth were assessed as standard and capacity has therefore been calculated as such. It should however be noted that many are close to becoming poor (and do so after inclement weather and / or heavy use) and the average score achieved was low overall. The impact of a reduction in the quality (ie standard pitches becoming poor) will be considered in a scenario later in this section.
10.78 It should also be noted that at some sites, pitch provision changes weekly to ensure that supply is matched with demand that weekend. This is particularly relevant at club sites and occurs at several venues in the Borough. Pitch totals and associated capacity ratings are therefore indicative only.
Peak Time Demand
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10.79 Peak time demand is determined by evaluating the number of match equivalents at peak time and comparing it to the number of pitches available. Peak time is deemed to be the period in which the most play on that pitch type takes place.
10.80 Pitches can only be considered to have spare capacity at peak time when they are not already utilised to their full capacity over the course of a week. An adult pitch that is not used on a Sunday morning (borough wide peak time), but is used more than three times per week at other times (Saturday morning, Sunday afternoon and midweek for example) would not be considered able to sustain additional play either at peak time, or at other times, even though no one would be using the facility then, as this would be detrimental to the quality of the pitch.
10.81 In general, junior leagues have greater flexibility than adult leagues with regards kick off times, with matches able to be staggered to ensure that all games can be accommodated. All adult leagues have definitive start times.
10.82 The patterns of play for each type of football set out below clearly demonstrate that peak time is very concentrated, with all forms of the game being a Sunday morning. This means that (excluding training) almost all activity takes place at this time and there is little demand for facilities outside of this peak period.
Senior Football – there is a much greater split in adult play than for other forms of the game, with 45% of play taking place on a Sunday morning. Teams playing at a higher standard, including those in the Non league Pyramid, kick off on a Saturday afternoon and there is also some play on a Sunday afternoon. Ladies football in particular is played on a Sunday afternoon, meaning that pitch requirements do not clash with those of senior male teams.
Youth and 9v9 football – almost all youth and 9v9 football also takes place on a Sunday, with most teams playing in the Foxes League and the Leicester and District Junior League. Female teams play in the Leicester City and County Girls League, but this also takes place on a Sunday morning. Junior teams playing at a higher standard (Midland Junior Premier League) where there are some specific requirements in terms of the facilities that are provided, kick off on a Saturday morning.
5v5 and 7v7 - like for youth and 9v9 teams, almost all teams play in the Leicester Mutual Football League and play therefore takes place on a Sunday morning (with the opportunity to stagger the fixtures).
10.83 The concentration of play on a Sunday morning increases the number of pitches required to accommodate peak time demand but does in theory limit the demands on pitch quality, with most facilities hosting the majority of their activity on a Sunday. The high level of training that takes place on pitches however on a Saturday (as opposed to on 3g pitches) means that many pitches remain under pressure to accommodate play on both a Saturday and a Sunday.
10.84 The focus of both adult and youth play on a Sunday morning means that different age groups wish to use facilities at the same time, which places greater pressures on the management of sites to ensure that child protection guidelines are followed. This is therefore an additional challenge for the creation of an effective network of pitches in Hinckley and Bosworth.
Measuring Demand on AGPs
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10.85 All competitive fixtures in the borough take place on grass pitches. The lack of AGPs on the 3g pitch register means that there are no facilities that can be used to accommodate matches currently.
10.86 The only 3g pitch in the Borough is at Leicester Road, and the usage of this pitch is currently restricted due to access issues arising from dispute of ownership. The quality of the facility is also limited and insufficient to pass the FA tests in its current form.
10.87 Primarily to take evaluate capacity and take up, the methodology indicates that the adequacy of AGPs is measured through;
the amount of play that a site is able to sustain (based upon the number of hours that the pitch is accessible to the community during peak periods up to a maximum of 34 hours per week). Peak periods have been deemed to be Monday to Thursday 18:00 to 21:00; Friday 17:00 to 19:00 and Saturday and Sunday 09:00 to 17:00;
the amount of play that takes place (measured in hours);
whether there is any spare capacity at the site based upon a comparison between the capacity of the site and the actual usage; and
any other key issues relating to the site which have arisen through consultation.
10.88 The Leicester Road site is not considered to be fully accessible to a wide range of clubs and is therefore in practice not considered to be true capacity at this point in time. The site is therefore not taken into account when evaluating the adequacy of provision to meet match play.
Grass Pitches - Situation at Individual Sites
10.89 Table 10.6 provides detail of the activity that takes place at each active site offering community use in Hinckley and Bosworth. It sets out the current supply and demand and outlines whether the pitch is being overplayed, played to the appropriate level or is able to sustain additional fixtures. Any other issues arising with the site, including key quality concerns, are also briefly summarised.
10.90 Quality ratings are derived from a combination of site visits (where as an indication, sites achieving a score of 50% - 80% are rated standard). Sites above this are considered good and below are rated poor) as well as consultation. Site visit scores do not necessarily correlate directly with the rating given, as club and provider feedback, as well as the overall impression at the time of the site visit is also taken into account to produce a final rating. Site visit scores for example may be influenced by a good (and therefore highly scoring) maintenance programme, but if this is ineffective due to underlying issues, quality is reduced.
10.91 Issues will be explored by pitch type, however the key issues emerging from site overviews are as follows;
The majority of pitches in the borough are able to sustain additional play across the week when excluding any training activity. This is influenced by the strong focus on match play on a Sunday morning, which reduces the amount of times that pitches are needed for competitive play over the weekend. Training does however impact significantly at a number of sites, with training activity almost doubling the level of usage the site receives over the course of the week. In most instances, training causes overplay when without it the pitch, would be within its weekly capacity. Grass is used for training by the majority of clubs due to the lack of available 3G AGPs in the borough
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When considering match play only, there is very little overplay evident, with only a small amount of overplay at Westfield Community College (adjacent Clarendon Park) and Kirkby Road (Desford). When taking into account the impact of training however, several more sites suffer from overplay - South Charnwood High, Richmond Park, Redmoor Academy, Dovecote Pavilion, Caterpillar Sports Ground, Brookvale Learning Campus and more pitches on Westfield Community College. Kirkby Road is the only site where all pitches are overplayed. Overplay in Hinckley and Bosworth is caused by a variety of things, including high numbers of teams for the pitches provided and the need to balance curricular requirements with community use. It is training on grass pitches however that exacerbates this situation significantly.
While overplay is not necessarily directly responsible for the quality issues experienced on grass pitches it is clear that the heavy usage (coupled with limited maintenance practices) is contributing to the compaction that is currently experienced on many pitches across the borough. This in turn results in drainage issues that further impact the quality of the site;
Added to the sites where overplay has been identified, 36 additional pitches that are either played to the level that they can sustain or approaching this (only 0.5 match equivalents remaining). This suggests that overall, reflecting the findings of consultation, supply is very closely balanced with demand. Overplay and capacity pressures are generally associated with larger pitches (9v9, youth and adult pitches) rather than 7v7 and 5v5;
There are a very small number of venues that receive limited community use. Hammonds Park is one such example of this and this site continues to serve as an overspill venue. Bosworth School, Dixie Grammar, Heath Lane School and Hinckley Academy are the only other examples of sites where facilities are available but are not used;
Looking across the week, Weavers Spring Recreation Ground is the only site with pitches of 9v9 or larger where there are more than 2 match equivalents available. All other pitches with greater than 2 match equivalents capacity are 5v5 or 7v7 pitches (which are able to sustain a significantly higher number of games per week due to the lower levels of wear and tear generated by young children)
While it is clear that is relatively limited capacity remaining during the week on larger pitches, the high focus of activity at peak time therefore means that for the majority of pitches, the ability to sustain multiple games across several weekend slots is of lower importance than the availability at peak time. This means that the quality of the pitch impacts less upon the capacity (as it is not necessarily needed more than once) but more on the player experience.
Reflecting this, analysis of availability at peak time demonstrates that total spare capacity is limited. Almost 50% of pitches have no remaining spare capacity at peak time and only Bosworth School, Dixie Grammar, Dovecote Pavilion, Hammonds Park, Hinckley Academy and Sketchley Hill Recreation Ground have any pitches with capacity to sustain more than 1 match equivalent additional at peak time.
10.92 It is clear therefore that calculations reflect the concerns of local stakeholders in football and confirm that that there are particular pressures on junior and smaller sized pitches, but that spare capacity is relatively limited across the Borough at a whole (and particularly at peak time).
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10.93 While some sites do offer a degree of spare capacity, it is evident that most pressures are associated with larger club bases, many of whom raised concerns about the adequacy of provision during the consultation process. Sites where pressures are evident include;
Barlestone St Giles – almost no remaining spare capacity across the week (training) Bosworth Academy – limited spare capacity at peak time Brookvale Learning Campus – supply closely matched with demand Caterpillar pitches – Almost no capacity at peak time and overplay evident Westfield Community College - Almost no capacity at peak time and overplay evident Dovecote Pavilion - Almost no capacity at peak time and overplay evident Hastings High School – no capacity at peak time or across the week Kirkby Road - no capacity at peak time and overplay evident Richmond Park – no capacity at peak time and overplay across the week South Charnwood High School – very little capacity across the week and only 0.5 match equivalents at peak time Stoke Golding – no spare capacity at peak time.
10.94 The pressures on the existing pitch stock are of even greater concern given that grass pitch quality is approaching poor at a high number of sites.
10.95 It is also likely that the issues with compaction and drainage identified during the site visits can be partially attributed to the heavy usage that pitches receive, with the maintenance levels being insufficient to cope with the demand, meaning that pitches compact and drainage becomes challenging. A reduction in capacity would have significant consequences for the adequacy of provision.
10.96 The high number of pitches at Academy sites also represents a significant risk, particularly as these facilities cannot be considered to be secured for the long term. The impact of both of these scenarios resulting in a reduction in capacity will be considered later in this section.
10.97 The lack of training facilities exacerbates grass pitch issues further, causing extra wear and tear on the pitches and in most cases, is directly responsible for the overplay that is evident.
.
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Table 10.6: Site Specific Usage at each site (community sites that are available regardless of whether they are used or not)
Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
Alans Way Newbold 1 9v9 Standard 1 1 1 1 Compacted, good grass length but Sports Field Verdon evidence of weeds and scuffing. 1 7v7 Standard 1.5 2.5 2.5 0.5 Includes full ancillary facilities. No concerns raised by clubs but site 1 5v5 Standard 2 2 2 0 visits clearly demonstrate that pitch has deteriorated over season (and 1 youth Standard 1.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 pitches are now edging towards 11v11 lower standard quality). Presence of a small sized AGP ensures that grass pitches are not used for training. There is capacity across the week on all pitch sizes, but demand is high for the 5v5 pitch at peak time. There is however an ability to accommodate additional play at peak time on all other pitch sites.
Ashby Road Hinckley 1 adult Standard 1 1 1 1 Pitch in good condition with some sports club 11v11 compaction. Second walking football pitch not marked and very muddy. Site has capacity to accommodate additional play both across the week and at peak time. There would also be potential for further play at peak time.
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Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
Barlestone St Barlestone 1 adult Standard 2 1 0 0 Weeds and compaction across the Giles FC 11v11 site although pitches in adequate condition overall. Two barriered 1 youth Standard 2 0 0 0 pitches available for use with 11v11 adequate ancillary provision. Site suffers from regular drainage issues 1 7v7 Standard 0 4 4 1 and club struggle financially to invest in improvements. Scope to accommodate a small amount of further play across the week when considering competitive activity only, but site is also used for training which restricts the amount of spare capacity that is available.
Barwell Barwell 1 7v7 Standard 2.5 1.5 1.5 0 School site used on a Sunday Academy morning. Standard quality but unsecured access. Use for curricular purposes as well as competitive activity increases the level of use but there remains spare capacity across the week. Matches must however be played consecutively at peak time if there is to be sufficient provision.
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Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
Barwell Sports Barwell 1 adult Good 1.5 2 1.5 1 Floodlit pitch in good condition with FC 11v11 good ancillary provision. Capacity rating of good means that pitch provision is adequate to meet current demand, even taking into account the training that also takes place. The use of the facility primarily on a Saturday afternoon also means that the pitch is available at peak time, although it is questionnable whether this would be available in reality (although the site is used by other clubs).
Bosworth Desford 2 adult Standard 2.5 1.5 1.5 0.5 Quality of facilities is adequate and Academy 11v11 there are few complaints from clubs, with overall a perception that 2 9v9 Standard 3.5 0.5 0.5 0 facilities are well maintained. Site is fairly heavily used for competitive 2 7v7 Standard 4.5 1.5 1.5 0 activity and must also fulfill curricular requirements. While pitches can 2 5v5 Standard 3 5 5 0.5 accommodate competitive activity alone, when also considering the amount of school based activity, there is overplay on the 9v9 pitch. Availability of pitches at peak time is much lower, with only the adult and 5v5 pitches having spare capacity without needing to stagger fixtures.
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Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
Bosworth Market 1 9v9 Standard 1 1 1 1 Pitches in reasonable condition with School Bosworth some scuffing evident. No 2 youth Standard 2 2 2 2 community use at present means 11v11 that there is spare capacity across the week and at peak time.
Britannia Burbage 1 adult Standard 1.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Pitches undulating and compacted Park/Burbage 11v11 and new goals are also required. Site Park assessments demonstrate that pitch 1 youth Standard 0.5 1.5 1.5 1 quality does not match level of 11v11 maintenance, but clubs are happy with the facilities and believe that they are improving. Further investment is also planned for the site. Pitches have capacity to accommodate further play both at peak time and across the week.
Brookvale Groby 1 adult Standard 2 0 0 0 School site of standard quality Groby 11v11 although changing facilities require Learning improvement (showers). Pitch quality Campus 2 youth Standard 3.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 also perceived to be deteriorating 11v11 due to insufficient maintenance and site suffers from poor drainage. 2 9v9 Standard 4.5 0.5 -0.5 0 Pitches are approaching capacity at peak time and on the larger pitches, 4 7v7 Standard 10 9 6 1 there is also little scope for additional use across the week due 2 5v5 Standard 8 3 0 0 to the need to meet curricular requirements as well as
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Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
accommodate club based activity.
Burbage Burbage 1 7v7 Standard 2 3 2 1 Site used for club training as well as Junior school curricular activity. Compact and damp but in standard condition overall. Pitch available for use at peak time (due to current usage for training only) and site can also accommodate further activity across the week. PItches are however only available on an unsecure basis.
Caterpillar Desford 1 adult Standard 3.5 0 -1.5 0 Pitch quality standard but club Sports Ground 11v11 believe it to be deteriorating due to heavy usage. Pitches suffer from 1 youth Standard 2 1 0 0 poor drainage and are uneven with 11v11 limited grass cover in parts. Changing facilities and clubhouse 1 9v9 Standard 3 0.5 -1 0 available but insufficient for the number of teams. Reflecting the 1 7v7 Standard 3 2.5 1 0 heavy usage, the adult and 9v9 pitches demonstrate overplay across 1 5v5 Standard 0 4 4 1 the week and there is almost no remaining capacity at peak time. The overplay is influenced by the use of pitches for training too - without this usage would be high but just within the capacity of the pitches. High levels of overuse were raised as a key concern by the club
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Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
Clarendon Hinckley 2 adult Poor 1.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Pitches in park with evidence of park (senior 11v11 compaction, skids, weeds and pitches) and scuffed goals. One pitch is already Westfield 1 youth Standard 3 0.5 -1 0 poor quality and the remainder are Community 11v11 approaching this categorisation College (youth (which would impact on capacity). pitches). 1 9v9 Standard 5 -0.5 -3 0 Site accommodates training as well as matches and is also open to the 1 7v7 Standard 2 3 2 0 public for informal recreation. When considering just competitive activity 1 5v5 Standard 0.5 3.5 3.5 1 the 9v9 pitch is overplayed and there is little availability at peak time. Taking into account the training that takes place however, the youth pitch is also overplayed and with the exception of the adult pitch, there is no remaining spare capacity at peak time.
