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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 1
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 2
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 3
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.
2: Methodology
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 4
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).
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 5
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 6
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
Union
Football Tennis Golf
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:
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 7
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 8
Figure 2.2: Overview of the Assessment Process
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
Understand the situation at
individual sites
Develop the current
picture of provision
Develop the future picture of provision
An overview for each site available to the community should
be developed consisting of:
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.
Identify the key findings and issues
Site overviews should be used to help understand:
1. The situation across all sites available to the community;
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.
The current picture of provision and the future demand
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.
The current and future pictures of provision, along with the
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?
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 9
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).
3: Strategic Context
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 10
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 11
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 12
Table 3.1: Key Strategic Documents in Hinckley and Bosworth
Document details Description of main content Key implications for Playing Pitch Strategy
Local Plan 2006 – 2026:
Core Strategy (2009),
two Area Action Plans,
and Site Allocations
and Development
Management Policies
DPD (2016)
The Core Strategy was adopted in 2009 and sets out the general vision and spatial
strategy for the delivery of the local plan 2006 - 2026. It outlines the broad
locations proposed for housing development and other strategic needs.
Development Plan Documents implement the vision contained within the core
strategy. These include site allocations and local area action plans and these
amount to the ‘Local Plan 2006-2026’.
The Local Plan 2006 - 2026 will be superseded by the new Local Plan. A
Local Plan Review is currently underway to deliver this and will set out how
the borough will grow and develop up to 2036. It will will set out the
policies to guide development and protect the environment. It will also set
aside land to meet identified needs.
This Playing Pitch Assessment will inform the Local Plan Review, providing a
robust evidence base for decision making. It will highlight where new
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth
Corporate Plan 2017
The corporate plan sets out the Councils vision for the Borough up to 2021. It sets
out key priorities under three overarching strategic priorities;
People - helping people to stay healthy, active and protected from harm
Places - creating clean and attractive places to live and work
Prosperity - encouraging growth, attracting businesses, improving skills and
supporting regeneration.
In order to achieve each of the strategic priorities, the corporate plan sets a series
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 playing pitch strategy will contribute to the achievement of the goals
of the corporate plan, providing an evidence base outlining the current
situation and setting key actions that will support the improved delivery of
sport and recreation facilities across the borough.
Leicester and
Leicestershire Strategic
The emerging Strategic Growth Plan is being developed by a partnership
This strategy document and assessment will provide a robust evidence base
outlining the adequacy of facilities to meet existing demand and the
improvements that are required to the facility stock to meet the needs of
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 13
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
borough and district authorities including Hinckley and Bosworth and the
Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP). It sets out
aspirations for delivering growth in Leicestershire until 2050. The final
version of the plan will provide strategic direction and help shape the new
Local Plan for Hinckley and Bosworth.
projected future populations. It will inform the Hinckley and Bosworth
Borough Local Plan, which will inform the Leicestershire wide growth
strategy. This will ensure that , valuable sporting assets are protected and
that new facilities are provided in line with population growth where it is
highlighted that they needed.
Housing and Economic
Development Needs
Assessment 2017
The assessment considers the need for housing and employment land over the
next 20 years for the whole of Leicestershire. The findings of this document,
alongside wider evidence on land availability and infrastructure will be used to
inform the preparation of the Leicestershire Wide Strategic Growth Plan and the
new Local Plan for Hinckley and Bosworth.
This Playing Pitch Strategy may inform decision making relating to land
required for housing. Following the allocation of sites, it will also be
necessary to consider the implications that the location of future provision
will have on demand for sports facilities.
Hinckley and Bosworth
Open Space and
Recreational Study
2016
This document provides an assessment of provision of a range of green space
types across the borough. It updates the initial PPG17 study that was completed in
2010. The 2010 study included a review of outdoor sports facilities in the borough.
This Playing Pitch Strategy will update the outdoor sports facilities
assessment of the 2010 PPG17 assessment and complement the findings of
the Open Space and Recreational Study 2016.
While the Open Space and Recreational Study 2017 considers the role of
open spaces in general terms, the Playing Pitch Strategy will consider the
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.
Leicestershire and
Rutland Strategy for
Sport and Physical
Activity 2017 - 2021
The strategy presents a long term vision for sport and physical activity in the region
and indicates that across the partnership, there is a shared commitment to enrich
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
Developing the paid and unpaid workforce
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:
This playing pitch assessment will contribute to the achievement of the
aims and objectives of this strategy document.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 14
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.
Leicester and
Leicestershire
Enterprise Partnership
Sector Growth Plan –
Sports & Physical
Activity
The plan sets out the strategic priorities for the sport and physical activity growth
plan, specifically;
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
productivity.
c. Maximising the impact of increased participation and healthier lifestyles
on the Sport & Physical Activity sector business base.
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
This playing pitch assessment will contribute to the achievement of the
aims and objectives of this strategy document.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 15
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 16
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 17
Table 3.2: Projected increases in Population
Total
Number of
People in
Age Group
Proportion of
Total
Population
Total
Number of
People in
Age Group
Proportion of
Total
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 18
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 19
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.
4: Cricket
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 20
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
Site Name
Number
of Grass
Pitches
Non-Turf
Pitches Ownership /
Management
Level of
Community Use
Northern
Parishes
Alans
way/Newbold
Vernon CC
1 0
Town Council / Club
Secure community
use
Barwell Sports
and Social Club
1 0 Trustees of sports club.
Maintained by Club
Secure community
use
Keats Lane /Earl
Shilton CC
1 1 Owned and managed
by club
Secure community
use
Higham on the
Hill
1 0 Owned by Church,
managed by club.
Some concerns over
security of tenure
Secure community
use
Jubilee Playing
Fields / Altar
Playing Fields
Markfield
1 0
Markfield Parish
Council
Secure community
use
Market
Bosworth Sports
Club/Bosworth
CC
1 0
Owned and managed
by club
Secure community
use
Ratby Sports
Club
1 0 Owned and managed
by club
Secure community
use
Stapleton
Village CC
1 0 Commercial, managed
by Parish Council
Secure community
use
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 21
Area
Site Name
Number
of Grass
Pitches
Non-Turf
Pitches Ownership /
Management
Level of
Community Use
Stoke Golding
Recreation
Ground
1 0 Stoke Golding Parish
Council. Managed by
Parish and Cricket Club
Secure community
use
Twycross CC 1 0 Parish Council,
managed by Club
Secure community
use
Hinckley
Academy
1 0
School
No access to grass
pitches. Access to
AGP only
Dixie Grammar
School
1 0
School
No access to grass
pitches. Access to
AGP only
Brookvale
Learning
Campus 0
1
School
Secure community
use
Redmoor
Academy
0
1
School
Unsecure
community use -
ad hoc
agreements with
specific clubs
South
Charnwood
High School 0
4
School
Unsecure
community use -
ad hoc
agreements with
specific clubs
St Martins
Catholic
Academy
0
1
School
Unsecure
community use -
ad hoc
agreements with
specific clubs
Urban Ashby
Road/Hinckley
Amateurs CC
1 0
Site now owned and
managed by Club
Secure community
use
Urban
Hinckley Road
Recreation
Ground
1 0 Managed by Burbage
TC. Parish and Club
maintain facility
Secure community
use
Langdale Park 1 0 Owned and managed
by HBBC
Secure community
use
Hinckley Sports
and
Social/Hinckley
Town CC
1 0
Owned and
maintained by club
Secure community
use
Swallows Green 1 0 HBBC, leased and
managed by club
Secure community
use
Total 17
8
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 22
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 23
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 24
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 25
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 26
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 27
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 28
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 29
Table 4.3: Quality of Cricket Facilities available for community use across Hinckley and Bosworth
Sit
e N
am
e
Clu
b
Hig
hest
Sta
nd
ard
clu
b o
n s
ite
Pit
ch
Co
nd
itio
n
(Wic
kets
an
d
Ou
tfie
ld)
Pavil
ion
No
n-T
urf
Wic
ket
Nets
Main
ten
an
ce
Alans
way/Newbold
Vernon CC
Newbold Verdon CC Division 2 - Grade B
Ground
Some weeds in
outfield and scuffing
on wicket.
New lottery funded
pavilion. Good
condition
None provided Mobile net cage
Barwell Sports and
social club
Barwell CC Division 3 - - Grade
B Ground
Some moss and
thatching on the
outfield. Square
cracking on older
wickets.
None provided In need of update.
One is worn and one
is patched.
Keats Lane /Earl
Shilton CC
Earl Shilton CC Division 1 - - Grade
B Ground (but
promotion would
require increase to
Grade A)
Good condition but
outfield is uneven in
parts. Inadequate
fencing has caused
people to trample
the outfield and club
have experienced
vandalism.
Two storey pavilion
and bar
Non-turf wicket
provided
Mobile nets are in
need of attention to
improve.
Inexperienced
grounds team
Higham on the Hill
Highham Village CC Division 8 - - Grade
D Ground
Outfield undulating
and has broadleaved
weeds.
Pavilion basic but
adequate. Club use
local pub for
refreshments etc due
to limited facilities.
None provided Mobile nets Land is owned by
church - security of
tenure unknown.
Ashby
Road/Hinckley
Amateurs CC
Hinckley Amateurs
CC
Division 3 - - Grade
B Ground
Dry weather caused
cracking on square
and wickets. Pitch
slightly sloping and
uneven.
Large pavilion
catering for
functions and shared
with other sports.
None provided 2 artificial nets in
good condition
Professional
groundsman. Club
well supported
Hinckley Road
Recreation Ground
Burbage CC Division 4 - Grade C
Ground (But
promotion would
require increase to
Grade B)
Site used for
informal recreation.
Outfield uneven,
some evidence of
repair on wickets.
Basic None provided None provided
currently. Some nets
to be relocated from
site to support club.
Hinckley Sports and
Social/Hinckley
Town CC
Hinckley Town CC /
City Cricket Academy
Division 1 - - Grade
B Ground (but
promotion would
Outfield has a few
weeds but is well
prepared. Even but
Two storey pavilion
shared with clubs
from other sports.
None provided Mobile net in good
condition
Club equipped to
maintain own
facilities
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 30
Sit
e N
am
e
Clu
b
Hig
hest
Sta
nd
ard
clu
b o
n s
ite
Pit
ch
Co
nd
itio
n
(Wic
kets
an
d
Ou
tfie
ld)
Pavil
ion
No
n-T
urf
Wic
ket
Nets
Main
ten
an
ce
require increase to
Grade A)
issues with foxes and
rabbits.
Further work
required including
plumbing, some
recent renovations
have taken place.
Jubilee Playing
Fields / Altar
Playing Fields
Markfield
Newtown Linford CC
/ Asian Sports CC
Division 9 - Grade D
Ground
Square uneven and
likely to impact on
flight of ball.
Basic but requires
TLC.
None provided None provided
Langdale Park
No club. Functioned
as overspill only in
2017
N/a Square is uneven
and has poor ball
flight. Evidence of
misuse (doughnuts).
Shared with football,
very basic.
None provided None provided Issues with
maintenance and /
or informal use -
doughnuts evident
on square.
Market Bosworth
Sports
Club/Bosworth CC
Market Bosworth CC Division 6 - Grade C
Ground
Weeds and funghi
on outfield,
vertidraining has
taken place but field
is poor. Requires
reseeding and club
believe that they
need help.
New pavilion this
season, shared with
other sports and
community activities.
None provided None provided Club require support
with maintenance.
They have a strong
pavilion but issues
with outfield and
wicket and are ill
equipped to deal
with these issues.
They also lack in
appropriate
machinery.
Ratby Sports Club
Ratby CC Division 3 - Grade B
Ground
Damage to square
and square was
uneven which may
impact ball flight.
Outfield also uneven
with some weeds.