Colts Close Burbage 1 7v7 Standard 1 3 3 0 Pitch quality limited and approaching poor categorisation as site is wet, dipped, muddy and compacted. Club currently happy with facilities that are provided. Capacity for further activity across the week but no remaining availability at peak time without staggering fixtures.
Dixie Market 2 9v9 Standard 2 2 2 2 School site with unsecured use. Accommodates curricular activity
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Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
Grammar Bosworth 1 youth Standard 1 1 1 1 only and so capacity is available 11v11 both at peak time and across the week.
Dovecote Barwell 2 5v5 Standard 2 6.5 6 1.5 Some compaction evident but Pavilion overall pitch quality is adequate. 1 7v7 Standard 4 2 0 0 Club highlight significant recent improvement through investment in 1 9v9 Standard 4 0 -2 0 aeration and sanding but still require more machinery to improve pitch 1 youth Standard 3 0.5 -1 0 condition. Drainage was also 11v11 recently improved. On pitch training generates particular pressures and 1 adult Standard 2 1 0 0 causes overplay on 9v9 and youth 11v11 pitches and there is also no remaining capacity on the 7v7 pitch. This situation is mirrored at peak time, where analysis demonstrates that there is no further capacity available. These pressures on pitches were also raised as a concern by the club
Hammonds HInckley 2 7v7 Standard 0 8 8 2 Pitches of low standard quality - dips Park full of water at time of site visit and 1 9v9 Standard 0 2 2 1 clear drainage issues. There is no existing community use meaning that there is spare capacity both at peak time and across the week. The quality of facilities however restricts
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Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
desirability of the site.
Hastings High Burbage 1 adult Poor 1 0 0 0 Site is of limited quality with weeds School 11v11 and compaction evident and pitches also suffer from dog fouling due to 1 youth Standard 2 0.5 0 0 open access to school venue. Poor 11v11 capacity on one pitch and other pitches approaching this same level 1 9v9 Standard 2 0.5 0 0 means that the games that can be played are minimal and despite fairly restriced use, when taking into account both competitive activity and curricular requirements pitches are therefore played to the level that they can sustain. The use of the facility for training places further pressures on pitch provision
Heath Lane Earl Shilton 1 youth Standard 1 1 1 1 Pitches compacted and uneven but School 11v11 no community use of facilities means that there is a degree of spare 1 9v9 Standard 1 1 1 1 capacity both midweek and at peak time.
Hinckley Hinckley 1 9v9 Standard 1 1 1 1 Pitches compacted and uneven but Academy and no community use of facilities means JC VI form 2 youth Standard 2 2 2 2 that there is a degree of spare 11v11 capacity both midweek and at peak time.
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Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
Hinckley Road Burbage 1 7v7 Standard 1 3 3 0 Pitch compacted and with evidence Recreation of weeds, but in reasonable Ground condition for the time of season. Capacity to accommodate additional play across the week but played to the level site can sustain at peak time
Jubilee Markfield 1 adult Standard 1 1 1 1 Barriered pitch with evidence of mud Playing Field 11x11 and compaction. Mud in the goals and some evidence of moles close to the pitch. Clubs however reveal that pitch quality has improved recently following investment and there are now few cancellations. Site includes full ancillary facilities. There is scope to accommodate further play across the week and use of the facility on a Saturday PM rather than Sunday peak time means that there is also further spare capacity available.
Kirkby Road Desford 2 adult Standard (but 4.5 -0.5 -0.5 0 Pitch quality impacted by heavy use 11v11 quality of one - there is overplay across the week pitch is and no remaining capacity at peak approaching time. Evidence of undulation, good (79%) compaction and weeds and burnt in while other is lines may also cause injury. Site much lower contains small pavilion with (60%) changing facilities.
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Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
Langdale Park Hinckley 1 adult Standard 1.5 1 0.5 0 Pitch in public park that is 11v11 undulating, compacted and squelchy. Goals are dipped and weeds are evident meaning that pitch is approaching poor quality. Calculations demonstrate a small amount of spare capacity across the week but no remaining scope for further play at peak time.
Leicester Road Hinckley 1 adult Standard 2 1 0 0 Pitch containing stadium seating and Stadium 11v11 turnstile as well as barriers and floodlighting. Usage for training as 1 youth Standard 1 1 1 1 well as matches restricts spare 11v11 capacity and there is no remaining scope for additional play at peak 1 9v9 Standard 0.5 1.5 1.5 1 time when taking into account all activity. Smaller sized pitches are less heavily used and can accommodate further play across the week and at peak time. Main pitch was subject of significant improvemnets recently
Market Market 1 youth Standard 1.5 0.5 0.5 0 All pitches undulating with Bosworth Bosworth 11v11 compaction and weeds, despite Sports Club recent investment in drainage (2013) 1 7v7 Standard 1.5 2.5 2.5 0 and club indicates that drainage remains a key issue although pitches 1 9v9 Standard 1 1 1 0.5 have improved. Changing facility also recently renovated (2015) with
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Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
1 adult Standard 2 0 0 0 support from FA. Pitches heavily 11v11 used and no remaining spare capacity at peak time for most age 1 5v5 Standard 1 3 3 0.5 groups. There is also very little remaining additional capacity across the week
Old Colliery Bagworth 1 adult Standard 0.5 1.5 1.5 0.5 Lots of weeds and pitch is wet Ground 11v11 underfoot. Site also does not include changing accommodation. Limited quality but use by only one team means that there is spare capacity both across the week and at peak time
Old Quarry PF Groby 1 9v9 Poor 1 0 0 0 Lines faint and difficult to make out and pitch compacted. It is damp underfoot but good grass coverage. Located adjacent to new floodlit facility that has tarmac surfacing and tarmac car park. Spare capacity both across the week and at peak time due to use by only one team
Ratby Sports Ratby 1 7v7 Standard 1 3 3 0 Large site with clubhouse. Pitch one Club has dug outs and pitch 2 is also 1 adult Standard 1.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 floodlit. The whole site is wet and 11v11 muddy underfoot and the club highlight this to be a significant 1 9v9 Standard 0.5 1.5 1.5 0.5 issue, with multiple games cancelled during the winter months. A small
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Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
1 youth Standard 1 1 1 0 amount of spare capacity available 11v11 on most pitches both across the week and at peak time, but this is 1 5v5 Standard 0.5 3.5 3.5 0.5 impacted by the pitches being unplayable for weeks on end, which then means that fixtures must be tightly packed in.
Redmoor Hinckley 2 7v7 Standard 2.5 6.5 5.5 0.5 Pitches impacted by use during the Academy summer months for athletics etc. Site 1 youth Standard 3 0 -1 0 is very boggy during the winter. 11v11 Changing accommodation has recently been updated. There is no 1 9v9 Standard 2 0 0 0 spare capacity at peak time and the youth pitch is overplayed when also taking into account curricular activity.
Richmond HInckley 1 youth Standard 2 0.5 0 0 Pitches compacted and full of weeds, Park 11v11 showing drainage issues on some pitches despite drainage being 1 9v9 Standard 5 0 -3 0 installed recently and some pitches are now unfit to play. Some 1 7v7 Standard 5.5 2 -1.5 0 thatching of grass and weeds, club indicate reseeding has been 1 5v5 Standard 4 1.5 0 0 undertaken. Pitches very heavily used when taking into account all 1 adult Standard 0.5 1.5 1.5 0 activity and training on site 11v11 generates overplay. There is no remaining capacity at peak time on any pitch and the club highlight a
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Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
lack of quality pitches as a key concern.
Sketchley Hill Burbage 4 5v5 Standard 4.5 13.5 11.5 2 Pitches on large recreation area, Recreation surrounded by residential properties Ground (Tilton 1 7v7 Standard 2 3 2 0 and with a play area in one corner. Road Sports Lots of undulation and compaction. Ground) Lack of changing / welfare facilities raised as a key concern by the club. Capacity for further play across the week on the site although availability is more pressurised at peak time. Site also accommodates training which places greater pressures on pitch quality
South Markfield 2 7v7 Standard 4 6 4 0 Pitches heavily used for both Charnwood matches and training as well as for High School 1 9v9 Standard 2 0.5 0 0 curricular use. As a consequence there is no remaining capacity at 2 youth Standard 4 1 0 0 peak time and pitches are used to 11v11 the level that they can sustain / are overplayed. Reflecting the heavy use 1 adult Standard 2.5 0 -0.5 0 there is evidence of compaction and 11v11 scuffing. There are also issues with dog fouling and litter and the club 1 5v5 Standard 1 3.5 3 0.5 feel that pitches do not receive enough maintenance for the level of play on site. There are also no changing facilities associated with
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Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
the grass pitches.
Sport in Desford 1 adult Good 2.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Pitch is compacted, some weeds and Desford 11v11 damp dug outs barrier but tired and needs updating. Site has recently had drainage installed and been levelled and this has improved significantly although changing facilities still require improvement. The club also highlight a lack of floodlighting as impacting on development. Although the pitch is heavily used, the strong quality of the site means that there is a small amount of spare capacity across the week and at peak time.
St Martins Stoke 2 9v9 Standard 4 1.5 0 0 Pitches cut up, compacted and Academy Golding uneven due to requirement to 1 youth Standard 1 1 1 1 accommodate curricular activity as 11v11 well as competive games and training. There is no remaining capacity a on the 9v9 pitch and very little on the youth team facilities.
Stoke Golding Stoke 1 5v5 Standard 1 3 3 0 Pitches wet and suffer from drainage Golding issues. Some weeds also evident on 1 youth Standard 1.5 0.5 0.5 0 site and pitches are uneven. Dog 11v11 fouling issues are also experienced. There are insufficient changing
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Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
1 7v7 Standard 1 3 3 0 rooms for the number of teams using the site. Although there is a small amount of spare capacity across the week, pitches are full at peak time and the club struggle to accommodate all fixtures, with some displacement to St Martins School
Stoneycroft Earl Shilton 1 adult Standard 1.5 0.5 0.5 0 Pitch compacted and although dry at Sport and 11v11 the time of site visits, suffers from Social drainage with many fixture cancellations. Scope for small amount of additional play across the week but no remaining availability at peak time.
Swallows Hinckley 1 7v7 Standard 2 3 2 0 Some evidence of undulation and Green scuffing. Scope to accommodate 2 5v5 Standard 6 5 2 0 additional play across the week but the majority of activity is focused at peak time and there is little remaining spare capacity as a result.
Weavers Earl Shilton 3 adult Standard 3 4 3 1 Pitches compacted with lots of Spring Rec 11v11 weeds. Site also suffers from dog fouling and litter. Maintenance is perceived to be improving. Small amount of spare capacity both across the week and at peak times.
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Site Name Location Number Pitch Quality Total Adequacy Adequacy ME Site Overview Summary of Type Rating Match of Provision of at Pitches Equivalents (Match Provision Peak Equivalents) Plus Time Training (ME)
Witherley Witherley 1 adult Standard 0.5 1.5 1.5 0.5 Pitch has burnt in lines and is a bit of United 11v11 a trip hazard, some skids and dip in the goal, and muddy wet underfoot, uneven and undulating. Able to accommodate small amount of additional play both across the week and at peak time.
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Current Picture
10.98 The site overviews set out in Table 10.6 provides an understanding of the issues regarding the adequacy of pitch provision across Hinckley and Bosworth and the situation at individual sites. Table 10.7 - check summarises this further, providing an overview of spare capacity across the week (taking into account all activity) and at peak time.
10.99 The key used in this table is set out below.
Site overplayed in this age group
Site played to level it can sustain
Site has potential to accommodate more play but is not currently used
Potential to accommodate more play - and used already for play
X No available capacity at peak time
Table 10.7: Summary of Site and Pitch Availability at Peak Time
Site Name Adult Youth 9v9 7v7 5v5 Alans Way Sports Field x Ashby Road sports club Barlestone St Giles FC X x Barwell Academy X Barwell Sports FC Bosworth Academy x X Bosworth School Britannia Park/Burbage Park Brookvale Groby Learning Campus X x x Burbage Junior School Caterpillar Sports Ground X x x X Clarendon Park x x X Westfield Community College Colts Close X Dixie Grammar Dovecote Pavilion x x X Hammonds Park Hastings High School X x x Heath Lane School
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Site Name Adult Youth 9v9 7v7 5v5 Hinckley Academy and JC VI form X Hinckley Road Recreation Ground X Jubilee Playing Field Kirkby Road X Langdale Park X Leicester Road Stadium X Market Bosworth Sports Club X x X Old Colliery Ground Old Quarry PF x Ratby Sports club x X Redmoor Academy x x Richmond Park / Hinckley Club for Young People X x x X x Sketchley Hill Recreation Ground (Tilton Road Sports Ground) X South Charnwood High School X x x X Sport in Desford St Martins Academy x Stoke Golding x X Stoneycroft Sport and Social Swallow Green X Weavers Spring Recreation Ground Witherley United
10.100 Issues can be further evaluated looking first at the adequacy of provision for each type of pitch, as well as exploring localised issues in the two sub areas and more specifically in key settlements.
10.101 The key issues arising are summarised in the sections that follow and the overarching issues identified are pulled together in a summary table.
Adult Football Pitches (11v11)
10.102 Table 10.8 overleaf summarises the usage at full size grass football pitches. Peak time analysis reflects the peak time for adult football (Sunday morning). As outlined previously however, adult play is spread much more equitably across the week than other forms of the game so although Sunday morning remains peak time, there is much greater levels of usage outside of this period (particularly Saturday afternoon, when all of the teams playing at a higher level participate).
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Table 10.8: Full Sized Football Pitches
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10.103 Table 10.8 reveals that there is some spare capacity in the existing stock of adult pitches across the borough. The key issues arising from the Table are;
Taking into account overplay, across the week, there are 25 match equivalents available on adult pitches. When also considering the impact of school and other use (for example training) this reduces to 13 match equivalents. Peak time capacity is compromised even further to 7.5 at peak time. This suggests that while provision is sufficient to meet demand from adult football teams at the current time, the amount of spare capacity is relatively low.
There are 12 sites that do not have any remaining capacity at peak time on adult pitches. These are Barlestone St Giles FC, Brookvale Groby Learning Campus, Caterpillar Sports Ground, Dovecote Pavilion, Hastings High School, Kirkby Road, Langdale Park, Leicester Road Stadium, Market Bosworth Sports Club, Richmond Park, South Charnwood High School and Stoneycroft Sports and Social. Many of these sites are also similarly busy for other forms of the game at the same time.
Reflecting how tightly supply and demand is balanced, there are no sites with spare capacity greater than 1 match equivalent at peak time. One of the pitches with spare capacity at peak time is Barwell Sports Club – this is one of the teams playing at higher levels in the league structure;
Although spare capacity is limited, there is relatively little overplay evident with Kirby Road being the only site where overplay is evident from the level of competitive activity only. When taking into account curricular usage and / or training, South Charnwood High School and Caterpillar Sports Ground are also overplayed.
10.104 It is therefore clear that for adult pitches, when taking into account all facilities available, there are currently just sufficient sites. There are some sites however when supply is more closely matched with demand and there are no sites with extensive spare capacity.
10.105 It should however be noted that the greater spread of demand across the weekend means that the quality of pitches is of greater importance than if all teams were playing at the same time. Some pitches may be required to sustain matches on both Saturdays and Sundays and this can place significant pressures on facilities if appropriate maintenance practices are not implemented.
10.106 While training on site places greater pressures on some pitches (and forces teams to train on a Saturday morning rather than midweek) in the majority of cases it is not placing adult pitches above capacity. There is also more limited demand for training facilities from adult teams, with most single teams indicating that they do limited formal training.
Impact of none secured community use
10.107 Table 10.8 includes several football pitches on school sites which are considered unsecured. These include Bosworth Academy, Brookvale Learning Complex, Hastings High School and South Charnwood High School.
10.108 In total, these currently account for 3 match equivalents availability at peak time and 1 match equivalent (including all activity and taking into account overplay at South Charnwood School) across the week.
10.109 This means that excluding unsecured sites, there are enough pitches although available capacity drops to 4.5 match equivalents at peak time and 12 match equivalents across the week.
10.110 There is however 2.5 competitive match equivalents that are taking place at these sites that would need to be relocated. 2 of these take place at peak time, meaning that spare capacity would reduce
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to 2 match equivalents. This suggests that unsecured venues are particularly important to the stock of adult pitches in Hinckley and Bosworth and that there are insufficient facilities without them.
Youth Football
10.111 In reality, some sites are used by both adult teams and youth teams and there is little difference in terms of the size of pitches. The usage of smaller youth pitches is however summarised in Table 10.9. It indicates that levels of spare capacity are similar to those for adult football pitches.
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Table 10.9: Use of Youth Football Pitches
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10.112 Table 10.9 reveals that across the week, there are 30.5 match equivalents available on youth pitches. When taking into account curricular use of school sites and club training on competitive facilities however this reduces significantly, with just 9.5 match equivalents available.
10.113 Although there is limited overplay, training on pitches is responsible for the overplay that does arise, at Westfield College, Dovecote Pavilion and Redmoor Academy.
10.114 As there is capacity to sustain a small amount of additional play across the week there is also some additional availability at peak time, with 10 match equivalents theoretically available. There are however 11 venues where there is no further capacity at peak time. These are Barlestone St Giles FC, Caterpillar Sports Ground, Westfield College,, Dovecote Pavilion, Hastings High School, Market Bosworth Sports Club, Ratby Sports Club, Redmoor Academy, Richmond Park, South Charnwood High School and Stoke Golding Recreation Ground.
10.115 While there is a degree of capacity for further play, this is relatively limited with only Bosworth School and Hinckley Academy able to accommodate 2 match equivalents per week. Neither of these venues are currently used by community clubs.
Unsecured Pitches
10.116 Table 10.9 reveals that there are 13 youth pitches located at school sites in Hinckley and Bosworth. The issues surrounding access to school sites means that all of these could be considered unsecured.
10.117 Youth pitches on school sites are heavily used by community teams, with Brookvale Learning Campus, Hastings High School, Redmoor Academy and South Charnwood School all accommodating youth teams. Training also takes place on grass pitches at three of the four sites (with the only exception being Brookvale Learning College, where the sand based AGP is used for training). In total, there are 4 match equivalents taking place each week on school sites (as well as 5 teams training).
10.118 Of the 10 match equivalents that are currently available at peak time, 7.5 of these are located at school sites, leaving only 2.5 match equivalents should school sites no longer be available. 3.5 match equivalents would however need to be relocated at peak time meaning that there would actually be insufficient availability to accommodate all of the demand.
10.119 Added to this, excluding unsecured sites, spare capacity equates to just 3 match equivalents across the week (taking into account all activity and overplay). As there are four match equivalents competitive activity at school sites (and further training on top of this) this suggests that there would insufficient facilities should access to school sites be lost.
10.120 Pitches at school sites are therefore particularly important to the adequacy of youth pitches.
9 v 9 Pitches
10.121 Table 10.10 summarises the use at 9 v 9 football pitches. It reveals that across the week, spare capacity equates to 29.5 match equivalents taking into account overplay. This however decreases to 3 match equivalents when taking into account all activity. Training and curricular activity causes overplay at Brookvale Learning Campus, Caterpillar Sports Ground, Westfield Community College, Dovecote Pavilion and Richmond Park.
10.122 There are 9 match equivalents available at peak time although Dixie Grammar School (currently unused for community activity) is the only site where more than two match equivalents can be accommodated). There is no remaining capacity at peak time at eleven sites, specifically Bosworth Academy, Brookvale Groby Learning Campus, Caterpillar Sports Ground, Westfield Community
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College, Dovecote Pavilion, Hastings High School, Old Quarry PF, Redmoor Academy, Richmond Park, South Charnwood High School and St Martins Academy. These sites accommodate the majority of larger clubs in the Borough and it is therefore clear that there is both overplay and pressures at peak time at key sites.
10.123 Whilst there is a degree of spare capacity boroughwide therefore for 9v9 pitches, it is clear that this is not necessarily in the right place to meet the demands of certain large clubs, where capacity issues are evident.
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Table 10.10: 9 v 9 Football Pitches
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Impact of Unsecured Pitches
10.124 Like youth pitches, school sites are vital in providing 9v9 pitches for community teams. There are a total of 9 pitches at school venues and this represents a significant challenge given the already fine balance between supply and demand. In total these venues account for 5.5 match equivalents of community competitive use and a further 7 teams also use grass pitches at these venues for competitive activity.
10.125 While many of the unsecured venues are amongst the highest used sites, much of the spare capacity available across the borough is also located at school venues, with 5 match equivalents available at peak time and 5 match equivalents across the week taking into account all activity.
10.126 This means that when excluding the unsecured community use venues, availability at peak time equates to only 4 match equivalents across the borough. There would also be a need to relocate the 5.5 match equivalents currently using unsecured venues (all of which are at peak time) meaning that there would be insufficient provision overall (-1.5 at peak time and -7.5 across the week).
10.127 There is therefore already limited capacity to sustain and grow 9v9 football (without overmarking pitches on other sizes) in the borough, particularly if access to unsecured venues is lost.
7 v 7 Pitches
10.128 Table 10.11 summarises the use at 7 v 7 football pitches. It indicates that even when assuming only one match takes place on the pitch at peak time (when in reality they can be easily staggered due to shorter game times) there is sufficient provision to accommodate demand. Across the week, reflecting the high capacity of 7v7 pitches, there are 79 match equivalents available, and 55 taking into account all activity (including curricular activity and training). Richmond Park is the only site where there is any overplay evident, even taking into account all activity. Peak time supply is however much more reduced, with only 6 match equivalents available.
10.129 Like pitches for other forms of the game, there are several sites with no further capacity at peak time (unless matches are staggered) and these include Barwell Academy, Bosworth Academy, Caterpillar Sports Ground, Westfield Community College, Colts Close, Dovecote Pavilion, Hinckley Road Recreation Ground, Market Bosworth Sports Club, Ratby Sports Club, Richmond Park, Sketchley Hill Recreation Ground, South Charnwood High School, Stoke Golding Recreation Ground and Swallows Green.
10.130 Hammonds Park is the only site where more than 2 match equivalents could be sustained at peak time without staggering fixtures.
10.131 This suggests that on the whole while there is good availability of 7v7 pitches although there are some constraints at peak time, again on sites where larger clubs are based.
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Table 10.11: Use at 7 v 7 Football Pitches
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Unsecured Pitches
10.132 There are six sites with unsecured access and eleven match equivalents take place on these sites. All schools with 7v7 pitches are currently used by the community. Added to this, 14 teams train on grass 7v7 pitches at school sites and Barwell Academy is used as a venue solely for training.
10.133 Excluding unsecured sites, there are 3.5 match equivalents available at peak time. If access to unsecured sites was withdrawn however, there would be a need to relocate all 11 match equivalents and supply would become insufficient at peak time unless games were staggered. Even if games were staggered capacity would still be very restricted and in most venues insufficient.
5 v 5 pitches
10.134 Table 10.12 outlines the spare capacity that is available at 5 v 5 pitches. It reveals that like at 7v7 pitches, there is good availability across the week (60 match equivalents, reducing to 46.5 match equivalents taking into account curricular activity and training).
10.135 At peak time, capacity is more limited although there is scope for further play, particularly if matches are accommodated consecutively. Capacity is currently equivalent to 7.5 match equivalents. There is no overplay evident on 5v5 pitches due to the level of play that can be sustained. There are however five sites that do not have capacity for any further peak time activity unless games are staggered. These include Alans Way Sports Field, Brookvale Learning Campus, Richmond Park, Stoke Golding Recreation Ground and Swalllows Green. Again, these sites are all venues used by large clubs.
Unsecured pitches
10.136 There is a lower level of reliance on unsecured venues for 5v5 pitches than some other forms of football, with just Bosworth Academy, Brookvale Learning Campus and South Charnwood High School providing pitches. These sites accommodate 10 teams (5 match equivalents) and all activity takes place at peak time. Added to this, there are 7 teams training on grass pitches at unsecured school sites.
10.137 Excluding unsecured sites, there are 6.5 match equivalents available at peak time. If access to unsecured sites was withdrawn, there would be a need to relocate 5 match equivalents, suggesting that supply would be very closely matched with demand (although it would be possible to stagger fixtures). There would remain sufficient capacity across the week to accommodate the relocated teams.
10.138 It is clear therefore that while not as critical as for some other types of pitch, the loss of access to unsecured venues for 5v5 football would have significant implications for the adequacy of provision.
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Table 10.12: 5 v 5 Pitches
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Adequacy of Provision for Pyramid Clubs
10.139 As outlined earlier in this section, there are six clubs that are playing within the National League pyramid and that therefore have specific requirements to adhere to with regards facilities. The adequacy of provision for these clubs is summarised in Table 10.13. All clubs currently meet baseline specifications, although it should be noted that the quality of facilities is poor in comparison to some other clubs playing at the same level. The facilities used by AFC Hinckley are also located outside the borough and therefore although they meet with league requirements, they are not the clubs preferred venue.
Table 10.13: Adequacy of Facilities for Pyramid Clubs
Current Location Quality Issues identified, and any improvements required to meet Club league specifications Barlestone St Giles Sports Site suffers from weeds and compaction Club as well as regular drainage issues. Club struggle financially to invest in improvements although facilities are adequate to meet league requirements at the current time. Use of facility for training adds to capacity issues and Barlestone St Giles pressures on pitch quality. Barwell Cricket and Site leased (until 2045) and changing Sports Club rooms were refurbished in 2010. Pitch quality good overall and meets club needs although the club raise concerns about access to adequate training facilities. Club keen to consider potential AGP on site to facilitate training and matches and integrate more with the community. Some concerns raised by other clubs hiring facility in relation to Barwell FC / NKF Burbage drainage. Leicester Road Stadium No known issues with adequacy of Leicester Road provision to meet league requirements. Displaced – Ibstock Club currently displaced out of the Miners Welfare Borough. Club looking for new facility within the Borough (or access to existing facility of appropriate standard and at the required times). Facility must be meet with Ground Grading H AFC Hinckley requirements. Sport in Desford Pitch is compacted. Drainage has recently been installed and has improved significantly, but changing facilities still require improvement. Club also highlight needs for floodlights to Desford FC enable ongoing development.
Overall Spatial Picture
10.140 Overall therefore, analysis has demonstrated that supply in the Borough is very closely balanced with demand both across the week and at peak time. This situation is particularly apparent for
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youth, 9v9 and 7v7 pitches, but even for adult and 5v5 pitches, the amount of spare capacity is relatively limited.
10.141 Although capacity is closely matched with demand, there is relatively minimal overplay in the borough. Where this exists, (with a few exceptions) this is caused by training on pitches as well as competitive activity. Almost all overplay is caused by high numbers of teams based at key sites (associated with large clubs keen to avoid dispersion across multiple sites) and training.
10.142 Peak time demand is particularly constrained and there are very few sites able to accommodate more than 1 match equivalent on any pitch at peak time and almost half of all pitches have no remaining capacity at peak time. This means that particularly at club bases that already host high quantities of activity, facilities are starting to inhibit participation. This is exacerbated by the high concentration of demand at peak time, which is a Sunday morning for all forms of the game.
10.143 While there is some spare capacity, this is primarily at school sites that are available but where there is no existing play. By and large, it is not in locations that can be used to address issues that are experienced by clubs.
10.144 In addition to the capacity pressures that are experienced, quality issues are evident on sites across the borough and many of these sites suffer from poor and limited maintenance regimes. In particular there are issues with compaction (often caused by a combination of heavy use and insufficient maintenance) which then leads on to concerns relating to drainage and undulation.
10.145 While on some sites capacity is constrained due to a requirement to accommodate play in several time slots, for most sites, peak time demand is the only competitive use (excluding training) and there is a lower emphasis on quality from a capacity perspective (although it impacts the user perception).
10.146 Training does however contribute to these issues and as outlined, it is this practice that is generating much of the overplay. Use of pitches for training contributes to heavier wear and tear on the grass pitches and this doubles the amount of activity that pitches are required to sustain. Clubs are forced to train on grass pitches and / or sand based AGPs due to a lack of 3G AGPs in the Borough - Where clubs are able to access training facilities, these are of limited suitability and do not foster a high quality training environment. Reflecting this, training was identified as a key concern.
10.147 The reliance on school site is also a key concern, with several school sites functioning as important venues for community clubs, including Brookvale Learning Campus, Redmoor Academy, Bosworth Academy, St Martins Academy, South Charnwood High School and Hastings High School, The reliance on school sites for competitive use further exacerbates the pressures that exist on the pitch stock, and there would be insufficient pitches at peak time to accommodate youth, 9v9 and 7v7 play if access to school facilities was lost. Several school sites are important venues for community sport and indeed some of the only spare capacity in the Borough exists at school sites that are not used but are available (Dixie Grammar School, Hinckley Academy, Heath Lane Academy and Bosworth School). The loss of community use to pitches owned and managed by the education sector therefore represents a significant risk to the stock of facilities in the Borough.
10.148 Table 10.14 overleaf summarises the current supply and demand position across the local authority. It also includes detail on the position was access to school sites lost. In this scenario, it is assumed that all competitive activity that currently takes place on school sites would be relocated elsewhere within the Borough.