Large sports building
and separate cricket
pavilion with balcony
and scorebox.
Unfinished and club
indicate that support
is urgently required.
None provided. Club
priority.
1 mobile net. Club
priority to provide
fixed nets.
No issues identified.
Stapleton Village
CC
Stapleton CC Division 9 - Grade D
Ground
Tidy site but
molehills
encroaching towards
pitch near pavilion.
Small timber pavilion
requires updating
None provided None provided
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 31
Sit
e N
am
e
Clu
b
Hig
hest
Sta
nd
ard
clu
b o
n s
ite
Pit
ch
Co
nd
itio
n
(Wic
kets
an
d
Ou
tfie
ld)
Pavil
ion
No
n-T
urf
Wic
ket
Nets
Main
ten
an
ce
Stoke Golding
Recreation Ground
Stoke Golding CC Division 4 - - Grade
C Ground (but
promotion would
require increase to
Grade B)
Some bare patches
on wicket, with
sloping outfield and
trip hazard from
football lines. Issues
with cutting of
outfield (done by
Parish). Club also
concerned by
overlap with football.
Medium sized basic
pavilion
None provided None provided Some maintenance
issues relating to
frequency of outfield
cut. Club able to
support maintenance
of wicket.
Swallows Green
Hinckley Amateur CC
/ Nuneaton Nomads
Division 7 - Grade D
Ground (but
promotion would
require increase to
Grade C)
Weeds and fairy ring
evident on outfield.
Pavilion is shabby. None provided but
function as overspill
reduces requirement.
None provided but
function as overspill
reduces requirement.
Lease has lapsed and
is due for renewal.
Twycross CC
Twycross CC Division 4 - Grade C
Ground (but
promotion would
require increase to
Grade B)
No issues identified. Brick / metal
pavilion, very basic.
None provided. Club has mobile
practice nets and
also has a
homemade artificial
practice net.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 32
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 33
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 3rd
X1 and Newtown Linford CC 3rd
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 Name Sites Used Adult
Teams
Junior
Teams
Club Participation Trends Standard of
Play (Top
Team)
Market
Bosworth
CC
Market
Bosworth CC
1 0 Static participation Division 6
Stoke
Golding CC
Stoke
Golding
Recreation
Ground
2 0 Static participation Division 4
Ratby CC
Ratby CC 2 3 Static senior, declining junior
participation with the
withdrawal of 2 teams
Division 3
Hinckley
Amateur CC
Hinckley
Amateur CC
/ Swallows
Green
5 4 Decrease in both senior and
junior play. Teams lost in both
sections
Division 3
Barwell CC
Barwell CC 2 3 Static senior, declining junior
participation with the
withdrawal of 2 teams
Division 3
Earl Shilton
Town CC
Earl Shilton 3 2 Static senior, declining junior
participation
Division 1
Hinckley
Town CC
Hinckley
Town CC
3 2 (includes
City Cricket
Academy
who are
based at
Hinckley
Town CC)
Static senior, declining junior
participation
Division 1
Higham Higham 1 Static adult participation Division 8
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 34
Club Name Sites Used Adult
Teams
Junior
Teams
Club Participation Trends Standard of
Play (Top
Team)
Village CC Village CC
Newbold
Verdon CC
Alans Way,
Newbold
Verdon
4 4 Division 4
Stapleton
CC
Stapleton CC 1 Static adult participation Division 9
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 35
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 36
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 37
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
38
Table 4.5: Site Specific Usage
Sit
e N
am
e
No
. p
itch
es
Key F
acil
ity
Gap
s /
Pri
ori
ties
To
tal
Nu
mb
er
of
Str
ips
Req
uir
ed
to
Acco
mm
od
ate
dem
an
d
No
. g
rass
wic
kets
Ad
eq
uacy o
f
Wic
kets
(Am
ou
nt
of
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y)
Matc
h
Eq
uiv
ale
nts
avail
ab
le a
t
peak
tim
e
Co
mm
en
ts
Alans
way/Newbold
Vernon CC
1 No Non Turf wicket. Some
weeds in outfield and
scuffing of wickets
8.8
14 5.2 0 Busy site accommodating large club. No
spare capacity at peak time and one team
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
wickets must be used. Pavilion in good
condition, but improvement required to
outfield.
Barwell Sports and
social club
1 Moss and thatching of
outfield, slight ridge and
furrow effect (club believe
would benefit from
levelling) as well as
cracking on square, update
of nets, no non turf wicket.
Club highlight the
replacement of net surface
as urgent indicating that it
is dangerous and prioritise
improved practice facilities.
7 10 3 0 Some spare capacity on site, but lack of
non turf wicket means that grass wickets
must also be used for training. Added to
this, nets require updating as the condition
is currently drainage. No remaining spare
capacity at peak time and some quality
issues requiring immediate attention (nets).
Club highlight further practice facilities as
their key priority.
Keats Lane /Earl
Shilton CC
1 Mobile practice nets need
attention and club does
not have access to non turf
nets or wicket. Outfield is
slightly uneven
7 15 8 0 Large square means that there is spare
capacity across the season but no
remaining capacity at peak time. Poor
condition of training facilities is likely to
place extra pressures on grass wickets (and
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 39
Sit
e N
am
e
No
. p
itch
es
Key F
acil
ity
Gap
s /
Pri
ori
ties
To
tal
Nu
mb
er
of
Str
ips
Req
uir
ed
to
Acco
mm
od
ate
dem
an
d
No
. g
rass
wic
kets
Ad
eq
uacy o
f
Wic
kets
(Am
ou
nt
of
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y)
Matc
h
Eq
uiv
ale
nts
avail
ab
le a
t
peak
tim
e
Co
mm
en
ts
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.
Higham on the Hill
1 Outfield undulating and
has broadleaved weeds.
Pavilion basic only. No
none turf wicket.
2.2 7 4.8 0.5 Despite small square, site has spare
capacity over the course of the season and
also at peak time (although condition of
pitch means it only meets criteria for lower
league teams). Outfield is undulating and
pavilion is basic only but square is
adequate.
Ashby
Road/Hinckley
Amateurs CC
1 Sloping outfield with some
cracking of square.
9.5 11 1.5 0 Limited spare capacity across the season
and one team displaced at peak time.
Outfield is of limited quality but site is
adequate overall. Growing club with
increasing demands on wicket
Hinckley Road
Recreation Ground
1 No on site training
facilities, basic pavilion. Site
used for informal
recreation
4.4 10 5.6 0 Spare capacity across the week but site full
at peak time. Basic facility only, with no on
site training facilities and issues with the
impact of informal recreation on pitch
quality
Hinckley Sports
and
Social/Hinckley
Town CC
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
priority. Ongoing investment taking place
in pavilion and drainage. Spare capacity
available over the course of the season but
no remaining activity can take place at
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 40
Sit
e N
am
e
No
. p
itch
es
Key F
acil
ity
Gap
s /
Pri
ori
ties
To
tal
Nu
mb
er
of
Str
ips
Req
uir
ed
to
Acco
mm
od
ate
dem
an
d
No
. g
rass
wic
kets
Ad
eq
uacy o
f
Wic
kets
(Am
ou
nt
of
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y)
Matc
h
Eq
uiv
ale
nts
avail
ab
le a
t
peak
tim
e
Co
mm
en
ts
peak time.
Jubilee Playing
Fields / Altar
Playing Fields
Markfield
1 No practice nets or non
turf wickets. Uneven
square. Lack of facilities
(sight screens etc)
4.4 9 4.6 0 Spare capacity across the season but no
remaining capacity at peak time. Venue
used as overspill for two Leicester City
based clubs. Facility quality is limited and
there are no on site training facilities, but
these are not required as clubs use
facilities at their own home ground and
only require the pitch for competitive
activity. No home club at the site.
Langdale Park
1 No nets, no non turf
wicket. Weeds on outfield
and poor square with
evidence of doughnuts and
unevenness.
0.6 8 7.4 1 Extensive spare capacity across the season
and site has the ability to sustain 1 match
equivalent at peak time in theory. In
practice the current condition of the pitch
is likely to preclude league based activity.
Site has only sustained three games during
2017 and therefore currently has a limited
role in cricket in the borough.
Market Bosworth
Sports
Club/Bosworth CC
1 Weeds and funghi on
outfield, vertidraining has
taken place but field is
poor. Requires reseeding.
No training nets or non turf
wickets
4.4 10 5.6 0 Small club site with spare capacity across
the season but no remaining scope for
more teams at peak time as club
accommodates team displaced from
Warwickshire. New pavilion and pitch
quality reasonable, but site suffers from
sharing with football as well as unofficial
use. Outfield demonstrates signs of weeds
and funghi, highlighting a need for
improved maintenance and training
facilities are also required.
Ratby Sports Club
1 Damage to square and
square was uneven which
may impact ball flight.
6.5 8 1.46 0 Site with limited spare capacity and no
remaining opportunities available at peak
time. There is no non turf wicket to support
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 41
Sit
e N
am
e
No
. p
itch
es
Key F
acil
ity
Gap
s /
Pri
ori
ties
To
tal
Nu
mb
er
of
Str
ips
Req
uir
ed
to
Acco
mm
od
ate
dem
an
d
No
. g
rass
wic
kets
Ad
eq
uacy o
f
Wic
kets
(Am
ou
nt
of
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y)
Matc
h
Eq
uiv
ale
nts
avail
ab
le a
t
peak
tim
e
Co
mm
en
ts
Outfield also uneven with
some weeds. No non turf
wicket
junior development and quality issues
highlighted with both the outfield and the
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.
Stapleton Village
CC
1 No non turf wicket or nets.
Pavilion needs updating.
Molehills encroaching
towards pavilion
4.4 6 1.6 0 Small square impacts potential of site but
small amount of spare capacity remaining
across the season. No further scope at
peak time. Site is basic with no non turf
wicket or nets and a pavilion with only
basic specification. Molehills starting to
encroach towards the pitch.
Stoke Golding
Recreation Ground
1 No non turf wicket or
practice nets. Some bare
patches on wicket, with
sloping outfield and trip
hazard from football lines.
4.4 6 1.6 0 No non turf wicket or practice nets. Some
bare patches on wicket, with sloping
outfield and trip hazard from football lines.
Club highlight need for increased
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
that no further demand could be
accommodated.
Swallows Green
1 No non turf wicket or
training nets. Pavilion
shabby, weeds in outfield
and fairy ring
4.4 6 1.6 0.5 Small square limits capacity of site, but one
additional team could be accommodated
and there is spare capacity at peak time.
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
training accommodation but this is not
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 42
Sit
e N
am
e
No
. p
itch
es
Key F
acil
ity
Gap
s /
Pri
ori
ties
To
tal
Nu
mb
er
of
Str
ips
Req
uir
ed
to
Acco
mm
od
ate
dem
an
d
No
. g
rass
wic
kets
Ad
eq
uacy o
f
Wic
kets
(Am
ou
nt
of
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y)
Matc
h
Eq
uiv
ale
nts
avail
ab
le a
t
peak
tim
e
Co
mm
en
ts
critical as the site currently functions as
overspill only.
Twycross CC
1 Lack of non turf wickets,
limited pavilion facilities
6 11 5 0 Scope to increase the amount of play
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
currently available.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 43
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
number of adult teams that
could be accommodated)
Sites with Spare Capacity to
accommodate at least one
additional adult team across the
season (2 strips or more)
Spare
Capacity at
Peak Time
Sites with
Peak Time
Spare
Capacity
Hinckley and
Burbage
23 strips, 17 additional adult
teams
Burbage CC (4 teams), Hinckley
Town CC (5 teams), Langdale Park
(5 teams), Swallows Green (1
team), Hinckley Amateurs (1 team)
1.5 match
equivalents
Swallows
Green,
Langdale
Park
Northern
Parishes
19 strips, 14 additional adult
teams
Market Bosworth Sports Club (4
teams), Jubilee Playing Fields (3
teams), Twycross CC (4 teams).