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Table 10.14: Summary of Pitch Availability (Match Equivalents)
Adult Football Youth Football 9v9 Football 7v7 Football 5v5 Football
Scenario
Peak Time Peak Time Peak Time Peak Time Peak (Peak Time) (Peak (All Activity) (All Activity) (All Activity) (All Activity) (Competitive) (Competitive) (Competitive) (Competitive) (Competitive) Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare
23 13 7.5 30.5 9.5 10 29.5 3 9 79 55 6 60 46.5 All facilities 7.5
Excluding 18.5 9.5 2.5 8.5 -1 -1 2.5 -7.5 -1.5 44.5 23.5 -7.5 45.5 32.5 0.5 School sites Extensive overplay - Overplay at Caterpillar Sports Overplay at Westfield Bosworth Academy, Overplay at Richmond Park. ground, Kirkby Road and Community College, Brookvale Learning Very few sites with spare South Charnwood High. Lots Dovecote Pavilion, Redmoor Campus, Caterpillar Sports No overplay. Most sites have small capacity at peak time. Most of sites with no remaining Academy. Limited spare Ground, Westfield amount of capacity at peak time (and Comments club bases have none capacity at peak time capacity at most club bases Community College, could stagger fixtures) Richmond Park, Dovecote
Pavilion. No spare capacity at almost all club bases
10.149 Table 10.15 builds upon this, providing an outline of the adequacy of provision in each of the key settlements in the Borough. The figures presented include all activity (competitive activity / curricular use and training). It indicates that there are capacity pressures in almost all settlements with very little spare capacity in any town.
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Table 10.15: Area Specific Issues Identified
Settlement Overall Adequacy of Provision (match equivalents) Specific Issues Identified
Hinckley Adult -3.5 match equivalents remaining capacity across the week, Heavy use of parks influenced by training on grass pitches 1.5 at peak time Declining quality of parks pitches – several sites approaching poor – this would reduce capacity further and generate overplay. Youth – -1 match equivalent across the week (taking into account Issues with access to Leicester Road Stadium pitches mean that there is spare overplay) and 3 match equivalents at peak time capacity on these pitches Limited spare capacity at parks and school sites 9v9 – – 1.5 overplay across the week (taking into account overplay) Several large clubs dispersed across multiple sites and at capacity. Key clubs capacity for 3 match equivalents at peak time include Greentowers FC, Hinckley Town, Hinckley AFC Displacement of Hinckley AFC seniors to Ibstock 7v7 – 16 match equivalents across the week (taking into account overplay) and 2.5 available at peak time. At a site specific level; Clarendon Park / Westfield Community College - Almost no capacity at peak time 5v5 – 5.5 remaining capacity across the week, 1 match equivalent at and overplay evident. This is based upon standard categorisation for the majority peak time. of pitches and most are heading towards a poor score which would reduce capacity. Site accommodates training as well as match play which impacts adequacy of provision significantly
Richmond Park – no capacity at peak time and overplay across the week – quality is poor and there are drainage issues as well as compaction and weeds. Heavily used by club but training generates overplay
Swallows Green -some compaction and scuffing and little remaining spare capacity at peak time
There is also no spare capacity at Redmoor Academy.
Capacity to accommodate additional play at Ashby Road Sports Club although there is some compaction. Scope to provide additional pitch also. There is also scope for additional play at Hammonds Park as these pitches are not currently used regularly (although they do accommodate overspill activity)
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Settlement Overall Adequacy of Provision (match equivalents) Specific Issues Identified
Leicester Road is the only 3g AGP and this is not fully accessible or suitable for use for competitive activity.
Barwell Adult -1.5 match equivalents across the week, 1 available at peak Provision under pressure, particularly for youth and 9v9 pitches and capacity is time particularly compromised at Dovecote Pavilion. Pressures are exacerbated by the youth of all sites for training on grass pitches. On a site specific note; Youth – -1 overplay across the week, no capacity at peak time Dovecote Pavilion – Accommodates key club. Almost no capacity at peak time and 9v9 – – -2 overplay across the week, no capacity at peak time. overplay evident. Some compaction evident but overall pitch quality is adequate although further machinery is required to support pitch improvements. On pitch 7v7 – 1.5 match equivalents across the week (all activity) and 0 training generates the majority of overplay. Pressures also raised as concern by available at peak time. club. Changing provision adequate Unsecured access to Barwell Academy but remains a small amount of spare 5v5 – 6 match equivalents across the week (all activity) 1.5 capacity across the week, although no remaining capacity at peak time without remaining capacity at peak time without staggering fixtures staggering fixtures
Barwell Sports FC – Pitch provision adequate to meet demand even taking into account the training that also takes place due to quality.
Earl Shilton Adult -4.5 match equivalents across the week, 1 available at peak Lack of large club in the area although Earl Shilton Albion have aspirations for time development of junior teams.
Youth – -1 match equivalent available across the week, 1 match Spare capacity greater than in some areas although still remaining relatively equivalent capacity at peak time limited. Capacity is also limited by use of grass pitches for training at Weaver Springs 9v9 – – -1 match equivalent available across the week, 1 match equivalent capacity at peak time Spare capacity at Weavers Spring both across the week and at peak time. Pitches however compacted with lots of weeds No 7v7 or 5v5 Stoneycroft Sports and Social Club heavily used – some issues with drainage and no remaining spare capacity at peak time
No use of Heath Lane School for community activity – small amount of opportunity
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Settlement Overall Adequacy of Provision (match equivalents) Specific Issues Identified
on this site
Burbage Adult -0.5 match equivalents across the week, 0.5 available at peak Quality of facilities may start to impact capacity longer term. Some improvements time required across all sites to maintenance regimes as well as pitch quality. Recent FA pitch improvement plans have been prepared and if followed should see Youth – -1.5 overplay across the week, capacity for 1 match improvements to quality equivalent at peak time Particular pressures across the week due to training on grass and some overplay is 9v9 – – -no remaining spare capacity either across the week or at also evident, particularly on youth and 9v9 pitches peak time Spare capacity at peak time also limited. 7v7 – 10 match equivalents across the week (all activity) but only 1 available at peak time At a site specific level;
5v5 – 11.5 match equivalents across the week (all activity) 2 Hastings High School – of limited quality. Capacity inhibited by quality so poor remaining capacity at peak time without staggering fixtures capacity on one pitch and other pitches approaching this same level despite fairly restricted use, when taking into account both competitive activity and curricular requirements pitches are therefore played to the level that they can sustain. The use of the facility for training places further pressures on site. No capacity at peak time or across the week
Capacity to accommodate further play at Britannia Park at peak time and across the week. Needed investment planned into ancillary facilities and maintenance specification would also benefit from improvement
Small facilities at Colts Close and Hinckley Road Recreation Ground, both compacted and of limited quality. No remaining capacity across the week although scope for further play at peak time
Sketchley Hill Recreation Ground (Tilton Road Sports Ground) demonstrates undulation and compaction. Lack of changing / welfare facilities raised as a key concern by the club. Capacity for further play across the week on the site although availability is more pressurised at peak time. Site also accommodates training
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Settlement Overall Adequacy of Provision (match equivalents) Specific Issues Identified
which places greater pressures on pitch quality
Markfield Adult -0.5 match equivalents across the week (taking into account Very little spare capacity and a reliance upon South Charnwood School for both overplay) and 1 match equivalent at peak time training and matches (all on grass). Club are however comparatively small Jubilee Playing Fields quality improving and scope to increase levels of play Youth – -no remaining spare capacity South Charnwood High School – very little capacity across the week and only 0.5 match equivalents at peak time – influenced by use of facility for training. A 3g 9v9 – – no remaining spare capacity pitch has recently been approved for this site and this will negate the use of the grass pitches for training. 7v7 – 4 match equivalents across the week (all activity) but no further capacity at peak time unless it fixtures are staggered
5v5 – 3 match equivalents across the week, 0.5 match equivalents at peak time.
Groby Adult -no remaining spare capacity across the week or at peak time Majority of play concentrated at Brookvale Learning Campus due to club desire to locate activity on one site. Sand based facility is also used for training and there is also Youth – -0.5 match equivalents across the week and 0.5 match some use of the grass pitches. Large club. equivalents at peak time Limited remaining demand both at peak time and across the week.
9v9 – – 0.5 overplay across the week, no capacity at peak time. At a site specific level;
7v7 – 6 match equivalents across the week (all activity) and Brookvale Learning Campus – supply closely matched with demand and home to 1available at peak time. large club. Pitch quality perceived to be deteriorating due to insufficient maintenance and heavy use, and site suffers from poor drainage. Pitches are 5v5 – no remaining capacity across the week or at peak time approaching capacity at peak time and on the larger pitches, there is also little scope for additional use across the week due to the need to meet curricular requirements as well as accommodate club based activity.
Old Quarry Playing Fields – spare capacity across the week and at peak time, but low quality facility that is damp underfoot and compacted.
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Settlement Overall Adequacy of Provision (match equivalents) Specific Issues Identified
Ratby Adult -0.5 match equivalents across the week and 0.5 match Ratby Sports Club is the only provision in the area. Site is wet and muddy underfoot equivalents at peak time and the club highlight this to be a significant issue, with multiple games cancelled during the winter months. A small amount of spare capacity available on all pitches Youth – 1 match equivalent across the week but no remaining both across the week and at peak time, but this is impacted by the pitches being capacity at peak time unplayable for weeks on end, which then means that fixtures must be tightly packed in. Lack of training facilities further exacerbates poor levels of pitch provision 9v9 – 1.5 spare capacity across the week, 0.5 match equivalents at peak time.
7v7 – 3 match equivalents across the week (all activity) but none at peak time without staggering fixtures
5v5 – 3.5 spare capacity across the week, 0.5 match equivalents at peak time.
Barlestone No 5v5 or 9v9. Only one site in the area – club based facility that is used for both training and matches. Adult – 0 match equivalents across the week (all activity) or at peak time Barlestone St Giles – Weeds and compaction across the site although pitches in adequate condition overall. Two barriered pitches available for use with adequate Youth – 0 match equivalents across the week (all activity) or at peak ancillary provision. Site suffers from regular drainage issues and club struggle time financially to invest in improvements. Scope to accommodate a small amount of further play across the week when considering competitive activity only, but site is 7v7 – 4 match equivalents across the week (all activity) and 1 also used for training which restricts the amount of spare capacity that is available and available at peak time (2 if staggered) means that there is no further capacity for youth or adult play.
Desford Some adult -pitches overplayed – -2 match equivalents across the All sites are heavily played. Quality is generally good but deteriorating due to heavy week, 15 available at peak time usage and there is little scope for further play in the town
Youth – -0 match equivalents available across the week, 0 match Caterpillar pitches – Almost no capacity at peak time and overplay evident. Pitch quality believed to be deteriorating due to heavy usage. Heavy use for training
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Settlement Overall Adequacy of Provision (match equivalents) Specific Issues Identified
equivalents at peak time exacerbates the overuse – without this pitch usage would be high but within capacity of pitches. Club register concern about level of use. Changing facilities also 9v9 –overplay equivalent to -0.5, no remaining capacity at peak of limited quality time Kirkby Road - no capacity at peak time and overplay evident. Pitch quality impacted by heavy use. Evidence of undulation, compaction and weeds and burnt 7v7 – pitches heavily used - -1.5 match equivalents across the week in lines may also cause injury. (all activity) and no remaining capacity at peak time without Sport in Desford - Pitch is compacted, some weeds and damp dug outs barrier but staggering fixtures tired and needs updating. Site has recently had drainage installed and been levelled and this has improved significantly although changing facilities still require 5v5 – 9 match equivalents across the week (all activity) 1.5 improvement. The club also highlight a lack of floodlighting as impacting on remaining capacity at peak time without staggering fixtures development. Although the pitch is heavily used, the strong quality of the site means that there is a small amount of spare capacity across the week and at peak time.
Bosworth Academy – limited spare capacity at peak time and a degree of overplay on the 9v9 pitch particularly
Newbold No adult provision Alans Way Sports Field is the only site. It is compacted, good grass length but evidence Verdon of weeds and scuffing. Includes full ancillary facilities. No concerns raised by clubs but Youth – 0.5 match equivalents across the week (all activity) and 0.5 site visits clearly demonstrate that pitch has deteriorated over the course of the season available at peak time. (and pitches are now edging towards lower standard quality). Presence of a small sized AGP ensures that grass pitches are not used for training. There is capacity across the 9v9 – 1 match equivalent across the week (all activity) and 1 week on all pitch sizes, but demand is high for the 5v5 pitch at peak time. There is available at peak time. however an ability to accommodate additional play at peak time on all other pitch sites.
7v7 – 2.5 match equivalents across the week (all activity) and 0.5 available at peak time.
5v5 – 2 match equivalents across the week (all activity) but no remaining capacity at peak time without staggering fixtures
Bagworth and Adult – 1.5 match equivalents across the week (all activity) and 0.5 Old Colliery site in Bagworth is only functioning site. Only accommodates one team but is limited in quality (weeds and drainage) and has no changing
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Settlement Overall Adequacy of Provision (match equivalents) Specific Issues Identified
Thornton available at peak time. accommodation. Spare capacity at peak time and across the week.
No provision of any other pitch types. Playing field site in Thornton not currently marked out as formal pitches. No demand identified this season
Settlement currently located in close proximity to South Charnwood High School (Markfield) which has very little capacity across the week and only 0.5 match equivalents at peak time.
Market Adult -1 match equivalent across the week, no spare capacity at Degree of spare capacity in the town (greater than other areas) occurs due to lack Bosworth peak time of use of facilities that are available at Dixie Grammar School and Market Bosworth High School. The two sites that are used by clubs are approaching capacity Youth – 2.5 match equivalents across the week and 3 match equivalents available at peak time No training on grass pitches which maintains capacity for competitive fixtures, but clubs are training on sand based AGP which is not desirable and / or the small 9v9 – 4 spare capacity across the week, 3.5 match equivalents at indoor training facility at Bosworth Academy peak time. Looking at a site specific level; 7v7 – 2.5 match equivalents across the week (all activity) but none at peak time without staggering fixtures Market Bosworth Sports Club - pitches undulating with compaction and weeds, despite recent investment in drainage (2013) Pitches heavily used and no 5v5 – 0.5 spare capacity across the week, 0.5 match equivalent at remaining spare capacity at peak time for most age groups. There is also very little peak time. remaining additional capacity across the week. A brand new pavilion has recently been provided.
There is no community use of the two school sites (Market Bosworth High School and Dixie Grammar School) and therefore scope to increase this in future years.
Stoke Golding Adult -7.5 match equivalents across the week and 1 match Quality issues at both sites, with pitches cut up and compacted equivalent at peak time Capacity issues at the recreation ground mean that the club use the school as an overspill venue but there is very little spare capacity on either site Youth – 1.5 match equivalents across the week and 1 match Capacity issues exacerbated by use of the grass pitches for training due to lack of access to AGP
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Settlement Overall Adequacy of Provision (match equivalents) Specific Issues Identified
equivalent available at peak time At Stoke Golding Recreation Ground – no spare capacity at peak time. Pitches are 9v9 – no remaining spare capacity at peak time or across the week wet and suffer from drainage issues. Some weeds also evident on site and pitches are uneven and there are also insufficient welfare facilities for teams using the site 7v7 – 3 match equivalents across the week (all activity) but none at peak time without staggering fixtures There is also little spare capacity on the school site, with pitches forced to accommodate both games and training. 5v5 – 3 match equivalents across the week (all activity) but none at peak time without staggering fixtures.
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Potential Impact of budget / Quality Reductions
10.150 As demonstrated throughout this section, given the high peak time demand, many of the pitches are only used at peak time, and very few are used in several time slots across the weekend for competitive activity (although training almost doubles the level of activity on some sites).
10.151 The concentration of demand at peak time can be beneficial to the quality of the pitches as it means that they are required to sustain lower levels of play than may otherwise be the case. The importance of high quality maintenance is however clear as many of the more popular venues are reaching their capacity (due to use for training as well as matches) and the number of pitches experiencing compaction (which then generates drainage issues etc) is then exacerbated.
10.152 Added to this, many clubs feel that levels of use are starting to impact on facilities on certain sites while the quality of other pitches is considered to be continuing to deteriorate due to restricted maintenance regimes.
10.153 Financial and budget pressures were highlighted as one of the key concerns by many clubs, and local authorities are also facing an era of budgetary cuts and pressures to reduce services. While most pitches were rated as standard, many were in the lower echelons of a standard rating and could therefore easily become poor with poor weather conditions and limited maintenance procedures. Indeed several sites included one or two pitches that had already become poor and several more that were approaching this.
10.154 It is therefore necessary to consider the implications of a reduction in playable pitches (and consequently a reduction in capacity across the borough).
10.155 To provide an estimate of the impact of this, Table 10.16 sets out the amount of spare capacity that would remain if demand remained equivalent to current levels, but the number of pitches was reduced by 25%. This theoretical analysis reveals that spare capacity at peak time becomes very limited in all forms of the game.
10.156 This analysis is indicative only as it assumes that all remaining pitches are standard quality (when in reality some existing sites are poor and some are good).
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Table 10.16: Reduction in Pitches Available by 25%
Match Match Capacity Equivalents Peak Pitch Available Reduction Spare Equivalents Spare of Pitches (Current Time Type Pitches by 25% Capacity (All Capacity (Standard) Matchplay Demand Activity) only) Adult Football 28 22 44.8 30 14.8 42 2.8 13.5 8.5 (aged 16+) Junior Football 24 19 38.4 17.5 20.9 38.5 -0.1 12 7 (age U13 - U16) 9 v 9 (age U11 24 19 38.4 17.5 20.9 44 -5.6 13.5 5.5 and U12) 7 v 7 (age U9 27 22 86.4 27 59.4 51 35.4 25.5 -3.5 and U10) 5 v 5 (age U7 20 16 64 20 44 33.5 30.5 16 0 and U8)
10.157 Table 10.16 reveals that pitch provision would become very closely matched with demand if quality issues were to cause a deterioration in capacity.
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10.158 Notably, when considering specific pitches, if the quality rating of all pitches achieving a score of 60% or below is changed from standard to poor;
When taking into account all activity, the following sites would demonstrate at least one pitch where overplay was evident; Alans way Sports field; Barwell Academy, Bosworth Academy, Brookvale Groby Learning Campus, Caterpillar Sports Ground, Westfield Community College, , Dovecote Pavilion, Hastings High School, Kirkby road, Langdale Park, Market Bosworth Sports Club, Redmoor academy, Richmond Park, South charnwood High School, St Martins Academy, Stoke Golding, Stoneycroft sport and social, Swallows Green
When excluding training (which ideally should take place on AGPs), Dovecote Pavilion, Langdale Park and Swallows Green would not be overplayed and the remaining sites would see capacity pressures significantly reduced.
10.159 This indicates that if training is relocated to AGPs, capacity pressures on the grass pitches reduces. It does however also directly demonstrate the importance of retaining quality of the pitch stock as well as securing long term access to school sites.
FA Demand Modelling
10.160 AGPs are becoming increasingly important for football. The FA facility strategy (2013 – 2015) seeks to shift football usage away from sand based AGPs to 3g pitches. The emphasis on 3g pitches to meet training demand in particular will continue in the New National Facilities Strategy which will soon be released and will cover the period 2019 to 2029.
10.161 The FA vision (November 2014) which is the result of extensive analysis on the facilities used for football (including grass roots) placed greater emphasis on the benefits of 3g pitches and their importance for the future delivery of football. This is also reflected in the FA National Game Strategy 2015 - 2019 which seeks to provide better training and playing facilities. In particular, the FA cite the additional capacity that AGPs offer compared to grass and their ability to sustain play during periods of inclement weather, resulting in a reduced number of cancellations.
10.162 The current national game strategy seeks to improve training and playing facilities through £48m of FA investment to;
create 100 new football turf pitches and improve 2,000 grass pitches;
invest in and roll out a new sustainable model for grassroots facilities in 30 cities through football hubs owned and operated by local communities; and
ensure half of mini-soccer and youth matches are played on high quality artificial grass pitches.
10.163 It is therefore important to evaluate the potential demand for 3g pitches and to determine the role that they could play in the provision of facilities for football in the Borough. The lack of facilities has been identified as a key issue for training in Hinckley and Bosworth, but also as one of the overriding causes of capacity and quality issues on grass pitches.
10.164 FA data modelling therefore evaluates the baseline requirement for 3g pitches taking into account the training requirements of clubs. It assumes that one 3g pitch is required per 42 teams and that based on FA policy, all football training should take place on 3g pitches (as opposed to sand).
10.165 Assuming that there is a baseline total of 239teams (including Disability teams) this would mean that there is a requirement for 5 full size AGPs. The New National Football Facilities Strategy will
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reduce this ratio further and recommend that one 3G pitch is required for every 38 teams. This would increase the baseline requirement across Hinckley and Bosworth to six pitches.
10.166 There is only one existing 3g pitch in the borough and there are significant access issues relating to this facility. It is not currently considered to offer any real capacity for football clubs in the Borough.
10.167 This would therefore suggest that in broad terms, there is a theoretical requirement for a network of a further six pitches across the borough to meet current demand.
The Local Situation
10.168 Football demand for AGPs can be categorised into three areas;
matchplay (requires use of a 3g pitch that is included on the FA register) – this links with the requirement for grass pitches and it was outlined that the 3g AGPs are becoming increasingly important;
informal / recreational use – pay and play or leagues; and
training (The FA would like to see all clubs having access to a 3g pitch – they discourage the use of sand based facilities).
Competitive use
10.169 There are no AGPs on the FA register within Hinckley and Bosworth Borough and therefore no scope for any competitive activity on 3g pitches at the current time. The creation of new pitches that are included on the register would therefore not only boost the opportunities for training, but may also help to alleviate some of the capacity pressures that have been evidenced at peak time.
Informal Leagues
10.170 Recreational football (including formal leagues and informal pay and play) is a key part of football participation, and one that playing pitch strategies do not quantify. 3g pitch provision is however an important means of providing opportunities for recreational play. Indeed the promotion of recreational football is seen as one of the key means of boosting participation in the sport in the coming years.
10.171 There are currently relatively few opportunities for informal recreational football in Hinckley and Bosworth, with no full sized 3g pitches to host informal leagues. The nearest venues are in Nuneaton and Leicester. Some of the smaller AGPs do however accommodate local informal leagues, in particular;
Leisure Leagues – Bosworth Academy small sized pitch Hinckley Young Peoples Club Five a side league Monday and Thursday.
10.172 The provision of further AGPs would therefore enable the provision of other recreational activities, such as Walking Football and the Just Play Initiative.
Training
10.173 The lack of 3g pitches in the Borough means that there is almost no use of these facilities for training. The pitch at Leicester Road has only very limited availability (due to access restrictions rather than capacity) and very few clubs use this facility to train. Instead clubs travel to Brockington
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College, Newbridge High School or use the smaller 3g venues that are dotted across the Borough. Some clubs also travel to sites nearby in Warwickshire, particularly in Nuneaton.
10.174 This means that for clubs wishing to use facilities within Hinckley and Bosworth, there is no availability on full size pitches (unless they have access to Leicester Road). Analysis of current training patterns suggests that several existing clubs use grass pitches to compensate for the lack of access to 3g pitches.
10.175 This suggests that the creation of further AGPs may reduce overuse of grass pitches rather than purely displace other activity. This is also supported by club consultation, which indicates that there is a belief that there remain insufficient 3g AGPs in the borough.
10.176 In terms of both theoretical position and reality on the ground the need for a network of 3g pitches is therefore supported. It should also be noted that this could also have wider reaching benefits, with current concerns including the challenges of recruiting volunteers and coaches. The provision of a network of pitches within the borough would enable local coaching courses to be held and therefore increase opportunities for residents to become involved in football.
The Potential Role of AGPs - Scenario Testing
10.177 Across the country in some locations, the FA are working to relocate 5v5, 7v7 and sometimes 9v9 football onto AGPs, particularly those currently played on Council pitches. Several games can be sustained at any one time and this therefore reduces the need for grass pitches and ensures a consistently better quality of surface which supports skill development.
10.178 While the geographical nature of Hinckley and Bosworth does not necessarily lend itself to one or two large sites, there is potential that this approach could be delivered through the provision of a small number of hubs in large towns.
10.179 In Hinckley and Bosworth however peak time for 9v9, 5v5 and 7v7 football is at the same time, meaning that based upon current programming, separate AGPs would be required to accommodate these forms of the game. To make better use of any AGPs provided, it would be necessary to reprogramme fixtures in local leagues (to ensure that league games would take place across the weekend). While the leagues do operate on a Sunday morning, they do allow fixtures to be staggered over a 4 - 5 hour period.
10.180 Table 10.17 below illustrates the number of pitches that are required to accommodate all football at peak time for 9v9, 7v7 and 5v5 football. It considers firstly the amount of AGPs that would be needed to accommodate all activity.
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Table 10.17 Potential Role of 3g Pitches
Number Format Matches Duration of Hours of Programm e Fixture of Pitches Scenario of the Number of teams per full session (inc. play on Hours Equivalents match Required game size AGP changeover) 3G AGP Available sessions
5v5 43 21.5 4 5.375 1 5.375 4 2 All 7v7 55 27.5 2 13.75 1 13.75 4 4 Teams 9v9 45 22.5 2 11.25 1.5 16.875 4 5
10.181 Table 10.17 therefore reveals that to accommodate all games, 11 pitches would be required. If fixtures were reprogrammed, the number of AGPS could be reduced (in terms of meeting competitive activity).
10.182 This is higher than the number of pitches that is required for training.
Future Picture of Provision
10.183 The future requirement for playing pitches will be impacted by several factors, including;
population growth or change to the demographic profile of the population; changes in participation trends and in how pitch sports are played; club specific development plans and aspirations; and amendments to the current facility stock.
10.184 These issues are considered in turn in order to build an accurate picture of future demand for playing pitches.
Population Change
10.185 Team Generation Rates (TGRs) indicate how many people in a specified age group are required to generate one team. They are used to project the theoretical number of teams that would be generated from population growth.
10.186 Table 10.18 summarises the current TGRs for football and uses them to evaluate the potential impact of projected population change on demand for football in Hinckley and Bosworth. It reveals that;
the number of adult football teams is likely to decrease by almost 1
there will also an increase in the number of youth teams (1) while the number of 9v9 teams will remain static
the number of 5v5 teams will increase by 2, while participation in 7v7 will increase by 1.
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Table 10.18: TGRs for Football in Hinckley and Bosworth
Number Current Potential Potential of Teams population Change in Change Sport and Age in age Current Future Team number of Groups group TGR Population Numbers people in within the age group area Football Adult 56 331 18400 Men (16-45yrs) 18557 -157 -0.5
Football Adult 2 9279 Women (16-45yrs) 18557 18400 -157 0.0
Football Youth 34 68 2407 Boys (12-15yrs) 2323 84 1.2
Football Youth 3 774 2407 Girls (12-15yrs) 2323 84 0.1
Football 9v9 Boys 31 40 1235 (10 and 11 years) 1231 4 0.1
Football 9v9 Girls 4 308 1235 (10 and 11 years) 1231 4 0.0
7V7 (8 – 9 years) 55 2392 43 2431 39 0.9
5v5 (6 – 7 years) 43 2526 59 2656 130 2.2
10.187 These increases would place further pressures on the existing capacity of the borough, with;
The adequacy of provision for adult football remaining consistent;
The slight increase in youth football participation generating an additional 0.5 match equivalent. The greatest impact is likely to be felt at peak time (spare capacity reducing to 2.5)
spare capacity on 9v9 pitches would remain consistent but very closely balanced, with demand;
there are slightly higher quantities of availability on 7v7 and 5 v 5 pitches and pitch provision would remain sufficient, despite the slight increase in participation.
Aspirations of Clubs
10.188 Added to the impact of population growth, it is also necessary to consider the potential for participation increases. While some clubs in the borough are seeking growth, on the whole, the current aspiration of the FA is to sustain and stabilise existing participation levels and in particular to increase the number of female teams. Promotion of disability sport is also a key priority across Leicestershire, as well as the introduction of initiatives to support recreational football.
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10.189 It is however likely that growth will be seen at key clubs who are developmentally focused and consultation demonstrates that several clubs within the Borough are keen to develop further.
10.190 In total, clubs in Hinckley and Bosworth are seeking to deliver;
Additional 10 senior male teams and 8 female teams (9 match equivalents, 5 at peak time)
23 additional youth teams and 22 female teams (22.5 match equivalents, mostly at peak time)
21 mini soccer teams (11.5 match equivalents).
10.191 The impact of this growth on the adequacy of provision across the Borough as a whole is outlined below in Table 10.19 It assumes that new teams are spread across the age groups evenly and provides indicative figures only. It clearly indicates that growth aspirations cannot be met within the existing facility stock.
Table 10.19 – Impact of Population Growth
Adult Football Youth Football 9v9 Football 7v7 Football 5v5 Football
ity Scenario Time Time
Peak Time Peak Peak Time Peak Time Peak (Peak Time) (Peak (All Activity) (All Activity) (All Activity) (All Activity) (Competitive) (Competitive) (Competitive) (Competitive) (Competitive) Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capacity Spare Capac Spare
Current 23 13 7.5 30.5 9.5 10 29.5 3 9 79 55 6 60 46.5 7.5 Provision
Future including 14 4 2.5 19.5 -2.5 0 20.5 -7 0 67.5 43.5 -4 48.5 35 -2.5 Potential Growth
10.192 Table 10.20 gives consideration as to the aspirations of specific clubs and whether they can be accommodated on the existing sites. It reveals that many of the clubs with aspirations are those where site capacity is already constrained.