Ratby Sports Club, Stapleton
Village CC and Stoke Golding
Recreation Ground (all one team)
Higham on the
Hill (0.5 match
equivalents)
N/a
Boroughwide
total
38 strips, 30 additional adult
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 44
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 45
Table 4.7: Impact of Changes to the Population Profile
Sport and Age
Groups
Number
of Teams Current
population
in age
group
within the
area
Current
TGR
Future
population
in age
group
within the
area (2036)
Change in
population
Potential
Change in
Team
Numbers
in Age
Group
(Number
of Teams)
Cricket Open Age
Mens (18-55yrs)
31 25742 830 25839 97 0.1
Cricket Open Age
Womens (18-55yrs)
0 25742 0 25839 97 0
Cricket Junior Boys
(7-18yrs)
17 6573 387 7403 830 2.1
Cricket Junior Girls
(7-18yrs)
0 6573 0 7403 830 0
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
and inspiring the next generation
of players, coaches, officials and
volunteers
Growing clubs and leagues
(including investing in support
roles and development tools to
simplify club and league
Number of people playing
cricket
Number of U16 playing
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 46
Objectives Delivery Mechanisms Outcomes
management
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.
cricket.
Deliver winning teams that inspire
and excite through on-field
performance and off-field
behaviour.
Pathway for talented players
Supporting talented teams
Working with elite teams
Focusing on clear plans for
success in England teams
Performances in World Cups
and International Test Series.
Consistent and clearly defined
county pathways.
Create inspired fans Fan focused - improve fan
experience and engage with club
members to understand needs
New fans - attract a new audience
Global Stage - maximise
opportunities from hosting global
events
Broadcast and digital - seek to
improve to attract new and
enhance experience for existing
fans.
The number of people who
have an interest in cricket.
The number of U16 who
attend cricket matches.
We will make decisions in the best
interests of the game and use the
power of cricket to make a positive
difference.
Integrity - promote and adopt
best practice standards of
governance
Community programmes - to
make a positive difference
Environment - work to promote
environmental sustainability
One plan - develop local
strategies seeking to deliver the
Coordinated local plans.
The number of people that
benefit from community
programmes.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 47
Objectives Delivery Mechanisms Outcomes
national plan.
Strong finance and operations -
Deliver winning teams that inspire
and excite through on-field
performance and off-field
behaviour.
People - support and recognise
the roles of volunteers and staff
within the game
Revenue and reach - build
stronger revenue streams and
commercial partners
Insight - invest in improving
understanding of how people
engage with cricket
Operations - deliver efficient and
response administration.
Financial sustainability of
cricket.
Investment in delivery of
strategy.
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 48
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 49
Table 4.9: Adequacy of Provision to Meet Aspirations for growth. S
ite n
o
Sit
e N
am
e
Ad
eq
uacy o
f
Wic
kets
(Am
ou
nt
of
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y)
Matc
h
Eq
uiv
ale
nts
avail
ab
le a
t
peak
tim
e
Ad
dit
ion
al
Ad
ult
team
s
Gro
wth
Asp
irati
on
s
Nu
mb
er
of
ad
dit
ion
al
gam
es
req
uir
ed
Co
mm
en
t
Northern Parishes
Alans way/Newbold Vernon CC
5.17142857 0 4 Growth Aspirations can be
sustained
Northern Parishes
Barwell Sports and social club
3.02857143 0 2 Growth Aspirations can be
sustained
Northern Parishes
Keats Lane /Earl Shilton CC
8.08571429 0 6 3 youth 18 Growth Aspirations can be
sustained
Northern Parishes
Higham on the Hill
4.8 0.5 3 Growth Aspirations can be
sustained
Urban Area Ashby Road/Hinckley Amateurs
CC
1.54285714 0 1 Growth Aspirations can be
sustained
Urban Area
Hinckley Road Recreation
Ground
5.6 0 4 1 youth by 2019
and further to build
section
6 Growth Aspirations can be
sustained
Urban Area Hinckley Sports and
Social/Hinckley Town CC
7.45714286 0 5 Growth Aspirations can be
sustained
Northern Parishes Jubilee Playing Fields / Altar
Playing Fields Markfield
4.6 0 3 Growth Aspirations can be
sustained
Urban Area
Langdale Park
7.4 1 5 Growth Aspirations can be
sustained
Northern Parishes Market Bosworth Sports
Club/Bosworth CC
5.6 0 4 Growth Aspirations can be
sustained
Northern Parishes
Ratby Sports Club
1.45714286 0 1 Growth Aspirations can be
sustained
Northern Parishes
Stapleton Village CC
1.6 0 1 Growth Aspirations can be
sustained
Northern Parishes Stoke Golding Recreation
Ground
1.6 0 1 Growth Aspirations can be
sustained
Urban Area
Swallows Green
1.6 0.5 1 Growth Aspirations can be
sustained
Northern Parishes Twycross CC 5 0 4 Growth Aspirations can be
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 50
sustained
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 51
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).
5: Bowls
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 52
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
Site
Ownership /
Management
Number of
Greens
Club Name Sub Area
Bridge Road / Rugby
Road
Owned and managed
by Burbage Parish
Council 1
Burbage Crusaders /
Burgess Bowls Club
Hinckley /
Burbage
urban area
Burbage
Constitutional Burbage Constitutional
Bowls Club 1
Burbage
Constitutional Bowls
Club
Hinckley /
Burbage
urban area
Hinckley Bowling Club Owned and managed
by Hinckley Bowls Club 1 Hinckley Bowls Club
Hinckley /
Burbage
urban area
Hollycroft Park Hinckley and Bosworth
Borough Council 1
Hollycroft Park Bowls
Club
Hinckley Ladies Bowls
Club
Hinckley /
Burbage
urban area
Bagworth Bowling
Club
Leased by club from
Parish Council.
Maintained by Club 1
Bagworth Bowls Club
Northern
Parishes
Barlestone Bowling
Green
Owned and managed
by Barlestone Bowls
Club 1
Barlestone Bowls
Club
Northern
Parishes
Barwell Bowls Club
Barwell Sports Club 1
Barwell Bowls Club
Northern
Parishes
Sport in Desford
Sport in Desford 1 Desford Bowls Club
Northern
Parishes
Kingscroft Bowls Club
Owned and managed
by Kingscroft Bowls
Club
1
Kingscroft Bowls Club
Northern
Parishes
Market Bosworth
Bowling Green
Owned by Club
Trustees, maintained
by club 1
Market Bosworth
Bowls Club
Northern
Parishes
Sweetpea Bowling
Green
Green owned by TTG
Inns Ltd. Buildings
owned by club.
Facilities managed by
club 1
Sweet Pea Bowls Club
Hinckley /
Burbage
Urban Area
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 53
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)
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 54
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 55
(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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 56
Table 5.2: Quality of bowling greens
Site Name Quality
Rating
Site Visit
(%)
Site Visit Comments Club Perception
Bagworth
Bowling Club
Standard
71% (75%
condition
of green
only)
Astroturf ditches and gutters,
mainly flat but some bits are
uneven. Tidy edges and paths
Some moss and weeds in sward.
Maintained by club who
don’t believe they have
appropriate skills as most
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
increased and so they
wish to expand their own
pavilion in order to
accommodate teas on
site.
Barlestone
Bowling
Green
Standard
76% (70%
condition
of green
only)
Limited private parking, good
sized bowling pavilion with good
facilities, the gutters are astro-
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
weeds in sward.
Improvements recently seen to
green.
Green in good condition
with a strong volunteer
base.
Barwell Bowls
Club
Standard
74% (75%
condition
of green
only)
Green showing moss and
thatching, worm casts and being
swished at time of visit. Sloping
green.
Tidy site. Rubber crumb and
timber gutters.
Adjacent to indoor green but
limited existing relationship.
Lack of disabled facilities but site
includes bar.
Grass cover good and
playing surface
acceptable however
surrounding paths are
poor. There is a
pronounced slope from
the cricket pitch towards
the road which affects the
bowling. Overall green
and pavilion considered
acceptable.
Bridge Road /
Rugby Road
Poor
57% (50%
condition
of green
only)
Green has fusarium and there are
some areas that have been filled
with black powder soot. Astro
sides and rubber gutter. The
paths are quite narrow in places
so bare patches on one edge.
Green slopes away.
The pavilion is quite big and with
Poor playing surface and
paths, grooves and ridges
deflect bowls. Bare
patches and issues with
maintenance around
edges of green (since
been addressed and a six
month improvement plan
has been implemented
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 57
Site Name Quality
Rating
Site Visit
(%)
Site Visit Comments Club Perception
reasonable facilities including
disabled facilities. Poorest quality
facility overall.
Limited bar on occasion only.
This impacts sustainability.
on the green). Paths also
poor. Sprinkler system
recently failed. Perception
that specialist fine turf
maintenance is required.
Pavilion too small to
accommodate all players.
Clubhouse unheated and
accessed over rough
ground so can’t be use
for evening functions.
Burbage
Constitutional
Standard
79% (85%
condition
of green
only)
Some weed on the green and
some of the paths are narrow,
some thatching. Roadside
parking only which is particularly
problematic when games clash
with church activities.
Smaller green that can be played
in one direction only - narrow.
No disabled access.
Club accesses constitutional club
for bar.
Green adequate with
acceptable playing
surface. Poor car parking
- ask visiting clubs to
share transport.
Maintained by club
groundsman
Sport in
Desford
Poor -
Standard
81% (80%
condition
of green
only)
Bowling green part of wider
community leisure centre.
Standard condition apart from
some damage to the surface
/bear patches. The site is tidy.
Some recent issues with
maintenance later in the season.
Requires specialist maintenance.
Green also suffers from water
retention
The pavilion is in excellent
condition. Club have access to
own room with teas and bar as
well as Sport in Desford facilities.
Located on edge of
village meaning car
ownership is essential.
Green surface is not level
and is being slowly
levelled by additional top
soil each year. Slowly
improving but playing
surface currently poor.
Hinckley
Bowling Club
Standard
- good
79% (80%
condition
of green
only)
Green usually in good condition
but recent issues identified.
Bowling green has had fusarium
hence the patches where it has
been treated. Thatching on the
green, good facilities in a
residential location. Astro turf
sides and rubber gutters.
Generally tidy site. Roadside
parking only
Good but members that
maintain site are growing
older and there is a need
for outside help to
continue to keep it at its
best. Good green and
comfortable clubhouse
including access for
wheelchairs and
spectators with good
viewing facilities.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 58
Site Name Quality
Rating
Site Visit
(%)
Site Visit Comments Club Perception
Hollycroft
Park
Standard
81% (80%
condition
of green
only)
Well kept bowling green in green
flag park. The gutters are rubber
and astroturf. There are some
weeds in the green and some
thatching. Car park some
distance from green.
Changing pavilion and toilets
adequate.
Green not fenced off.
Occasional problems with
green and playing
surface. Some issues with
bare patches and fall
away at end of rinks but
adequate overall. Pavilion
too small and has
cleanliness issues. In need
of refurbishment. Club
also does not have sole
use of pavilion and toilets
must be accessed via the
changing room. Car park
location poor in relation
to bowling green and
bowlers struggle to walk
equipment up the hill.
Kingscroft
Bowls Club
Good
81% (90%
condition
of green
only)
Bowling green had refurb in
2016 with complete reseed. In
remarkable condition,
considering. Well supported
club, tidy well-kept site in
excellent condition.