Table 10.20: Growth Potential
Club Existing Site Comments
6 5v5 (including development age groups), 7 7v7 teams, 4 9v9 teams, 4 youth 11v11 and 1 senior male. Club also includes 4 AFC Barwell inclusive teams DOVECOTE WAY
AFC Market 4 5v5, 1 7v7, 2 7v7, 2 9v9, 1 Bosworth Juniors youth and 1 senior male ALANS WAY SPORTS FIELD, Newbold Verdon
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Club Existing Site Comments
Hinckley Town Futsal, 6 5v5, 2 7v7, 1 9v9 Juniors SWALLOWS GREEN
Barlestone St Giles 2 senior male, 2 youth teams BARLESTONE ST GILES SPORTS CLUB
Sporting Markfield 1 senior male First JUBILEE PLAYING FIELD
Stoneycroft United 1 senior male STONEYCROFT SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB
3 7v7, 3 9v9, 2 youth and 2 Caterpillar Juniors senior Caterpillar Sports & Social Club
2 5v5, 2 7v7, 1 9v9 and 3 Stoke Golding 11v11 Stoke Golding Recreation Ground
Market Bosworth 2 5v5, 3 7v7, 2 9v9, 3 youth Town FC and 4 senior Market Bosworth Sports Club
Hinckley AFC 3 youth, 2 open age Ibstock Miners Welfare
GreenTowers FC 5 5v5, 9 7v7, 6 9v9, 5 youth Richmond Park Richmond Road Hinckley LE10 Hinckley 0DZ
6 5v5, 6 7v7, 5 9v9, 3 youth, 1 Groby Juniors senior Groby Community College
FC Burbage Juniors 4 9v9, 4 7v7, 2 9v9, 1 youth Sketchley Hill Farm Park
Earl Shilton Albion 1 adult team FC Stoneycroft Park
10.193 Overall therefore, unless action is taken it is likely that facilities will inhibit demand.
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Summary
10.194 The key issues for football in Hinckley and Bosworth are summarised below.
Summary – Football
There is a need to protect existing pitches if football participation is to be retained
There are high number of teams using pitches and this is generating overplay on some sites. This is particularly influenced by a lack of training facilities. With only one 3g pitch in the Borough, many teams are training on grass pitches
The quality of facilities is poor and many pitches are approaching poor standard – this will reduce capacity. There is evidence of significant compaction (much of which is causing drainage issues) and this can in part be attributed to the heavy usage, as well as limited maintenance regimes. Changing facilities are also basic
Peak time demand is also high and there is limited remaining spare capacity. Many of the large clubs are already unable to accommodate further play on their own site and facilities are starting to inhibit demand. There is a lack of hub sites and some clubs are dispersed across multiple venues.
Clubs have aspirations for growth, but the lack of facilities means that this is becoming increasingly challenging. There is however a need to ensure that provision remains accessible and affordable.
There are also concerns around the long-term stability of the pitch stock, with a high proportion of pitches being located on school sites where access is unsecured.
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11:Summary
Introduction
11.1 This section summarises the key issues arising for each of the sports in Hinckley and Bosworth.
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Summary of Assessment Findings and Key Issues to Address – Cricket
Summary - Assessment Findings
Supply There are 17 sites containing grass facilities for Cricket in Hinckley and Bosworth, providing a total of 17 pitches. There are no sites containing two or more cricket pitches. Four sites have non turf cricket pitches
The majority of grass pitches are available for community use with only the two pitches at school sites not available, those being at Hinckley Academy and Dixie Grammar.
The majority of cricket pitches are managed by clubs themselves meaning they are heavily influential in determining the quality of pitches provided. Despite many having security of tenure, several clubs are only renting from Parishes, limiting opportunities for funding and raising concerns over the longevity of provision.
Spatially, pitches are spread across the borough and are primarily located in the northern parishes.
The majority of sites for cricket are fit for purpose, although there is a range in the scale and scope provided. Many sites are held back by only providing basic facilities whereas others showcase a greater range of facilities including larger pavilions and training equipment.
There are several key quality concerns, these include, weed infestations, uneven outfields, heavy wear and tear from competing recreational use and overall a lack of outdoor training facilities.
Despite a large volume of clubs indicating that pitch quality has improved, maintenance of pitches and facilities arose as a key concern for many with the costs of maintenance seen as a significant barrier preventing the implementation of effective improvement regimes. Two clubs noted the lack of appropriate knowledge and reliance upon a limited number of club members as hindering maintenance procedures, whilst a lack of funding was also noted as a key hurdle to pitch and facility improvement.
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There are 31 adult male teams currently playing in Hinckley and Bosworth with the majority of teams playing formal cricket on a Demand Saturday afternoon. Most of the remaining teams mostly playing in Sunday leagues while a small volume play midweek T20 cricket. It is notable that there are no dedicated girls or ladies teams meaning no female cricket occurs in the borough, this is despite participation and interest from school girls being high.
Junior cricket is relatively poorly developed with 17 teams. Junior activity is focused at a small selection of clubs however meaning there are still a few pathways from junior to senior cricket, this is mainly in more rural areas. Therefore 65% of all participation in cricket in the area is by senior teams.
Unmet demand in neighbouring areas has caused several teams to travel into Hinckley and Bosworth to play cricket. A small amount of displacement also occurs within the borough with teams from Newbold Verdon CC and Hinckley Amateur CC forced to travel to use overspill facilities due to insufficient pitch availability at their home grounds.
Decline in participation is evident across the borough with no responding clubs reporting an increase in junior or senior cricket. Clubs reporting a decline attribute this to a lack of interest from young local players, a shortage of caching staff and a lack of funding.
Casual demand for cricket is low with Langdale Park (the only facility in the borough available for casual bookings) only taking three pitch bookings during the 2017 season. The demand for formal cricket from the education sector is also low and this is highlighted by the lack of cricket facilities at school sites. Cricket at Primary school is strong however this does not typically involve the use of formal facilities.
Adequacy of The overall picture across the borough is that no sites are over overplayed and almost all sites can sustain further play across the Provision season. However this capacity is greatly restricted at peak times (Saturday PM) when only two sites in the Leicestershire and Rutland League, these being Higham on the Hill CC and Swallows Green CC, have spare capacity. Capacity is also available during peak times at Langdale Park, however the quality of this facility likely means it is only suitable for use in the lower divisions.
While there is some displacement of teams from within Hinckley and Bosworth, this is due to a lack of second ground within the club base and the demand is accommodated within Hinckley and Bosworth itself.
No responding club identified a lack of pitches as a key issue for the borough and spare capacity is evident in both the urban area and Northern Parishes.
There is no evidence of latent demand within cricket clubs and many have experienced recent decline and would therefore have the capacity to accommodate possible future increased activity. Future population growth is predicted to impact upon future demand with
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up to a further two junior teams predicted to be created resulting in a need to accommodate circa 14 junior matches per season. This should be easily accommodated within the current stock.
Leicestershire County Cricket Club’s plan to implement a sustainable approach to the development of cricket aims to increase participation levels and inspire the next generation of players. Linking with this plan, many of the cricket clubs have some aspirations for growth however this is mainly in the context of recent decline so many clubs are currently fighting to retain existing players. Clubs with significant growth aspirations have the ability to accommodate these goals within their existing infrastructure. However several clubs have relatively limited opportunity for club growth if demand were to arise and have scope for only one additional team. These clubs are; Hinckley Amateurs, Ratby, Stapleton and Stoke Golding. Therefore this showcases capacity pressures in both the northern Parishes and the urban area in the face of future demand.
It is important to note that during the 2018 season a further team, Bombay Cricket Club, will be playing in Hinckley and Bosworth at Langdale Road.
Key Issues for There is a need to protect existing sites- all pitches are well used and required to sustain demand. Langdale Park provides an Strategy to opportunity to increase cricket in the borough. Address Concerns over the security of tenure at key sites. Opportunities to improve maintenance at sites across the borough and a need to enhance the succession planning at all clubs. Quality issues (most notably poor outfield), but particularly where these are impacting club progression. Lack of training facilities at the majority of sites (there are no facilities at all at Barwell Sports Club, Burbage CC, Market Bosworth Sports Club, Stapleton Village CC, Stoke Golding CC, Langdale Recreation Ground.
Summary of Assessment Findings and Key Issues to Address- Bowls
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Summary - Assessment Findings
Supply There are 11 sites containing functional outdoor bowling greens. There is one green on each site meaning that there are 11 greens across Hinckley and Bosworth. Five of the 11 greens are in the urban area with the remainder in the northern Parishes; poor coverage is seen to the west of the borough. All existing greens accommodate at least one club.
Site visits reveal that all existing bowling greens are functional and fit for purpose with the average quality score of 76% suggesting most greens are of standard quality.
Several sites contain social facilities such as a bar and social areas, providing a greater income and enabling investment to be channelled into the management and maintenance of facilities, overall improving sustainability. Many clubs highlighted the small clubhouses and lack of social facilities as a significant barrier to growing participation.
Cleanliness is the most highly rated attribute (lack of litter and graffiti) with mowing frequency also rated well. Spectator provision and storage, as well as grass cover were identified as key areas for improvement, with several greens exhibiting bare patches and patches of weeds. Several greens also require levelling to enable bowls to be played at a high standard. Many greens also demonstrated thatching as well as areas of moss being present. Fusarium was also evident at Hinckley Bowls Club and Rugby Road Recreational Ground, the disease had been caught earlier but its original presence suggests that there are issues in the maintenance of greens.
Around the green, channels were all well maintained. The basic infrastructure of facilities is adequate however several sites have poor or limited car parking which impacts on club fixtures. Parking for Hollycroft Park is either roadside or in the carpark at the bottom of a hill, forcing bowlers to walk up. Market Bosworth BC and Burbage Constitutional Bowls Club also only have roadside parking.
The vast majority of clubs indicated they were satisfied with the current provision with any dissatisfaction mainly concerning the quality of facilities and their negative impact on club development.
Varying perceptions was seen regarding green quality with grass cover and the quality of the playing surface identified as key areas of improvement by clubs.
Concern was also raised surrounding the high cost of maintenance and the lack of specialist staff and training to carry out improvements/maintenance.
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Nationally, the participation in outdoor bowls has declined over the 2005-2016 period. For Hinckley and Bosworth the participation in Demand bowls is inconsistent with particularly lower levels of participation in the more urban areas. All clubs in the borough indicate they are actively seeking new participants.
Across Hinckley and Bosworth there are 893 people playing bowls currently. Players mainly fall into the older age profiles of Elise, Arnold and Frank. There is scope to increase the amount of participation in other groups, particularly Ralph and Phyllis. There is very low junior participation with just 5 players aged U18 in the borough. Market Segmentation indicates 201 additional residents would like to participate with potential and unmet demand fairly even across the borough.
There are no clear trends regarding membership numbers with almost equal proportions experiencing growth and decline. There is no clear pattern by provider type or by location, suggesting that club membership trends are site specific and unpredictable. In addition to playing members, there are 89 non-playing members at existing responding clubs showcasing the importance of the wider social role bowls plays and showing how ensuring the effective provision of spectator and social facilities is vital.
Key challenges in relation to growing membership include; a lack of interest in bowls, the cost of playing, the perceived poor quality of existing facilities, a lack of caches and volunteers and the limited awareness of the existence of bowling clubs.
Sweet Pea Bowls Club highlighted concerns about their long term security of tenure with the club bound by expensive annual fees; the club noted that this insecurity has negatively impacted on their ability to attract new members. They do however continue to work hard to increase the number of members.
The Governing Body of Bowls highlighted the need for greater flexibility within the sport and the need to promote new ‘short forms of the game including New Age Bowls and Set Play in order to increase participation.
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Adequacy of There are no supply and demand models for bowling greens. The adequacy of provision is therefore evaluated by drawing together Provision the data collected and determining the key issues impacting current and projected future participation.
Green quality is seen as instrumental in facilitating the ongoing delivery of bowls and despite only two clubs not being satisfied with the existing facilities there are concerns over the skills of those maintaining the greens. Car parking and social facilities are also considered an essential component of bowling greens.
There is no evidence that suggests there is a requirement for additional facilities to meet current demand with all clubs indicating that they have scope to accommodate additional members.
Guidance suggests that a bowling green becomes particularly unsustainable where club memberships fall below 20 members. Data shows there are no greens where membership drops below this target. Membership is particularly high Hinckley Bowls Club, Kingscroft Bowls Club, Market Bosworth and Bridge Road highlighting the sustainability of these facilities. The average membership per green in the urban area is almost 60 compared to just 48 in the northern Parishes. These participation levels suggest all existing facilities are valuable and should be protected. Increasing the levels of participation at the clubs with lower memberships such as clubs in Bagworth, Barlestone and Desford is key but membership levels are not sufficiently low enough to suggest that facilities are unsustainable.
The ageing population is likely to influence participation in bowls more so than for most sports. The number of people aged 55+ is likely to increase as is their propensity to participate in bowls, increasing demand and placing additional pressures on existing resources.
Based upon existing club membership, demand for bowls is expected to increase by 202 players (71 players at each green) by 2036 as a direct result of population growth. These levels are still sustainable within the existing stock. However if higher participation rates were used this growth would increase to 128 players per green and provision may be insufficient to meet demand. Analysis of existing bowls clubs represents the most accurate means of determining demand for bowling greens therefore an average of circa 71 members is likely to be experienced which is a healthy membership that the current stock of facilities can meet.
Growth is unlikely to be even with sites in the urban area having a lower capacity to sustain additional growth. The scope to accommodate further play in Market Bosworth will also be limited, given the high levels of play already in existence.
Key Issues for Facility quality requires improvement- playing surface and grass cover identified as key area, several greens have bare patches and Strategy to there is evidence of weeds. Some greens undulating. Address Some issues relating to ancillary facilities and car parking
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Opportunities to improve the quality of maintenance. There are concerns about the lack of specialist training or knowledge, cost and age of volunteers and a consequential need to undertake some succession planning. There are opportunities to increase play at some sites in particular Bagworth, Barlestone, Sport in Desford and Burbage Constitutional. There are concerns about the lease at Sweet Pea Bowls Club There is a need to raise awareness of bowling in the borough and to increase participation borough wide
Summary of Assessment Findings and Key Issues to Address- Tennis
Summary - Assessment Findings
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Supply There are 54 active tennis courts with public/community access located at 15 sites. These courts are split between public (park) sites, schools and private clubs. The provision at school sites makes up more than half of all community accessible tennis courts. 16 of the accessible courts are floodlit. 19 of the 54 courts are located in the urban area with the remainder located in the Northern Parishes.
The majority of courts are rated as standard (56%) with 10% of courts being rated as poor. Club based facilities are of the highest quality, followed by schools and park courts. The quality of these facilities is vastly different but so are the requirements they serve, with clubs attracting more serious players and park courts being used for more informal play.
Spectator seating and storage are key areas of concern, however these don’t apply to all sites. Otherwise, the playing surface and fencing are the key areas of improvement. Several sights show cracks, weeds and uneven patches with the nets also requiring improvements.
Facilities at club bases and park sites are dedicated facilities for tennis however the majority of courts on school sites are over marked for other sports, meaning tennis must compete with other activities.
The three club bases of Hinckley Tennis Club, Market Bosworth Tennis Club and Sport in Desford, which all offer floodlit tennis courts, are well dispersed across the borough with Hinckley Tennis Club serving the urban area and Market Bosworth and Desford serving the west and east of the borough respectively.
Access to park facilities is limited with only Hollycroft Park providing high quality pay and play courts plus the site at Newbold Verdon, the only facility in the Northern Parishes is of poor quality. Schools with accessible courts are distributed across the borough and provide localised opportunities for those in rural areas. However despite the fair distribution of facilities, the rural nature of the borough means that some residents remain outside of the catchment for tennis courts.
Nationally, the proportion of residents playing tennis is declining. However participation in Hinckley and Bosworth is high, with Demand between 2% and 5% of residents of the borough playing tennis in almost all areas. In total 1957 people play tennis with participation at least once per month highest by Tim, Philip and Ben.
Those who do not play tennis but would like to are in similar groups to current participants, but there is particular latent demand from Philip and Tim as well as Elaine and Alison. 2081 people would like to play tennis and this data makes tennis the only sport where there are more people that would like to play than actually do.