Routine maintenance
done by volunteers with
little professional skills or
training. Out of season
maintenance by specialist
contractor expensive but
necessary to retain
surface. Car park surface
is poor and in need of
replacement.
Market
Bosworth
Bowling
Green
Standard
86% (85%
condition
of green
only)
Tidy site in relatively quiet area.
Very tidy site with astro turf and
rubber gutters. Poorly drained.
Some moss and grass in sward.
Roadside parking only.
Green not square so can only be
played in one direction.
Green in good condition.
Poor parking.
Sweetpea
Bowling
Green
Standard
76%
Bowling green to rear of pub,
buildings owned by Club. Part of
the pub has been burned down.
The green has just been spiked
which is good as it may reduce
the thatching to the green
Rubber crumb gutters astro
sides. Tidy but shabby site, needs
updating. Some thatch in the
grass sward.
Wooden pavilion of own and
includes bar and kitchen.
Green in good condition
although lack of
automatic watering
system means it is
difficult to maintain
surface in dry periods. On
site pub currently closed
due to fire, club
maintenance is restricted
due to funds and
necessary fees under
terms of lease.
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 59
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 60
Map 5.1: Bowling greens in Hinckley and Bosworth
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 61
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 62
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
Site
Club Name Club Playing
Membership
Recent
Trends
Sub Area
Bagworth
Bowling Club Bagworth Bowls Club
30 (all senior) Increased Northern
Parishes
Barlestone
Bowling Green
Barlestone Bowls
Club
37 (all senior) Decreased
(lost players to
other clubs)
Northern
Parishes
Barwell Bowls
Club Barwell Bowls Club
39 (provided
by LRBA)
Northern
Parishes
Bridge Road /
Rugby Road
Burbage Crusaders /
Burgess Bowls Club
Burbage
Crusaders - 31
(all senior)
Increased Hinckley /
Burbage
urban area
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 63
Site
Club Name Club Playing
Membership
Recent
Trends
Sub Area
Burgess Bowls
Club - 30 (All
senior)
Burbage
Constitutional
Burbage
Constitutional Bowls
Club
44 (provided
by LRBA)
Static Hinckley /
Burbage
urban area
Sport in Desford
Desford Bowls Club
30 (all senior) Increased Northern
Parishes
Hinckley Bowling
Club
Hinckley Bowls Club
90 (all senior) Decreased
(natural
causes)
Hinckley /
Burbage
urban area
Hollycroft Park
Hollycroft Park Bowls
Club
Hinckley Ladies
41 (all senior)
16 (all senior)
Decreased
(natural
causes)
Hinckley /
Burbage
urban area
Kingscroft Bowls
Club Kingscroft Bowls Club
90 (includes 1
youth)
Static Northern
Parishes
Market Bosworth
Bowling Green
Market Bosworth
Bowls Club
67 (includes 2
youth)
Static Northern
Parishes
Sweetpea
Bowling Green Sweet Pea Bowls Club
39 (includes 2
youth)
Static Northern
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 64
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 65
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 66
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;
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 67
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;
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 68
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 69
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
Green
Number
of
Greens
Membership
Per Green
Number
of Rinks
Number
of
Members
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 70
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
of
Greens
Membership
Per Green
Number
of Rinks
Number
of
Members
Per Rink
Urban 5 58.2 28 8.07
Northern
Parishes 6 48.8 36
8.13
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 71
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
Number of People Aged
55+ 38430
49153
Proportion of the
Population 34.9%
44.4%
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
Area considered Current Participation (Known Club
Membership)
Active People Survey
Current Population Aged 38430 38430
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 72
55+
Participation in Bowls 584 893 + 201 potential
% of Current Population
Participating in Bowls 1.6%
2.88%
Future Situation (2036)
Future Population aged
55+ 49153
49153
Assumed Future
Participation in Bowls
(participation remains
constant)
1.6%
2.88%
Potential Future
Participants in Bowls 786
1415
Change (2017 - 2036) +202
+321
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 73
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.
6: Tennis
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 74
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 75
Table 6.2: Tennis courts in Hinckley and Bosworth
Site Name
Area Facility
Type
Number
of
Courts
Number
of Floodlit
courts
Access Arrangements
Playing Fields,
Alans Way,
Newbold
Vernon
Northern
Parishes Park 2 Public facility managed by Parish
Council. Full access.
Market
Bosworth
Tennis Club
Northern
Parishes Club 6 6
Club facility located on site of Dixie
Grammar School. Club allow pay and
play and groups can use facilities by
arrangement.
Hollycroft Park
Tennis Courts
Urban
Area Park 2 0 Public facility managed by Hinckley
and Bosworth Borough Council.
Hinckley
Academy /
John Cleveland
Tennis Courts
Urban
Area School 4
Lettings to local clubs and
independent groups managed by
school. Website includes list of prices
including tennis courts.
Heath Lane
Academy
(formerly
William
Bradford
Community
College)
Northern
Parishes
School 8
Community use agreement in place.
Website provides costs for some
activities although tennis courts are
not detailed within this and
availability is not actively promoted.
Hinckley Sports
Club / Hinckley
Town Tennis
Club
Urban
Area Club 4 4
Club facility. Club allow pay and play
and groups can use facilities by
arrangement.
Sport in
Desford Tennis
Courts
Northern
Parishes Club 3 3 Club facility. Pay and play for none
members permitted.
Hastings High
School -
Burbage
Urban
Area School 6
Other facilities on site are rented out
to groups. Potential access to tennis
courts and website confirms that
facilities are accessible to the
community.
Spindles Health
and Leisure
Centre (Market
Bosworth Hall)
Northern
Parishes Private
Health
Club
2 Accessible to club members only.
Redmoor
Academy
Urban
Area School 3 3
Community use agreement - site
used as overspill facility for Hinckley
Tennis Club. Website confirms that
access is available to facilities.
South
Charnwood
High School
Northern
Parishes School 4 0 No formal agreement but site
managed manages bookings. There
is capacity to increase usage.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 76
Site Name
Area Facility
Type
Number
of
Courts
Number
of Floodlit
courts
Access Arrangements
Brookvale /
Groby Learning
Campus
Northern
Parish School 4 0
School indicate formal agreement is
in place. Website clearly offers
lettings of facilities but does not
provide costs for tennis courts.
Market Bosworth
School
Northern
Parishes School 4 0
Other facilities on site are rented out
to groups and tennis courts are
available. School website includes
lettings policy which specifically
references costs for tennis courts.
St Martins
Catholic
Academy
Northern
Parishes School 2
0
Community use available and tennis
courts are currently used by the
public. Old lettings policy is available
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 77
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
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).
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1
Avera
ge P
erc
en
tag
e S
co
re a
ch
ieved
Quality Criteria
Quality of Tennis Courts across HInckley and Bosworth
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 78
Table 6.3: Quality of Tennis Courts across Hinckley and Bosworth
Site Name Site
Type
Number
of
Courts
Site
Visit
Score
Site Visit Comment Club / Provider Comments Rating
Playing Fields,
Alans Way,
Newbold
Vernon
Former
Courts
2 44% Unsuitable for use, markings virtually
not visible for tennis.
Tennis courts located on all weather pitch. Quality of
surface is average to poor and has declined in recent
years. All weather facility is now over 15 years old and
requires refurbishment within the next 2 years. It is
however regularly maintained to a 6 month schedule. Poor
Market
Bosworth
Tennis Club
Club
6 85%
Good facility with patio seating area for
spectators. All courts in good condition.
Part of school playing field site.
Facilities good. 3 tarmac courts repainted and 3 courts
resurfaced with artificial grass in last 3 years. All
components of site are good - high quality facilities. Good
Hollycroft Park
Tennis Courts Park 2 85%
Courts newly refurbished and only
opened August 2017. New fencing and
equipment also of high quality.
Courts updated 2017 to provide strong park facility.
Supported by routine maintenance. Major refurbishment
2008. No floodlights provided and park closes at dusk
meaning that floodlighting would have limited
opportunity. Good
Rugby Road
Tennis Court,
Burbage Former
Courts 0 0%
Patch of tarmac with very faint lines.
Site becoming overgrown and fencing
is in disrepair. Would require
reinstatement works before use.
None received. No evidence of site being maintained for
tennis any more. Poor
Hinckley
Academy /
John Cleveland
Tennis Courts School 4 65%
Courts in sets of two, standard quality.
Playing surface adequate, line markings
clear but fading in part. One of the only
school sites where courts are not
overmarked.
Quality good overall, no sinking fund in place for repairs,
basic maintenance undertaken only. Standard
William
Bradford
Community
College Tennis
Courts School 8 65%
Four courts are overmarked, others
appear not to be used for tennis
currently. Facilities vary in quality
between standard and poor.
Quality good, maintained by external company. Level
surfaces.
Standard
/ Poor
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 79
Site Name Site
Type
Number
of
Courts
Site
Visit
Score
Site Visit Comment Club / Provider Comments Rating
Hinckley Sports
Club / Hinckley
Town Tennis
Club Club 4 79%
All courts good and floodlit. Tennis
facilities part of wider large site
dedicated to sport. Paths would benefit
from improvement.
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,
and changing facilities, clubhouse, car parking and
storage all poor. Floodlighting was installed on all courts
in December 2014 which has brought significant benefits
to the club. General painting and refurbishment of the
premises is carried out by volunteers. Good
Sport in
Desford Tennis
Courts Club 3 91%
Excellent facilities part of larger sports
complex. Paths would benefit from
improvement but all courts good and
floodlit.
Facilities in acceptable condition but line markings
require investment. All courts soon to be patched and
sealed and court surface viewed as key priority for
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
Centre (Market
Bosworth Hall)
Private
Health
Club 2 0%
Courts standard quality but only
accessible to hotel guests and / or
leisure club members. Standard
Redmoor
Academy School 3 68%
Overmarked with lines for other sports
but clear overall. Reasonable surface. All
three courts are floodlit.
Standard quality facilities, changing accommodation
good. Standard
South
Charnwood
High School School 4 53% Overmarked with netball. Lines clear but
fading in parts.
Tennis courts are in poor condition overall, changing
accommodation is good.
Standard
- poor
Brookvale /
Groby Learning
Campus School 4 65%
Clearly defined line markings, playing
surface acceptable. Overmarked with
netball. Facilities in good condition. Standard
Market Bosworth
School School 4 0%
Not accessible at time of site visit. No.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 80
Site Name Site
Type
Number
of
Courts
Site
Visit
Score
Site Visit Comment Club / Provider Comments Rating
St Martins
Catholic Academy 0% Courts overmarked with other sports.
Limited scope for use currently.
Tennis courts poor and unusable at times. School identify
refurbishment as key priority. Poor
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 81
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 82
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 83
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 84
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 85
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 86
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
Club Name Activities Available Membership
Numbers
Participation
Trends
Comments on Participation and
Perceived Issues
Hinckley
Tennis Club
Competitive Play
(club ran 22 adult
and 24 junior teams
in last years LTA
leagues), 2/3
sessions a week of
social play, full
coaching
programme, mini
tennis, tots tennis,
cardio tennis (2
sessions per week),
weekly touch tennis,
coaching for the
disabled (one
session a week).
Club also worked on
a free of charge
basis to go into
special needs
school.
188 total
active playing
members (103
senior, 85
junior). 6 non
playing
members.
Increased
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,
which has attracted players and the
club have a well-respected coach
which has led to increases in club
membership.
Club do not have issues attracting
members but have aspirations to
expand the club which would mean
relocation (due to lack of on site
opportunities). Club currently
struggling for capacity on existing
site.
Club believe that dearth of facilities
within Hinckley impacts tennis
development - club hire secondary
venue at Redmoor Academy to
service all of their matches and
provide more social tennis.
Key issues identified as amount of
club courts and amount of public
courts. Club also believe that public
courts are expensive to hire.
Market
Bosworth
Tennis Club
Competitive play,
casual play, daily
junior coaching and
twice per week
adult coaching, 3 x
191 total
active playing
members (86
senior, 80
junior). 13
Static
Club highlight rural location as key
barrier to recruitment - there is a low
density of local players. Would like to
invest in access system to allow more
pay and play access to entice new
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 87
Club Name Activities Available Membership
Numbers
Participation
Trends
Comments on Participation and
Perceived Issues
mini coaching per
week and cardio
tennis 1 per week.
Club also run fun
social tournaments.
non-playing
members.
members. Shortage of volunteers
and coaches also impacts
development and club has capacity
for more members.
Sport in
Desford
Competitive play,
casual play,
coaching, mini
tennis from age 4
and cardio tennis.
Club also runs
inclusive tennis
programme.
126 total
active playing
members (60
senior, 66
junior).
Static
Club believe that court quality and
cost of travelling to compete, as well
as internal / external funding impact
upon club development.
Club prioritise improvements to their
courts to ensure that participation is
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 88
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 89
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 90
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
Club Membership
Numbers
Number
of
Courts
Number
of
Floodlit
Courts
Total
Capacity
Spare
Capacity Comment
Hinckley
Tennis
Club
188 4 4 240 52
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.
There is no capacity within the
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.
Market
Bosworth
Tennis
Club
191 6 6 360 169
Scope for further membership and
club are keen to engage with new
players.
Club seeking to introduce pay and
play access systems to increase use of
facilities and to develop tennis at a
grass roots level
Sport in
Desford 126 3 3 180 54
Scope for further membership and
club are keen to engage with new
players.
Club prioritising quality improvements
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;
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 91
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 92
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.
7: Golf
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 93
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).
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 94
Map 7.1: Location of golf facilities in Hinckley & Bosworth
Table 7.1: Golf Courses in Hinckley and Bosworth
Site Name Facility
sub type
Holes/bays Length m Access Ownership/
management
Year Built
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
CENTRE
Driving
Range 26 228.6 Pay and Play Commercial 1991
Total 1 range 26
7.5 There are no par 3 courses in Hinckley & Bosworth.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 95
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
(in mins)
Holes Length
m
Access Ownership/
management
Year
Built/
refurb
Local
Authority
HINCKLEY GOLF CLUB
LTD 2.5-5 18 5920.74 Pay and Play Commercial 1894
Hinckley and
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
CLUB 10-15 18 5757.98
Registered
Membership use Sports Club
1905/
2015
Nuneaton and
Bedworth
ULLESTHORPE COURT
HOTEL & GOLF CLUB 10-15 18 6091.73 Pay and Play Commercial 1976 Harborough
ATHERSTONE GOLF
CLUB 15-20 18 5502.86 Pay and Play Sports Club 1894
North
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
ENDERBY LEISURE
AND GOLF CENTRE 15-20 9 2651.76 Pay and Play
Local
Authority/com
mercial 1984 Blaby
KIRBY MUXLOE GOLF
CLUB 15-20 18 5737.86 Pay and Play
Sports Club/
commercial 1893 Blaby
LUTTERWORTH GOLF
CLUB 15-20 18 5708.6
Sports Club /
Community
Association Sports Club 1904 Harborough
WHETSTONE GOLF
CLUB 15-20 18 5652.82 Pay and Play Sports Club 1960 Blaby
Total 0-20
13
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
mins)
Holes Length
m
Access Ownership/
management
Year
Built/
refurb
Local
Authority
ANSTY GOLF CLUB 10-15 9 868.68
Pay and
Play Commercial 1990 Rugby
THE LUKE MELLING
GOLF ACADEMY 15-20 9 997
Pay and
Play Commercial 1990
Nuneaton
and
Bedworth
Total 2 courses 18
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 96
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
mins)
Bays Floodli
t
Access Ownership/
management
Year
Built
Local
Authority
ANSTY GOLF CLUB 10-15 18 No
Pay and
Play Commercial 1990 Rugby
BRAMCOTE DRIVING
RANGE 10-15 26 Yes
Pay and
Play Commercial 1994 Rugby
COSBY GOLF CLUB 15-20 10 Yes
Pay and
Play Sports Club 2009 Blaby
THE LUKE MELLING GOLF
ACADEMY 15-20 30 Yes
Pay and
Play Commercial 1990
Nuneaton
and
Bedworth
WHETSTONE GOLF CLUB 15-20 30 No
Pay and
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 97
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
use is by members but with green fees available
for visitors
Hinckley GC
Proprietary/commercial courses (i.e. newer
courses), including hotel resorts, where
membership is available, but casual/pay and play
access through payment of green fees are
equally acceptable
Forest Hill G & CC
Public/municipal pay and play courses
None
Starter clubs, with shorter courses, academy
courses, practice facilities, flexible and low cost
membership and beginner friendly culture
None
Pitch and putt/par 3 and 9-hole facilities, ideal
for beginner and social golf
None
Free standing Golf Driving Ranges, valuable for
practice, coaching and teaching and for golfers
without the time to play a full round, and
supplementing GDRs at other golf
centres/courses
None
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 98
Table 7.5: Standard courses
Site Name Range (in
mins)
Holes Length
m
Access Ownership/
management
Year
Built
Local Authority
CITY OF COVENTRY
BRANDON WOOD
GOLF COURSE
20-25 18 5942.69 Pay and Play Local
Authority/Trus
t
1977 Rugby
COVENTRY GOLF
CLUB
20-25 18 6025.9 Sports Club /
Community
Association
Sports Club 1887 Warwick
COVENTRY HEARSALL
GOLF CLUB
20-25 18 5853.07 Sports Club /
Community
Association
Sports Club 1909 Coventry
FOREST HILL GOLF &
CONFERENCE
CENTRE
20-25 18 5934.46 Pay and Play Commercial 1991 Hinckley and
Bosworth
KILWORTH SPRINGS
GOLF CLUB
20-25 18 5934.46 Pay and Play Sports Club 1993 Harborough
OAKRIDGE GOLF
CLUB
20-25 18 5676.6 Pay and Play Commercial 1992 North Warwickshire
RUGBY GOLF CLUB 20-25 18 5133.44 Pay and Play Commercial 1891 Rugby
STONELEIGH DEER
PARK GOLF CLUB
20-25 18 5537.61 Pay and Play Sports Club 1993 Warwick
WHITEFIELDS GOLF
CLUB AND
DRAYCOTE HOTEL
20-25 18 5750.66 Pay and Play Commercial 1992 Rugby
BEEDLES LAKE GOLF
CENTRE
25-30 18 6072.53 Pay and Play Commercial 1993 Charnwood
BILTON GRANGE
SCHOOL
25-30 9 800 Sports Club /
Community
Association
Other
Independent
School/Trust
1985 Rugby
BIRSTALL GOLF CLUB 25-30 18 5698.54 Registered
Membership use
Sports Club 1901 Leicester
DRAYTON PARK
GOLF CLUB
25-30 18 5919.83 Pay and Play Sports Club 1897 Lichfield
GLEN GORSE GOLF
CLUB
25-30 18 6078.93 Pay and Play Sports Club 1933 Oadby and Wigston
HERMITAGE LEISURE
CENTRE
25-30 9 1696.21 Pay and Play Local Authority 1967 North West
Leicestershire
HUMBERSTONE
HEIGHTS GOLF CLUB
25-30 18 5683.91 Pay and Play Local Authority 1977 Leicester
LEA MARSTON HOTEL
& LEISURE COMPLEX
25-30 9 1878.18 Pay and Play Commercial 2002 North Warwickshire
LEICESTERSHIRE GOLF
CLUB
25-30 18 5787.24 Pay and Play Sports Club 1890 Leicester
LINGDALE GOLF CLUB 25-30 18 5908.85 Pay and Play Sports Club 1967 Charnwood
LONGCLIFFE GOLF
CLUB
25-30 18 6057.9 Registered
Membership use
Sports Club 1906 Charnwood
MARRIOTT LEISURE &
COUNTRY CLUB
(FOREST OF ARDEN)
25-30 18 6583.68 Pay and Play Commercial 1978 North Warwickshire
MARRIOTT LEISURE &
COUNTRY CLUB
25-30 18 5304.43 Pay and Play Commercial 1987 North Warwickshire
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 99
Site Name Range (in
mins)
Holes Length
m
Access Ownership/
management
Year
Built
Local Authority
(FOREST OF ARDEN)
MAXSTOKE PARK
GOLF CLUB
25-30 18 5868.62 Pay and Play Sports Club 1945 North Warwickshire
NORTH
WARWICKSHIRE
GOLF CLUB LTD
25-30 9 2914.19 Pay and Play Commercial 1894 Solihull
ROTHLEY PARK GOLF
CLUB
25-30 18 5944.51 Sports Club /
Community
Association
Sports Club 1912 Charnwood
STONEBRIDGE GOLF
CENTRE
25-30 18 5125.21 Pay and Play Commercial 1996 North Warwickshire
STONEBRIDGE GOLF
CENTRE
25-30 9 3032.15 Pay and Play Commercial 2007 North Warwickshire
THE BELFRY CLUB 25-30 18 6148.43 Registered
Membership use
Commercial 1997 North Warwickshire
THE BELFRY CLUB 25-30 18 6003.95 Registered
Membership use
Commercial 1997 North Warwickshire
THE BELFRY CLUB 25-30 18 5494.63 Registered
Membership use
Commercial 1975 North Warwickshire
THE WARWICKSHIRE
GOLF AND COUNTRY
CLUB
25-30 18 6237.12 Pay and Play Commercial 1994 Warwick
THE WARWICKSHIRE
GOLF AND COUNTRY
CLUB
25-30 18 6499.56 Pay and Play Commercial 1994 Warwick
WINDMILL VILLAGE
HOTEL AND GOLF
CLUB
25-30 18 4740.25 Pay and Play Commercial 1990 Coventry
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
(in
mins)
Holes Length
m
Access Ownership/
management
Year
Built
Local
Authority
STONELEIGH DEER
PARK GOLF CLUB 20-25 9 1143.91
Pay and
Play Sports Club 1993 Warwick
ALLESLEY HALL GOLF
COURSE 25-30 18 1828.8
Pay and
Play
Local Authority/in
house 1984 Coventry
BEEDLES LAKE GOLF
CENTRE 25-30 9 3411
Pay and
Play Commercial n/a Charnwood
HUMBERSTONE
HEIGHTS GOLF CLUB 25-30 9 576.07
Pay and
Play
Local Authority/in
house n/a Leicester
LEA MARSTON HOTEL
& LEISURE COMPLEX 25-30 9 708.66
Pay and
Play Commercial 1990
North
Warwickshire
THE WARWICKSHIRE
GOLF AND COUNTRY 25-30 9 2578.61
Pay and
Play Commercial 1994 Warwick
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 100
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
(in mins)
Bays Floodlit Access Ownership/
management
Year
Built
Local
Authority
CITY OF COVENTRY
BRANDON WOOD
GOLF COURSE 20-25 11 Yes Pay and Play Local Authority/Trust 1977 Rugby
FOREST HILL GOLF &
CONFERENCE
CENTRE 20-25 26 Yes Pay and Play Commercial 1991
Hinckley and
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
GLEN GORSE GOLF
CLUB 25-30 8 No
Sports Club /
Community
Association Sports Club n/a
Oadby and
Wigston
HUMBERSTONE
HEIGHTS GOLF CLUB 25-30 30 Yes Pay and Play
Local Authority/in
house 1999 Leicester
LEA MARSTON
HOTEL & LEISURE
COMPLEX 25-30 25 Yes Pay and Play Commercial 1990
North
Warwickshire
MARRIOTT LEISURE
& COUNTRY CLUB
(FOREST OF ARDEN) 25-30 16 Yes Pay and Play Commercial 2002
North
Warwickshire
STONEBRIDGE GOLF
CENTRE 25-30 21 Yes Pay and Play Commercial 1996
North
Warwickshire
THE BELFRY CLUB 25-30 34 Yes
Registered
Membership
use Commercial 1975
North
Warwickshire
THE GOLF CENTRE 25-30 24 Yes Pay and Play Commercial 1994
North West
Leicestershire
THE WARWICKSHIRE
GOLF AND COUNTRY
CLUB 25-30 26 Yes Pay and Play Commercial 1994 Warwick
Total 20-30
14
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
CLUB
Total 20-30
6
courses 63
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 101
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 102
Table 7.8: Supply of Golf Courses within 30 Minute Drivetime of Hinckley
Catchment Standard
Courses
Holes Par 3
courses
Holes GDRs Bays
Facilities within Hinckley &
Bosworth
2 36 0 0 1 26
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
Hinckley & Bosworth)
46 747 8 81 19 418
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 103
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
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
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
Ranges Bays Population 2015 Bays per 1000
population
Hinckley & Bosworth 1 26 107,938 0.24
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 104
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
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 105
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 106
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 107
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)
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
2005/06
(APS1)
2007/0
8
(APS2)
2008/0
9
(APS3)
2009/1
0
(APS4)
2010/1
1
(APS5)
2011/1
2
(APS6)
2012/
13
(APS7
)
2013/1
4
(APS8)
2014/1
5
(APS9)
2015/16
(APS10)
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,
Leicestershire
and Rutland
2.54% 2.69% 1.91% 1.97% 1.83% 2.17% 2.06% 1.39% 2.70% 1.60%
Hinckley and
Bosworth
3.73% * * * * * * * * *
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 108
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
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
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 109
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 110
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 111
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.