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There are limited public tennis courts across the borough with the main facility being Hollycroft Park. There were 253 individual users over the period April 2016-2017. This represents a low level of use with LTA estimating that two court sites within rural areas should be sustaining between 500-1000 individual users each year, this implies there is significant scope to increase usage of facilities. Prices are on the high side of LTA average and clubs indicate they believe these prices to be a barrier to usage. There is also scope to increase usage at Alans Way Playing Field, the other public managed tennis site. The LTA see increasing participation in public parks as a key priority.
There is a reasonably good level of access to tennis courts at secondary schools however they receive very little promotion. Almost all responding schools suggest that their tennis courts are underused outside of curricular hours. This presents a great opportunity for tennis development.
Regarding club membership, there are three tennis clubs within Hinckley and Bosworth representing a strong foundation for the development of tennis. Membership is static however floodlight investment at Hinckley Tennis Club generated membership growth. The key barriers to growth for tennis are perceived to include facility restrictions (site capacity/volunteers), pressures on coaches/volunteers, funding issues and a lack of public facilities supporting grass roots tennis.
The LTA aims to ensure that rain and darkness no longer inhibits play. They therefore aim to increase the number of covered and floodlit courts by 50%, this draws on the importance of having floodlit and covered courts to facilitate demand. The LTA see the greatest opportunity for growth within 20-39 year olds and 40-49 year olds, suggesting both park courts and club based facilities will be key in furthering participation.
The quality of public courts is deemed to be essential in order to develop grass roots tennis. It is estimated that circa £1200 per annum should be placed into a sinking fund to enable repair works.
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Adequacy of Considering the current and potential future participation levels there is an overall potential tennis playing population of 4038 across Provision Hinckley and Bosworth, this is significantly greater than the current levels of club membership (505).
LTA parameters, which are used to analyse demand for tennis and to determine when facilities are at or approaching capacity, set the guidance for facility use at 1 court per 40 participants (not floodlit) and 1 court per 60 players (floodlit), the existing stock of active outdoor courts that are available for community use will serve 2480 players. According to Active People, there are 1907 existing players meaning that the stock of facilities is above the level required. However If the latent demand was realised (4038 players) this would place the provision below the levels required. A total playing population of 4038 people would therefore require an additional 39 courts.
There is therefore a significant amount of additional provision needed if latent demand were to be met, particularly considering the evidence that suggests existing courts are not used to their full potential.
While there are insufficient courts within the borough to accommodate target levels of participation, there is scope to increase the use of existing facilities before new courts are required.
Regarding club bases, the existing three have capacity for 780 players with current membership equating to 505. This shows that there is scope to accommodate at least a further 275 members. Suggesting further courts are not required to meet club need. However this disguises issues relating to the size of club base, particularly the minimal spare space at Hinckley Tennis Club. Therefore if latent demand was to be realised, the existing stock of facilities accessible to the community would be insufficient.
The wider range of participants in tennis means that population growth may have a greater impact than for other sports. Using LTA parameters that up to 3% of the population may play tennis, the projected increase of 12977 people between 2017 and 2036 will generate a further 389 tennis players. When added to the assumed current levels of participation this shows that existing levels of participation would be unable to accommodate the future growth
Key Issues for Good distribution of sites, but quality poor at public courts (excluding Hinckley Hollycroft Park). Strategy to There is good availability at school sites and quality is standard, but there is limited promotion and a general lack of awareness of Address facilities that are available. Maintenance at all sites is limited and there are few courts where sinking funds are in place. Quality issues (in particular line markings and poor playing surfaces) are identified at several sites. Although club membership is static, clubs believe that this is impacted by facility restrictions (site capacity and court quality) as well as pressures on volunteers, funding issues and a lack of public facilities supporting grass roots tennis.
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Modelling based on actual participation demonstrates that there are sufficient facilities and scope to increase usage (particularly schools and public venues) significantly. Viability modelling indicates that more facilities may be required but the LTA highlight the need to maximise the use of the existing network and to ensure that the facility stock is sustainable moving forwards. There is limited capacity at Hinckley Tennis Club but scope to reinvigorate participation at Desford and Market Bosworth. There is potential for clubs to play a much wider role in increasing participation. A low level of participation compared to modelling estimates suggests that there are significant opportunities for marketing and promotion.
Summary of Assessment Findings and Key Issues to Address- Hockey
Summary - Assessment Findings
Supply Hockey is now almost exclusively played on AGPs (Artificial Grass Pitches). England Hockey states that water based, sand dressed and sand filled pitches are suitable for Hockey however 3G pitches are not. All the pitches suitable for hockey are located on school sites meaning the Borough Council has limited control over access to hockey pitches, compared to other sports.
There are five full sized pitches in Hinckley and Bosworth, of which four are sand filled pitches and therefore suitable for hockey. One pitch is 3G so therefore unsuitable for hockey. There are also several small pitches including; Alans Way sports Field, Battling Brook Primary School, Bosworth Primary School, Bosworth Academy, Hinckley Club for Young People and Markfield Community Sports Centre.
The qualities of facilities at Brookvale Learning Campus, Groby and Hinckley Academy are rated as standard with the newer facilities at Dixie Grammar and Hinckley Academy rated standard to good.
Hinckley Hockey Club are the only hockey club affiliated to England Hockey in the borough. Before folding and merging with Coalville Demand Hockey Club due to falling membership and struggling to field a team each week, they ran one team which played in the Leicestershire Hockey League and were based at Dixie Grammar. Dixie Grammar is currently used as an overspill venue for Ashby Hockey Club who travel into the borough.
There are five teams in the borough affiliated to the Leicestershire Mixed Hockey Association, they all play at Brookvale Learning
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Campus, Groby and play competitive fixtures each weekend. The number of teams in this league is declining and is at it’s lowest since 1975. Demand for hockey in the borough is unlikely to increase significantly without sports development intervention.
Only two (Dixie Grammar and Brookvale Learning Campus) of the four sand filled facilities are used and there is limited hockey across the borough, with no junior hockey opportunity. All teams play their competitive matches on a Saturday with very little use of facilities in midweek. There is no evidence of teams being displaced outside the borough.
Educational use of AGPs occurs outside of peak hours and does not impact upon community hockey access. Increasing participation in hockey in schools is seen as the key vehicle for generating increased activity in the sport, a selection of schools in the area have featured in competitions
Due to the lack of 3G pitches in the borough this means that sand based facilities are used for football training and hockey clubs therefore face competition in accessing pitches. Pitches with hockey surfaces in Hinckley and Bosworth are primarily used for football.
Adequacy of Peak time demand across the borough equates to 2 match equivalents while capacity across the borough equates to 12 match Provision equivalents giving a significantly spare capacity in the borough at peak times. Demand and usage is so low that all activity could be accommodated within one AGP. This means that there are significant levels of unused capacity within the borough for hockey.
The high levels of pitch stock compared to the number of teams means that there is capacity across all venues, although hockey clubs must compete with football clubs for access to sites for midweek training
The quality of facilities is currently adequate, with all sites suitable to accommodate the standard of hockey required
Due to the already low levels of hockey participation, population growth will have no impact in any age group and the demand for pitches will remain static.
England Hockey aspires to build participation in the sport and retain existing players. However Hinckley Hockey Club has experienced issues fielding a team and in previous years the collapse of Bosworth Ladies also occurred. Added to this, the Mixed Hockey Association has also experienced a downward trend in the number of competing teams. There is therefore no clear growth that is likely to take place in the borough in participation in hockey over the strategy period.
England hockey has however committed to focus on increasing participation within schools with a view to channelling interest into clubs longer term.
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Key Issues for There are four sand based AGPs but only two are currently used for hockey. Demand equates to only 2 match equivalents at peak time Strategy to (Saturday) and a small number of hours midweek for training. This could therefore be accommodated on one AGP Address The quality of facilities is generally standard to good, although there are no sinking funds in place and therefore potentially longer term concerns about quality issues as surfaces age Existing levels of participation in hockey are declining and there are concerns that the only affiliated club will fold at the end of the season. Added to this, the numbers of teams playing in Mixed Hockey Association leagues are also declining (although the number of teams is increasing). Without significant intervention, hockey participation in the borough may become almost extinct.
Summary of Assessment Findings and Key Issues to Address - Golf
Summary - Assessment Findings
Supply There are 13 standard courses within a 20-minute driving catchment of the main built up area of Hinckley, comprising 198 holes. The more local 10-minute catchment includes one course in Hinckley and Bosworth plus one more in neighbouring Rugby. Despite there being two par 3 courses on the edges of the borough there are no par 3 courses within Hinckley and Bosworth.
There are 5 Golf Driving Range's within a 20 minute driving catchment of Hinckley, comprising 114 bays. Three of these are floodlit, meaning there are 66 floodlit bays in total. Within a 10-minute catchment there is just one range with 24 floodlit bays. All of these are outside of the borough. All the faculties have pay and play access however some clubs, such as Hinckley Golf Club, are predominantly members only.
There are also a large number of golf facilities accessible Hinckley and Bosworth residents that lie within a 20-30 minute driving catchment of the borough. These include Coventry Golf Club and Leicestershire Golf Club. Overall in this catchment there are 33 standard courses comprising 549 holes and 6 par 3 courses comprising 63 holes.
Local relative provision for all standard courses is very low compared with CSP, regional and national average. Provision of standard courses within a 20 minute driving catchment is still low compared with the average however the wider 30 minute driving catchment is better supplied and is about average for the region and England. Although it is worth noting that many of these standard courses are
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at the outer edge of the 30 minute catchment and therefore could be considered as outside a reasonable travel time for most people.
Local provision within H&B for par 3 courses and two of the adjacent districts is non-existent but the 20 and 30 minute catchments are well supplied compared to the national average. The provision of GDR’s both within H&B and within both the 20 and 30 minute catchment is in line with the regional and national average.
Regarding quality, considering the nature of golf, the predominance of clubs in managing their own facilities, and the demands of users, most courses are considered to be of acceptable, high quality or in good condition.
Demand and supply within H&B itself is broadly in balance. There are some vacancies at the private club in H&B and the pay and play course appears to welcome new golfers.
Sport England data shows that from 2005/6 to 2015/16 regular participation in golf in England has declined overall however England Demand Golf believes that participation levels appeared to have stabilised after 2015.
East Midlands regional participation has generally declined in line with the national average as has participation in the local CSP area. In terms of data for Hinckley and Bosworth, there is data from APS1 available but not APS2 to APS10. However based on the trends in participation over the past 10 years in the areas where consistent data is available, the current participation in H&B may well be about 1.6-1.7%. There may well be about 1400-2200 current regular adult golfers in the area. For the purposes of this study, it is assumed that golf participation in H&B is slightly higher than the national average.
Sport England’s Local Sports Profiles estimate a 4.5% population increase from the base population in 2014 to 2020. Almost all population growth is predicted in the 5-9 and 70+ age groups. However based on this data, it is unlikely that population change will have any impact on golf participation up to 2020.
The three main market segments in H&B that participate in golf are Tim, Phillip and Roger and Joy. It is broadly the same groups that currently play that would like to participate more. The Market Segmentation data estimates there are 3250 adult golf players in the borough, a higher estimate than that of the APS data.
The England Golf Strategy 2017-2021 aims to increase membership of clubs from 650,000 to 675,000 and increase the number of golfers playing twice monthly to over 1 million. Locally this could result in an increase of an additional 55-85 players or club members. Market Segmentation data suggests there is latent demand from an additional 1400 adults in the catchment area.
However for the purpose of this study, it may be reasonable to conclude that in accordance with the existing character of the area,
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likely population change and the existing participation level in golf, demand may increase by about 150 participants over the next 8-10 years.
Overall the demand for golf in Hinckley and Bosworth and the surrounding area is slightly higher than the national average, and that with future and latent demand increasing only slightly and England Golf promoting additional participation, demand may increase in the area by no more than about 5-10% overall up to 2020.There will be particular demand for the types of course suitable for beginners and high handicap players.
Adequacy of There is a below average supply of standard golf courses in Hinckley and Bosworth and the immediate surrounding area. All existing Provision courses in the borough should be retained and protected for the contribution they make to meeting existing demand for regular play for members and casual golfers alike.
Forest Hill is under potential threat for an alternative use. The loss would mean there would be no GDR’s in H&B and would reduce further the supply and demand balance.
There is a case for the development of a pay and play starter/improvers course catering for new golfers, there is also a case for other practice and coaching facilities such as a GDR for casual access, possibly in conjunction with existing courses in the area or alternatively as a new enterprise.
Key Issues Retention of existing golf courses and golf driving ranges for Strategy to Address Potential to develop a pay and play course targeting new golfers
Requirement for practice / coaching facilities with casual access.
Summary of Assessment Findings and Key Issues to Address- Rugby Union
Summary - Assessment Findings
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Supply There are 22 senior rugby union pitches located in Hinckley and Bosworth BC. The presence of facilities at most school sites ensures that there are facilities in most of the largest settlements. Less than half of all rugby union pitches are secured for community use. Most school sites offer some degree of access to the general public, but as academies, almost all of this access is on an unsecured basis. Schools are actually the largest provider of rugby union pitches in the borough.
8 full sized pitches are managed by local clubs, with Market Bosworth RFC and Hinckley RFC having large facilities (4 and 5 pitches respectively). There are no rugby pitches provided by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. The pitch provided at Burbage for Burbage RFC is the only pitch provided by a Parish Council. There are only 3.5 floodlit pitches meaning opportunities for training are limited.
The key issues for quality in relation to club based pitches in Hinckley and Bosworth are:
- The limited amount of maintenance outside of the main club pitches (e.g. junior pitches), this is mainly due to financial restrictions. Improving maintenance would increase pitch capacity.
- There are drainage issues on several sites, with evidence of waterlogging.
- There is a need for improved changing facilities and pavilions.
- There is a lack of floodlighting to support club activity.
There are three rugby union clubs in the Borough running a total of 7 adult teams, 2 colts, 8 youth and 12 midi teams. Demand Of these clubs, two offer progression from junior to seniors, running teams at all age groups while Burbage RUFC only run two senior teams. The level of junior play suggests that rugby union is relatively well developed within the borough. There are no female teams at any age groups.
Overall participation is static or increasing (Burbage RFC) and there is a sustainable network of clubs. Two of three clubs are the Hinckley and Burbage urban area, although Market Bosworth RFC provides opportunities to participate in rugby in the more northerly settlements.
Only Burbage RFC highlights particular pressures arising from their training requirements. At this site two teams train twice per week and a lack of floodlights means that the club uses Hinckley RFC during winter months for training sessions.
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Almost all schools in the borough have at least one rugby pitch. There is little evidence of participation in national rugby competitions, although bath Dixie Grammar and Market Bosworth School have entered competitions within the last couple of years.
Adequacy of There is no use of any of the school sites by rugby clubs, with no facilities used on a regular basis. This means that there are 13 rugby Provision pitches in the borough that are available but not used. However the capacity of these facilities is limited with the maintenance programme restricted meaning that the maximum site capacity is 1.5. These pitches also sustain curricular use, restricting the amount of club based activity that they could accommodate. Therefore in total at school sites, there is scope to accommodate 6.5 match equivalents either across the week or at peak times. It is worth noting that there are no existing floodlights at any of the school sites, meaning that they cannot be used for training.