8: Hockey
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 112
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
Maintenance
Community Access Suitability for Hockey
Brookvale Learning
Campus – Groby
Sand Filled Built 1997. Refurb circa 2012. .
Managed and maintained in
house with small sinking fund.
Yes Yes - sand filled
Hinckley Academy Sand Filled Built 2008. Managed in house,
basic repairs carried out as part
of maintenance. No sinking
fund
Yes Yes – sand filled
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 113
Site Surface Age / Management and
Maintenance
Community Access Suitability for Hockey
Dixie Grammar Sand Filled Built 2014. Managed in house,
basic repairs carried out as part
of maintenance. No sinking
fund
Yes Yes - sand filled
William Bradford
Academy (Heath Lane)
Sand Filled Refurbished 2015. No sinking
fund
Yes Yes - sand filled
Leicester Road
Stadium
3g Built 2006 Yes No - 3g pitch
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.
8: Hockey
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 114
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
– Groby
Sand Filled Standard Fully floodlit. Standard quality
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
(Heath Lane)
Sand Filled Standard to Good Standard to good. Floodlit and
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 115
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
Site Club Playing
at Venue Teams Pitch Usage
Participation Trends
Dixie Grammar
School
Hinckley
Hockey Club
Ashby Hockey
Club (displaced
from North
West
Leicestershire)
1 permanent
and ad hoc
usage from
second club
1.5 hours
training, 2
hours
competitive
activity every
other week.
Ad hoc
additional 1 – 2
hours on a
Saturday
Declining club membership, club
now struggling to field a team.
Since the initial data collection
took place, this club has folded.
Brookvale
Learning Campus
Mixed Hockey
Association -
Druck
Aadvarks,
Leicestershire
Hospitals (3)
5 3 -4.5 hours
each Saturday.
Some use for
training
midweek
Number of mixed hockey teams
in league declining, with the
number of teams in 2018 the
lowest since 1975 / 76. The
number of players in teams is
however thought to be static /
increasing.
Hinckley Academy None 0 None N/A
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 116
Site Club Playing
at Venue Teams Pitch Usage
Participation Trends
William Bradford
Academy
None 0 None N/A
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 117
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report
118
Table 8.4: Site Specific Usage
Sit
e
Pit
ch
Qu
ali
ty
Cu
rren
t C
arr
yin
g
Cap
acit
y f
or
Co
mm
un
ity U
se
Cu
rren
t C
om
mu
nit
y U
se
Avail
ab
ilit
y
Key I
ssu
es
an
d V
iew
s
Dixie
Grammar
School
Good -
Standard 21
3.5 hours
hockey.
Remainder
of use is
football
Able to
sustain
additional
play
Good quality hockey facility currently accommodating
training as part of the Single System as well as club based
activity (primarily overspill from North West Leicestershire).
The site is also heavily used for football. Scope to
accommodate a small amount of further play and limited
community use on a Sunday..
Brookvale
Learning
Campus
Standard 29
On average
3 -4 hours
per week
hockey
usage.
Able to
sustain
additional
play
Good quality hockey facility but heavily used for football
although there is some hockey use on a Saturday and
midweek for evening training sessions. Some slots available
for further play but generally outside of the most popular
training times. Site is perceived to be expensive by hockey
users and there are also concerns raised about the desire of
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.
Hinckley
Academy Standard 16
No hockey
usage.
Able to
sustain
additional
play
No use for hockey at all and facility is closed at a weekend
due to lack of demand. Used midweek for football training
William
Bradford
Academy
Good to
standard 34
No hockey
usage.
Able to
sustain
additional
play
Good quality pitch that is not used at all for hockey but
heavily used for football. School have aspirations to provide a
3g pitch.
Leicester City Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 119
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 120
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
Site Name
Capacity of full
sized sand based
pitches across
the borough at
peak time (match
equivalents)
Total Demand (Match
Equivalents)
Difference (Match
Equivalents)
Dixie Grammar 4 1 3
Brookvale Learning
Campus
4
1.5 2.5
William Bradford
Academy
4
0 4
Hinckley Academy 4 0 4
TOTAL 12 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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 121
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 122
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
Sport and Age
Groups
Number of
Teams
Current
population
in age
group
within the
area
Current
TGR
Population
2031
Change in
Number
of People
in Age
Group
Potential
Change
in Team
Numbers
by 2036
Senior Men (16-
55yrs)
0 (but
equivalent
3 taking
into
account
mixed) 26948
8983
26792 -156 0.0
Senior Women
(16-55yrs)
1 (but
equivalent
3 taking
into
account
mixed) 26948
8983
26792 -156 0.0
Junior Boys (11-
15yrs)
0
2941
0 3027
86 0.0
Junior Girls (11-
15yrs)
0
2941
0
3027 86 0.0
8.46 This means that trends based population changes would result in demands for hockey pitches
remaining static.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 123
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.
9: Rugby Union
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 124
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
Site
Facility Type
Total Rugby
Pitches
Number
of
Floodlit
Pitches
Level of
Community
Use
Sub Area
Hinckley
Academy
School -
Academy site 2
0 Unsecured Hinckley
Hinckley Rugby
Club
Club
4 and 5 midi
2.5 Secured Hinckley and
Burbage
Burbage Rugby
Club
Parish Council
owned site 1
0 Secured Hinckley and
Burbage
Hastings High
School
School -
Academy site 2
0 Unsecured Hinckley and
Burbage
Redmoor
Academy
School -
Academy site 1
0 Unsecured Hinckley and
Burbage
Market Bosworth
Rugby Club
Club
5
1 Secured Northern
Parishes
Brookvale
Learning Campus
School -
Academy site 2
0 Unsecured Northern
Parishes
South
Charnwood High
School
School -
Academy site 1
0 Unsecured Northern
Parishes
St Martins
Catholic
Academy
School -
Academy site 1
0 Unsecured Northern
Parishes
Market Bosworth
School
School -
Academy site 2
0 Unsecured Northern
Parishes
Bosworth School -
Academy site 1
0 Unsecured Northern
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 125
Site
Facility Type
Total Rugby
Pitches
Number
of
Floodlit
Pitches
Level of
Community
Use
Sub Area
Academy Parishes
Dixie Grammar
School
School -
Academy site 1
0 Unsecured Northern
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 126
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 127
Table 9.2: Quality of Sites in Hinckley and Bosworth
Site Total Rugby Pitches
Maintenance Rating Quality Comments
Hinckley Academy 2
M0/D1 Drainage is good but pitches are undulating. Changing facilities average
Hinckley Rugby Club
4 and 5 midi
Pitch 1 M1/D1. Pitch 2 M1 D2
(but drainage is poor) Pitch 3
M0/D1 Pitch 4 M0 / D1 Minis
M0/D1
Quality got slightly better. Main issues with cancellations due to drainage / overuse. Club consider
two pitches to be good and two to be standard. Some rust on the post outside of the main pitches
and there are concerns with drainage on all pitches. Pitches 3 and 4 also have a degree of undulation.
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
1
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
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
School 2
M0/D1 Pitch quality considered reasonable, with good drainage and adequate parking
Redmoor Academy
1
M0/D1 Pitches standard but drainage and levels are good. Ancillary facilities good with changing rooms,
shower and carparking on site
Market Bosworth
Rugby Club 5
M0/D1
Improving due to implementation of RFU recommendations relating to maintenance. Recently
developed 4 new changing rooms
Brookvale Learning
Campus 2
M0/D1
Pitches of standard quality. Changing facilities also standard but showers are poor.
South Charnwood
High School 1
M0/D1
Overall pitch quality is standard. Changing facilities and showers are good.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 128
Site Total Rugby Pitches
Maintenance Rating Quality Comments
St Martins Catholic
Academy 1
M0/D1
Drainage poor on site
Market Bosworth
School 2
M0/D1
Poor drainage and some undulations. Grass cutting also poor
Bosworth Academy
1
M0/D1
No quality issues identified
Dixie Grammar
School 1
M0/D1
Pitches in good condition with changing accommodation
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 129
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
Parishes
Market
Bosworth
RFC
2 1 4 6 Senior decline, static youth
participation. Increasing midi
Hinckley
and
Burbage
Urban Area
Hinckley RFC
3 1 4 6 Static senior, static youth.
Increasing midi
Hinckley
and
Burbage
Urban Area
Burbage RFC
2 0 0 0 Increasing
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 130
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)
Dra
inag
e
Natural Inadequate (D0) 0.5 1.5 2
Natural Adequate (D1) 1.5 2 3
Pipe Drained (D2) 1.75 2.5 3.25
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;
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 131
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report
132
Table 9.5: Site Overview
Site
Maintenance
/ Capacity
Rating
Senior
Pitches
Floodlit
Pitches
Match
Play
Match
Equivalents
(Training)
Other
Spare
Capacity
(Match
Play)
Spare
Capacity
at Peak
Time
(Adult
Play)
Spare Capacity
Peak Time
(Youth Play)
Spare
Capacity
Including
Training
Training
Capacity
only (floodlit
pitch
capacity -
requirement)
Overview
Market
Bosworth -
Cadeby Lane
M0/D1 5 1 4.5 4.5
3 3.5 1.5 -1.5 -3
Large rugby club where capacity is currently limited by maintenance 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
limited maintenance programme. Given that there are only floodlights on one pitch,
this pitch is particularly heavily used. 4 new changing rooms have recently been
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.
Hinckley RFC
- Leicester
Road
Pitch 1
M1/D1. Pitch
2 M1 D2 (but
drainage is
poor) Pitch 3
M0/D1 Pitch
4 M0 / D1
Minis M0/D1
4 (and 5
midi) 2.5 5 7
Some
training
during the
winter
months by 2
Burbage
teams - 1
extra match
equivalent.
Also didi
rugby and
O2 touch (1
each per
week) and
25 school
matches
across the
2 2 2 -5 -2.625
Site is heavily used accommodating all competitive and training activity for large
club as well as training overspill from nearby club. Site also hosts occasional fixtures
for Leicestershire RFU. Maintenance on the first two pitches is standard, but the
second two pitches receive much lower levels of maintenance. Total capacity
therefore equates to 7. All pitches suffer from poor drainage and the newly installed
drainage on the floodlit pitch is also not performing as hoped. Added to this, there
are also some concerns with the adequacy of changing accommodation, as there
are currently insufficient rooms and existing facilities are poor quality. Capacity
overall is just sufficient to meet requirements for match play (supported by the
availability of midi pitches off the adult pitches) but training pitches are overplayed.
When taking into account training (and the use from other bodies), overall
provision is insufficient.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 133
Site
Maintenance
/ Capacity
Rating
Senior
Pitches
Floodlit
Pitches
Match
Play
Match
Equivalents
(Training)
Other
Spare
Capacity
(Match
Play)
Spare
Capacity
at Peak
Time
(Adult
Play)
Spare Capacity
Peak Time
(Youth Play)
Spare
Capacity
Including
Training
Training
Capacity
only (floodlit
pitch
capacity -
requirement)
Overview
season
Burbage RFC
- Britannia
Fields
M0/D1 1 0 1 1 5 match
equivalents 1 0.5
0.5(dependent
upon use for
training)
-0.5 -1
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,
given the M1 maintenance regime, although actual use of the pitch for training is
inhibited by the lack of floodlights. Pitch condition is standard overall although the
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
Academy M0/D1 2 1.5 1
1 2 0.5 2 0 School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity.
Accommodates school use only
Hastings
High
School
M0/D1 2 0 2 2 1 1 1 2 0 School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity.
Accommodates school use only
Redmoor
Academy M0/D1 1 0 1 1 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 0
School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity.
Accommodates school use only
Brookvale
Learning
Campus
M0/D1 2 0 2 2 1 1 1 2 0 School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity.
Accommodates school use only
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 134
Site
Maintenance
/ Capacity
Rating
Senior
Pitches
Floodlit
Pitches
Match
Play
Match
Equivalents
(Training)
Other
Spare
Capacity
(Match
Play)
Spare
Capacity
at Peak
Time
(Adult
Play)
Spare Capacity
Peak Time
(Youth Play)
Spare
Capacity
Including
Training
Training
Capacity
only (floodlit
pitch
capacity -
requirement)
Overview
South
Charnwood
High
School
M0/D1 1 0 1 1 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 0 School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity.
Accommodates school use only
St Martins
Catholic
Academy
M0/D1 1 0 1 1 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 0 School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity.
Accommodates school use only
Market
Bosworth
School
M0/D1 2 0 2 2 1 1 1 2 0 School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity.
Accommodates school use only
Bosworth
Academy M0/D1 1 0 1 1 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 0
School site with restricted maintenance procedure which limits capacity.
Accommodates school use only
Dixie
Grammar
School
M0/D1
0 1
1
-1
0.5 0.5
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report
135
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 136
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
Sport and Age
Groups
Number
of
Teams
Current
population
in age
group
Current
TGR
Future
Population
(2036)
Potential
Change in
Number
of People
in Age
Group
Potential
Change in
Team
Numbers by
2036
Rugby Union
Senior Men (19-
45yrs)
7
16738
2391 16681
-57 0.0
Rugby Union
Senior Women
(19-45yrs)
0
16738
0 16681
-57 0
Rugby Union
Youth Boys (13-
18yrs)
10
3550
355
3506 -44 -0.1
Rugby Union
Youth Girls (13-
18yrs)
0
3550
0
3506 -44 00
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 137
Sport and Age
Groups
Number
of
Teams
Current
population
in age
group
Current
TGR
Future
Population
(2036)
Potential
Change in
Number
of People
in Age
Group
Potential
Change in
Team
Numbers by
2036
Rugby Union
Mini/Midi Mixed
(7-12yrs)
12 7273 606
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
Club Current Position Likely impact of Growth Issues to address
Market
Bosworth
RFC
2.5 capacity match play.
Overplay 2 taking into account
all activity (training pitch -3)
Potential 1 match equivalent
(plus 1 match equivalent
training. Overplay would
increase marginally
Ongoing maintenance
improvements (capacity of 2 on each
pitch would be sufficient to meet
current demand. Further
improvement on one or two
additional pitches required to
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 138
Club Current Position Likely impact of Growth Issues to address
Provide floodlights for second pitch
if training is not relocated
Hinckley RFC
2 capacity match play only.
Overplay taking into account all
activity -5). Floodlit pitches
overplayed 2.5 each)
Club seeking to retain playing
teams and increase numbers -
no impact in terms of match
equivalents
Maintenance restricts capacity,
particularly on pitches 3 and 4 -
potential to invest further to increase
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
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
Burbage RFC
Spare capacity 0.5 match play
only. Site also sufficient to
accommodate training (supply
would equal demand) during
summer months with light
nights. Lack of floodlights
means club travel off site in
winter.
Club seeking further growth of
0.5 match equivalents longer
term. Existing site only contains
one pitch, meaning that if this
team played at peak time
pitches would need to be
staggered. Pitch could however
accommodate additional play
if no training was undertaken
on site.
Short term lease (expires 2022).
Potential opportunity to extend
linking with other improvements
Opportunity to improve capacity of
pitch to ensure that more play could
be accommodated.
Lack of floodlights impact on
capacity of other pitches as well as
causing displacement of Burbage
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 139
Club Current Position Likely impact of Growth Issues to address
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 140
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report
141
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
Pitch Type
Recommended
Pitch Dimensions
(including run off)
Pitches
Available to
the
Community
(Used or not
used)
% of Total
Pitch
provision
Pitches on
School
sites
Percentage of
Pitches on
School Sites
Adult
Football
(aged 16+)
106 x 70 m 28 23% 5 18%
Junior
Football
(age U13 -
U16)
88/97 x 56/61 m 24 20% 13 54%
9 v 9 (age
U11 and
U12)
79 x 52 m 24 20% 14 58%
7 v 7 (age
U9 and
U10)
61 x 43 m 27 22% 12 44%
5 v 5 (age
U7 and U8) 43 x 33 m 20 16% 5 25%
Total 123 100%
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 142
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 143
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 144
Chart 10.1: Management of Playing Pitches (pitches available for community use only)
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
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.
Management of Football Pitches across Hinckley and Bosworth
Ownership and Management Club HBC Schools Parish Council
Overall Satisfaction with Pitch Provision
Yes
No
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 145
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
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.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Nu
mb
er
of
Clu
bs
Issues Raised
Perceived Barriers to the Growth of Football
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 146
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
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
GrassCoverage
Size Slope Length ofGrass
Evenness DogFouling /Litter /Glass
UnofficialUse /
Damage tothe
Surface
Drainage
Average Quality Score achieved during site visits
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 147
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 148
Chart 10.5: Trends in Pitch 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
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.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Much Better Slightly Better No Difference Slightly Poorer Much Poorer
Nu
mb
er
of
Clu
bs
Perception of Quality
Perceived Trends in Pitch Quality
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
Avera
ge Q
uality
Sco
re
Quality Criteria
Quality of Football Pitches in Hinckley and Bosworth
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 149
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 150
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
Format of Football
Number
of
Teams
Proportion
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 151
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 152
Table 10.4: Pyramid Clubs
Club
League
Standard
Associated
Ground
Grading
Requirements
Current Location
Barlestone St Giles
Leicestershire
Senior
Football
League Step 7
Grade C Barlestone St Giles
Sports Club
Barwell FC
Evostick South
Premier
Division
Central Step 3
Category C Barwell Cricket and
Sports Club
Leicester Road
Midlands
Football
League
Division 1 Step 6
Category H Leicester Road
Stadium
AFC Hinckley
Midlands
Football
League
Division 1 Step 6
Category H Displaced – Ibstock
Miners Welfare
NKF Burbage
Midlands
Football
League
(recently
promoted to
Division 1) Step 6
Minimum Step 7
Ground Grading
Requirements
Bqrwell Cricket and
Sports Club
Desfprd FC
Leicestershire
Senior League
Premier
Division Step 7
Category H Sport in Desford
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 153
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 154
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 155
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 156
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
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
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 157
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 158
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 159
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).
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 160
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.
.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report
161
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
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
Alans Way
Sports Field
Newbold
Verdon
1 9v9 Standard 1 1 1 1 Compacted, good grass length but
evidence of weeds and scuffing.
Includes full ancillary facilities. No
concerns raised by clubs but site
visits clearly demonstrate that pitch
has deteriorated over season (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 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.
1 7v7 Standard 1.5 2.5 2.5 0.5
1 5v5 Standard 2 2 2 0
1 youth
11v11
Standard 1.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Ashby Road
sports club
Hinckley 1 adult
11v11
Standard 1 1 1 1 Pitch in good condition with some
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 162
Site Name Location Number
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
Barlestone St
Giles FC
Barlestone 1 adult
11v11
Standard 2 1 0 0 Weeds and compaction across the
site although pitches in adequate
condition overall. Two barriered
pitches available for use with
adequate ancillary provision. Site
suffers from regular drainage issues
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.
1 youth
11v11
Standard 2 0 0 0
1 7v7 Standard 0 4 4 1
Barwell
Academy
Barwell 1 7v7 Standard 2.5 1.5 1.5 0 School site used on a Sunday
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 163
Site Name Location Number
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
Barwell Sports
FC
Barwell 1 adult
11v11
Good 1.5 2 1.5 1 Floodlit pitch in good condition with
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
Academy
Desford 2 adult
11v11
Standard 2.5 1.5 1.5 0.5 Quality of facilities is adequate and
there are few complaints from clubs,
with overall a perception that
facilities are well maintained. Site is
fairly heavily used for competitive
activity and must also fulfill curricular
requirements. While pitches can
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.
2 9v9 Standard 3.5 0.5 0.5 0
2 7v7 Standard 4.5 1.5 1.5 0
2 5v5 Standard 3 5 5 0.5
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 164
Site Name Location Number
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
Bosworth
School
Market
Bosworth
1 9v9 Standard 1 1 1 1 Pitches in reasonable condition with
some scuffing evident. No
community use at present means
that there is spare capacity across
the week and at peak time.
2 youth
11v11
Standard 2 2 2 2
Britannia
Park/Burbage
Park
Burbage 1 adult
11v11
Standard 1.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Pitches undulating and compacted
and new goals are also required. Site
assessments demonstrate that pitch
quality does not match level of
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.
1 youth
11v11
Standard 0.5 1.5 1.5 1
Brookvale
Groby
Learning
Campus
Groby 1 adult
11v11
Standard 2 0 0 0 School site of standard quality
although changing facilities require
improvement (showers). Pitch quality
also perceived to be deteriorating
due to insufficient maintenance and
site suffers from poor drainage.
Pitches are 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
2 youth
11v11
Standard 3.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
2 9v9 Standard 4.5 0.5 -0.5 0
4 7v7 Standard 10 9 6 1
2 5v5 Standard 8 3 0 0
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 165
Site Name Location Number
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
accommodate club based activity.
Burbage
Junior school
Burbage 1 7v7 Standard 2 3 2 1 Site used for club training as well as
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
Sports Ground
Desford 1 adult
11v11
Standard 3.5 0 -1.5 0 Pitch quality standard but club
believe it to be deteriorating due to
heavy usage. Pitches suffer from
poor drainage and are uneven with
limited grass cover in parts.
Changing facilities and clubhouse
available but insufficient for the
number of teams. Reflecting the
heavy usage, the adult and 9v9
pitches demonstrate overplay across
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
1 youth
11v11
Standard 2 1 0 0
1 9v9 Standard 3 0.5 -1 0
1 7v7 Standard 3 2.5 1 0
1 5v5 Standard 0 4 4 1
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 166
Site Name Location Number
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
Clarendon
park (senior
pitches) and
Westfield
Community
College (youth
pitches).