Considering match play only, there is sufficient capacity at each of the club bases to accommodate play. Once training is taken into account, supply however becomes much more tightly matched with demand. Specifically;
- At Market Bosworth the limited maintenance procedures restrict capacity to a degree however quality is starting to improve following investment and it is expected that capacity will start to increase shortly. The site has sufficient capacity to accommodate match play but training places pressures on the pitches and there is evidence of a small degree of overplay. Only one set of floodlights means that all activity is shoehorned onto this pitch, meaning that it is heavily used.
- At Hinckley RFC there are varying levels of maintenance with the pitches accommodating teams playing at higher levels receiving more attention. The club raised concerns about drainage and both these issues impact upon capacity. The current levels of training generate over play, particularly on the floodlit pitches. Excluding the impact of training however, there is a small amount of spare capacity across the week. The midi pitches are important in reducing the use of senior pitches and in turn minimalizing the volume of overplay. There are also insufficient changing rooms, with8 required to ensure that all pitches can be used at the same time.
- At Burbage RFC, maintenance schedules restrict club activity, but with just one team, provision is sufficient to accommodate match play. However the lack of floodlighting means that the site cannot accommodate training activity in the winter and the team has to relocate. There are concerns about the security of tenure on this site. The changing rooms are currently poor but are due to be improved, although it is not known whether this will involve the extension of the lease of the rugby club.
Burbage RFC are the only example of displaced demand within Hinckley and Bosworth. No concerns have been expressed regarding the amount of facilities available to other clubs, although it is believed that high training levels and a lack of appropriate training facilities places great pressures on both Hinckley RFC and Market Bosworth RFC.
Regarding population change the projected population growth by Team Generation Rates, indicates that there will be an overall
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decline in the number of people playing adult rugby union, but this will be insufficient to cause the loss of a team. Similarly, the increase of people in younger aged categories will be insufficient to impact upon the number of rugby union teams in the borough.
The RFU are working with individual clubs, and through the use of development plans aim to drive increases in participation. Aspirations of clubs within H&B are as follows;
- Market Bosworth RFC- looking to develop additional senior male team and create senior female team.
- Hinckley RFC- retain existing teams and ensure stability and growth of playing numbers.
- Burbage RFC- no immediate aspirations for growth, although longer term club would like to develop an additional team.
The RFU council has recently approved a strategy to invest in Artificial Grass Pitches (AGP) which will see 100 artificial, floodlit pitches installed across the country over a four year period. The key drivers for this are to sustain and grow participation while addressing pressure on natural turf pitches, changing player expectations, addressing competition from other sports and cope with changing weather conditions. While this programme has currently been put on hold, there may be opportunities for the development of a 3g AGP pitch within Hinckley and Bosworth which may ease the overplay problems caused by overuse of facilities. There is a 3g pitch at Leicester Road which is hardly used, very close to Hinckley RFC, this should be considered as part of the future decision making process.
Key Issues for There is a need to protect facilities at all three club bases as all are valuable for rugby union Strategy to Maintenance improvements at all three sites would increase capacity and ensure the longevity of pitches. The quality of facilities has Address recently improved following a particular focus on maintenance. There are also drainage concerns at both Market Bosworth RFC and Hinckley RFC that need to be addressed. All club bases are heavily used when taking into account training. There is a need to consider the provision of extra floodlighting (Market Bosworth RFC and Burbage RFC) and/or access to a 3g World Rugby Compliant AGP (Hinckley RFC). The clubhouse at Hinckley RFC is believed to be restricting growth and there is a need to ensure that planned changes to the pavilion at Burbage RFC meet the needs of the rugby club. The remaining lease at Burbage RFC expires in 2022 and therefore short security of tenure is a concern.
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Summary of Assessment Findings and Key Issues to Address- Football
Summary - Assessment Findings
Supply There are 123 individual formal grass football pictures currently available for community use across Hinckley and Bosworth. Of the pitches currently available for use, 23% are full sized grass pitches while the remainder cater for younger teams. 40% of community pitches that are available for community use in the Borough are located on school sites. Pitches at school sites are often considered unsecured, particularly at school with academy status, and all schools in the borough hold academy status.
Almost all secondary school sites in the area indicate their facilities are available, however these facilities showcase a higher degree of insecurity as; many have policies in place that are reviewed annually or biannually, there is often no advertising, some schools do not have specific booking procedures in place and as independent bodies academies are able to control their own facilities easily. The majority of primary schools are not open for community access with many having unmarked basic playing fields.
The FA now approves certain types of AGP for use in competitive fixtures. During the 2017-2018 season there was just one full sized 3g pitch in the Borough located at Leicester Road however this pitch was not listed on the FA pitch register so is unable to be used for competitive fixtures. There are several smaller sized 3g pitches which supplement the stock of full sized pitches. These include pitches at; Battling Brook Primary School, Bosworth Academy and Hinckley Club for Young People.
The majority of pitches are located within the Northern Parishes, with roughly a third of pitches located in the Hinckley and Burbage urban area.
Within Hinckley and Bosworth, the education sector is the largest provider of pitches, managing 40%. 28% of pitches are managed by clubs with a further 20% the responsibility of Parish Councils. HBBC also manages pitches and this variety in ownership can create inconsistencies.
A greater proportion of clubs in the borough indicate that they are unhappy with the pitch stock compared to those that said they were satisfied. The key reasons for dissatisfaction were; a lack of pitches (both grass and 3g), the poor quality of pitches and the impact of overuse and, a lack of appropriate changing/welfare facilities for young people. Other issues that were noted included; the difficulty in recruiting and retaining coaches and volunteers and the costs associated with playing.
From the site visits, the average score achieved by pitches was 58%, which falls within the standard range. However the site analysis of
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pitch quality showed that the overall condition of facilities is lower in many instances than the scores suggest. In regards to football pitch quality, site visits reveal that;
- There were very few, if any, unplayable pitches, however there was evidence of compaction, poor drainage and standing water on many pitches in the borough.
- There is evidence of undulation on many sites, and levelling would be beneficial. There are also issues with weed growth.
- Although many sites are open to the public, little impact of the widespread informal access was evident at the time.
- There are some sites that would benefit from improvement in ancillary facilities.
The majority of clubs indicated that the condition of facilities has either remained static or improved, with only a small number of clubs reporting a decline. Similar reasons were given by clubs evidencing both improvement and decline. These included; improved/reduced maintenance, drainage improvement/decline, pitches benefiting from limited use/heavy use causing deterioration. Drainage and pitch evenness are considered particularly problematic by clubs. Dog fouling was also raised as a concern.
In total there are 236 teams currently based in Hinckley and Bosworth. Just 24% of teams are senior teams with the remainder being Demand age group teams. This broadly balances with the proportion of pitches that are full size, suggesting that the pitch stock is well tailored to demand.
While there are strong participation rates for males, female football is less well established with 2.8% of teams. The need to ensure separate changing facilities was noted by clubs as a barrier to further growth of these teams. Several girls however do play within mixed teams rather than in dedicated female teams. Disability football is strong in the borough with 8 team primarily focused in Barwell.
Like the distribution of pitches, the spread of teams is fairly even across the borough. The highest proportion of teams is in the south, where the highest amounts of pitches are provided. Participation is therefore broadly correlated with pitch provision. Participation is therefore likely influenced by the pitch stock to an extent.
There are three teams that are currently displaced out of the borough due to a perceived lack of appropriate facilities within H&B. Hinckley AFC and Hinckley AFC U18 teams are displaced to Ibstock Miners Welfare.Groby Town Honey Badgers are displaced to Cedars
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Academy.
There are several opportunities for progression right through from mini, to junior and adult age groups, with many clubs offering teams at a variety of age groups. There are also several clubs playing in the Non League System meaning there are specific requirements that must be adhered to, in relation to the facilities provided at the home ground.
Similar to the national picture, there has been a decline in participation in adult football in recent years, although most clubs now believe participation is now static. There is believed to be strong growth in younger and junior age groups.
Clubs use a mixture of grass pitches and AGP’s for training. While many clubs use AGP’s midweek, there is also fairly extensive training on grass pitches on a Saturday morning, in particular by junior clubs. Club consultation demonstrates that while a higher proportion of clubs are satisfied with the training facilities, 40% of clubs are dissatisfied. The key reasons being; a perceived lack of pitches, with only one 3g pitch in the borough most clubs using AGP’s are forced to train on sand based requirements, the cost of pitch hire and a lack of welfare facilities at some sites. The majority of single adult teams indicate that they do not train at all and do not wish to.
Several clubs and schools raised aspirations for a 3g pitch on their site.
All secondary schools within Hinckley and Bosworth have their own playing fields. The schools particularly important to community use include; Bosworth Academy, Brookvale Groby Learning Campus, Redmoor Academy and South Charnwood High School. School use of grass pitches has limited impact on peak time demand and the availability of pitches.
Adequacy of The majority of grass pitches in Hinckley were assessed as standard and capacity has therefore been calculated as such. It should be Provision noted however that many are close to becoming poor.
The majority of pitches in the borough are able to sustain additional play across the week when excluding any training activity. When considering only match play, there is very little overplay evident with only a small amount at Westfield Community Colleg and Kirkby Road.
However training does impact significantly at a number of sites, almost doubling the level of usage the site receives over the course of the week. In most instances, training causes overplay when without it the pitch would be within its weekly capacity. These sites are primarily associated with the larger clubs running high numbers of teams.
It is clear that heavy usage is contributing to the compaction that is currently experienced on many pitches across the borough; this in
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turn causes drainage issues that further impact the quality of the site.
There are only a very small number of venues that receive minimal community use. Hammonds Park is an example and this site serves as an overspill venue. Bosworth School, Dixie Grammar, Heath Lane School and Hinckley Academy are the only other examples of sites where facilities are available but not used.
Peak time demand for pitches is very concentrated with all forms of the game being a Sunday morning and different age groups wishing to use the facilities at the same time. This means that almost all activity (excluding training) takes place at this time and there is little demand for facilities outside of this peak period.
Reflecting this, analysis of availability at peak time demonstrates that total spare capacity is limited. There are very few sites able to accommodate more than 1 match equivalent on any pitch and almost half of all pitches have no remaining capacity at peak time and this shows that particularly at club bases that already host high quantities of play, facilities are starting to inhibit play. Only Bosworth School, Dixie Grammar, Dovecote Pavilion, Hammonds Park, Hinckley Academy and Sketchley Hill Recreation Ground have any pitches with capacity to sustain more than 1 match equivalent additional at peak time. The pressures on the existing pitch stock of even greater concern given that grass pitch quality is approaching poor at a high number of sites. A reduction in capacity would have significant consequences for the adequacy of provision.
Overall analysis therefore demonstrates that supply in the borough is very closely balanced with demand both across the week and at peak time. The situation is particularly apparent for youth, 9v9 and 7v7 pitches, but even for adult and 5v5 pitches the amount of spare capacity is relatively limited. There is however currently minimal overplay within the borough and where this exists, this is caused by training on pitches as well as competitive activity. Almost all overplay is caused by high numbers of teams at key sites.
In addition to capacity pressures, quality issues are evident on sites across the borough with many suffering from poor and limited maintenance regimes. There are particular concerns with compaction, drainage and undulation. Training contributes to much of the overplay and is a significant factor in causing wear and tear on pitches. If training was moved onto AGP’s, demand for grass pitches would reduce significantly outside of peak time.
Added to this, the reliance on school sites for competitive use exacerbates the pressures on pitch stock, and there would be insufficient pitches at peak time to accommodate youth, 9v9 and 7v7 play if access to school facilities was lost.
Financial and budget concerns were highlighted as one of the key concerns by many clubs, and local authorities are also facing an era of budgetary cuts and pressures to reduce services. With many pitches in the lower echelons of a standard rating, limited maintenance procedures combined with poor weather conditions could cause several sites to become poor. If this occurred and the amount of
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pitches available reduced by 25%, then pitch provision would become very closely matched with demand.
Affordability was seen as a key issue for clubs in ensuring ongoing growth in participation in football in the borough.
The FA vision (November 2014) which is the result of extensive analysis on the facilities used for football (including grass roots) placed greater emphasis on the benefits of 3g pitches and their importance for the future delivery of football. This is also reflected in the FA National Game Strategy 2015 - 2019 which seeks to provide better training and playing facilities and will also be a key theme of the National Football Facility Strategy (soon to be released) 2019 - 2029 In particular, the FA cite the additional capacity that AGPs offer compared to grass and their ability to sustain play during periods of inclement weather, resulting in a reduced number of cancellations. FA data modelling therefore evaluates the baseline requirement for 3g pitches in Hinckley and Bosworth. It assumes that one 3g pitch is required per 42 teams and that based on FA policy, all football training should take place on 3g pitches (as opposed to sand).
This would mean that there is a requirement for 5 full size AGPs in Hinckley and Bosworth. It is anticipated that the 2019 – 2029 Football Facilities Strategy that is soon to be released will increase the requirement for 3g AGPs further in urban areqs, with the ratio of pitches to teams being reduced to 1:38. The target ratio will however remain the same in Hinckley and Bosworth. Population growth (outlined later in this section) will see demand increase to 6 pitches.
The creation of further AGPs may reduce overuse of grass pitches rather than purely displace other activity. This is also supported by club consultation, which indicates that there is a belief that there remain insufficient 3g AGPs in the borough. In terms of both theoretical position and reality on the ground, there appears to be a need for additional 3g provision. To make better use of any AGP’s provided, it would be necessary to re-programme fixtures in the local league, to ensure that league games would take place across the weekend. Scenario testing indicates that the amount of pitches required to accommodate match play would be higher than needed for training - to accommodate all football at peak time for 9v9, 7v7 and 5v5 there would need to be 11 AGP pitches provided. If fixtures were reprogrammed however (with different age groups playing at different times), the number of AGP’s could be reduced.
Trends based population growth is predicted to decrease the number of adult football teams by almost 1. There will be an increase in the number of youth teams by 1 while the number of 9v9 teams will remain static. The number of 5v5 teams will increase by 2, while participation in 7v7 will increase by 1 team. These changes would see a small increase in the demand for football.
In addition to this, several clubs have significant aspirations for growth. Many of these clubs play at sites that are almost at capacity and
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 234
the majority of clubs are unable to accommodate the additional levels of play that they desire without access to further provision both for training and at peak time.
Key Issues for There is a need to protect existing pitches if football participation is to be retained Strategy to Address There are high number of teams using pitches and this is generating overplay on some sites. This is particularly influenced by a lack of training facilities. With only one 3g pitch in the Borough (and this largely unused), many teams are training on grass pitches. There is a requirement for at least 5 full sized AGPs in total
The quality of facilities is deteriorating and many pitches are approaching poor standard – this will reduce capacity. There is evidence of significant compaction (which is also causing drainage issues) and this can in part be attributed to the heavy usage, as well as limited maintenance regimes. Changing facilities are also basic
Peak time demand is also high and there is limited remaining spare capacity. Many of the large clubs are already unable to accommodate further play on their own site and facilities are starting to inhibit demand. There is a lack of hub sites and some clubs are dispersed across multiple venues.
Clubs have aspirations for growth, but the lack of facilities means that this is becoming increasingly challenging. There is however a need to ensure that provision remains accessible and affordable.
There are also concerns around the long term stability of the pitch stock, with a high proportion of pitches being located on school sites where access is unsecured.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 235