Hinckley 2 adult
11v11
Poor 1.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Pitches in park with evidence of
compaction, skids, weeds and
scuffed goals. One pitch is already
poor quality and the remainder are
approaching this categorisation
(which would impact on capacity).
Site accommodates training as well
as matches and is also open to the
public for informal recreation. When
considering just competitive activity
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.
1 youth
11v11
Standard 3 0.5 -1 0
1 9v9 Standard 5 -0.5 -3 0
1 7v7 Standard 2 3 2 0
1 5v5 Standard 0.5 3.5 3.5 1
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 167
Site Name Location Number
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
Grammar Bosworth 1 youth
11v11
Standard 1 1 1 1 only and so capacity is available
both at peak time and across the
week.
Dovecote
Pavilion
Barwell 2 5v5 Standard 2 6.5 6 1.5 Some compaction evident but
overall pitch quality is adequate.
Club highlight significant recent
improvement through investment in
aeration and sanding but still require
more machinery to improve pitch
condition. Drainage was also
recently improved. On pitch training
generates particular pressures and
causes overplay on 9v9 and youth
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
1 7v7 Standard 4 2 0 0
1 9v9 Standard 4 0 -2 0
1 youth
11v11
Standard 3 0.5 -1 0
1 adult
11v11
Standard 2 1 0 0
Hammonds
Park
HInckley 2 7v7 Standard 0 8 8 2 Pitches of low standard quality - dips
full of water at time of site visit and
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
1 9v9 Standard 0 2 2 1
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 168
Site Name Location Number
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
desirability of the site.
Hastings High
School
Burbage 1 adult
11v11
Poor 1 0 0 0 Site is of limited quality with weeds
and compaction evident and pitches
also suffer from dog fouling due to
open access to school venue. Poor
capacity on one pitch and other
pitches approaching this same level
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
1 youth
11v11
Standard 2 0.5 0 0
1 9v9 Standard 2 0.5 0 0
Heath Lane
School
Earl Shilton 1 youth
11v11
Standard 1 1 1 1 Pitches compacted and uneven but
no community use of facilities means
that there is a degree of spare
capacity both midweek and at peak
time.
1 9v9 Standard 1 1 1 1
Hinckley
Academy and
JC VI form
Hinckley 1 9v9 Standard 1 1 1 1 Pitches compacted and uneven but
no community use of facilities means
that there is a degree of spare
capacity both midweek and at peak
time.
2 youth
11v11
Standard 2 2 2 2
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 169
Site Name Location Number
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
Hinckley Road
Recreation
Ground
Burbage 1 7v7 Standard 1 3 3 0 Pitch compacted and with evidence
of weeds, but in reasonable
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
Playing Field
Markfield 1 adult
11x11
Standard 1 1 1 1 Barriered pitch with evidence of mud
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
11v11
Standard (but
quality of one
pitch is
approaching
good (79%)
while other is
much lower
(60%)
4.5 -0.5 -0.5 0 Pitch quality impacted by heavy use
- there is overplay across the week
and no remaining capacity at peak
time. Evidence of undulation,
compaction and weeds and burnt in
lines may also cause injury. Site
contains small pavilion with
changing facilities.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 170
Site Name Location Number
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
Langdale Park Hinckley 1 adult
11v11
Standard 1.5 1 0.5 0 Pitch in public park that is
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
Stadium
Hinckley 1 adult
11v11
Standard 2 1 0 0 Pitch containing stadium seating and
turnstile as well as barriers and
floodlighting. Usage for training as
well as matches restricts spare
capacity and there is no remaining
scope for additional play at peak
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
1 youth
11v11
Standard 1 1 1 1
1 9v9 Standard 0.5 1.5 1.5 1
Market
Bosworth
Sports Club
Market
Bosworth
1 youth
11v11
Standard 1.5 0.5 0.5 0 All pitches undulating with
compaction and weeds, despite
recent investment in drainage (2013)
and club indicates that drainage
remains a key issue although pitches
have improved. Changing facility
also recently renovated (2015) with
1 7v7 Standard 1.5 2.5 2.5 0
1 9v9 Standard 1 1 1 0.5
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 171
Site Name Location Number
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
1 adult
11v11
Standard 2 0 0 0 support from FA. Pitches heavily
used and no remaining spare
capacity at peak time for most age
groups. There is also very little
remaining additional capacity across
the week
1 5v5 Standard 1 3 3 0.5
Old Colliery
Ground
Bagworth 1 adult
11v11
Standard 0.5 1.5 1.5 0.5 Lots of weeds and pitch is wet
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
Club
Ratby 1 7v7 Standard 1 3 3 0 Large site with clubhouse. Pitch one
has dug outs and pitch 2 is also
floodlit. The whole site is wet and
muddy underfoot and the club
highlight this to be a significant
issue, with multiple games cancelled
during the winter months. A small
1 adult
11v11
Standard 1.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
1 9v9 Standard 0.5 1.5 1.5 0.5
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 172
Site Name Location Number
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
1 youth
11v11
Standard 1 1 1 0 amount of spare capacity available
on most pitches both across the
week and at peak time, but this is
impacted by the pitches being
unplayable for weeks on end, which
then means that fixtures must be
tightly packed in.
1 5v5 Standard 0.5 3.5 3.5 0.5
Redmoor
Academy
Hinckley 2 7v7 Standard 2.5 6.5 5.5 0.5 Pitches impacted by use during the
summer months for athletics etc. Site
is very boggy during the winter.
Changing accommodation has
recently been updated. There is no
spare capacity at peak time and the
youth pitch is overplayed when also
taking into account curricular
activity.
1 youth
11v11
Standard 3 0 -1 0
1 9v9 Standard 2 0 0 0
Richmond
Park
HInckley 1 youth
11v11
Standard 2 0.5 0 0 Pitches compacted and full of weeds,
showing drainage issues on some
pitches despite drainage being
installed recently and some pitches
are now unfit to play. Some
thatching of grass and weeds, club
indicate reseeding has been
undertaken. Pitches very heavily
used when taking into account all
activity and training on site
generates overplay. There is no
remaining capacity at peak time on
any pitch and the club highlight a
1 9v9 Standard 5 0 -3 0
1 7v7 Standard 5.5 2 -1.5 0
1 5v5 Standard 4 1.5 0 0
1 adult
11v11
Standard 0.5 1.5 1.5 0
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 173
Site Name Location Number
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
lack of quality pitches as a key
concern.
Sketchley Hill
Recreation
Ground (Tilton
Road Sports
Ground)
Burbage 4 5v5 Standard 4.5 13.5 11.5 2 Pitches on large recreation area,
surrounded by residential properties
and with a play area in one corner.
Lots of 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
which places greater pressures on
pitch quality
1 7v7 Standard 2 3 2 0
South
Charnwood
High School
Markfield 2 7v7 Standard 4 6 4 0 Pitches heavily used for both
matches and training as well as for
curricular use. As a consequence
there is no remaining capacity at
peak time and pitches are used to
the level that they can sustain / are
overplayed. Reflecting the heavy use
there is evidence of compaction and
scuffing. There are also issues with
dog fouling and litter and the club
feel that pitches do not receive
enough maintenance for the level of
play on site. There are also no
changing facilities associated with
1 9v9 Standard 2 0.5 0 0
2 youth
11v11
Standard 4 1 0 0
1 adult
11v11
Standard 2.5 0 -0.5 0
1 5v5 Standard 1 3.5 3 0.5
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 174
Site Name Location Number
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
the grass pitches.
Sport in
Desford
Desford 1 adult
11v11
Good 2.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Pitch is compacted, some weeds and
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
Academy
Stoke
Golding
2 9v9 Standard 4 1.5 0 0 Pitches cut up, compacted and
uneven due to requirement to
accommodate curricular activity as
well as competive games and
training. There is no remaining
capacity a on the 9v9 pitch and very
little on the youth team facilities.
1 youth
11v11
Standard 1 1 1 1
Stoke Golding Stoke
Golding
1 5v5 Standard 1 3 3 0 Pitches wet and suffer from drainage
issues. Some weeds also evident on
site and pitches are uneven. Dog
fouling issues are also experienced.
There are insufficient changing
1 youth
11v11
Standard 1.5 0.5 0.5 0
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 175
Site Name Location Number
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
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
Sport and
Social
Earl Shilton 1 adult
11v11
Standard 1.5 0.5 0.5 0 Pitch compacted and although dry at
the time of site visits, suffers from
drainage with many fixture
cancellations. Scope for small
amount of additional play across the
week but no remaining availability at
peak time.
Swallows
Green
Hinckley 1 7v7 Standard 2 3 2 0 Some evidence of undulation and
scuffing. Scope to accommodate
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.
2 5v5 Standard 6 5 2 0
Weavers
Spring Rec
Earl Shilton 3 adult
11v11
Standard 3 4 3 1 Pitches compacted with lots of
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 176
Site Name Location Number
of
Pitches
Pitch
Type
Quality
Rating
Total
Match
Equivalents
Adequacy
of Provision
(Match
Equivalents)
Adequacy
of
Provision
Plus
Training
(ME)
ME
at
Peak
Time
Site Overview Summary
Witherley
United
Witherley 1 adult
11v11
Standard 0.5 1.5 1.5 0.5 Pitch has burnt in lines and is a bit of
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 177
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 178
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).
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 179
Table 10.8: Full Sized Football Pitches
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 180
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 181
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 182
Table 10.9: Use of Youth Football Pitches
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 183
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 184
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 185
Table 10.10: 9 v 9 Football Pitches
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 186
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 187
Table 10.11: Use at 7 v 7 Football Pitches
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 188
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 189
Table 10.12: 5 v 5 Pitches
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 190
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
Club
Current Location Quality Issues identified, and any
improvements required to meet
league specifications
Barlestone St Giles
Barlestone St Giles Sports
Club
Site suffers from weeds and compaction
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
pressures on pitch quality.
Barwell FC / NKF Burbage
Barwell Cricket and
Sports Club
Site leased (until 2045) and changing
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
drainage.
Leicester Road
Leicester Road Stadium No known issues with adequacy of
provision to meet league requirements.
AFC Hinckley
Displaced – Ibstock
Miners Welfare
Club currently displaced out of the
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
requirements.
Desford FC
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
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 191
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 192
Table 10.14: Summary of Pitch Availability (Match Equivalents)
Scenario
Adult Football Youth Football 9v9 Football 7v7 Football 5v5 Football
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(Co
mp
eti
tive)
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(All
Acti
vit
y)
Peak
Tim
e
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(Co
mp
eti
tive)
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(All
Acti
vit
y)
Peak
Tim
e
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(Co
mp
eti
tive)
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(All
Acti
vit
y)
Peak
Tim
e
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(Co
mp
eti
tive)
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(All
Acti
vit
y)
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(Peak
Tim
e)
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(Co
mp
eti
tive)
Peak
Tim
e
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
All facilities 23 13 7.5 30.5 9.5 10 29.5 3 9 79 55 6 60 46.5
7.5
Excluding
School sites
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
Comments
Overplay at Caterpillar Sports
ground, Kirkby Road and
South Charnwood High. Lots
of sites with no remaining
capacity at peak time
Overplay at Westfield
Community College,
Dovecote Pavilion, Redmoor
Academy. Limited spare
capacity at most club bases
Extensive overplay -
Bosworth Academy,
Brookvale Learning
Campus, Caterpillar Sports
Ground, Westfield
Community College,
Richmond Park, Dovecote
Pavilion. No spare capacity
at almost all club bases
Overplay at Richmond Park.
Very few sites with spare
capacity at peak time. Most
club bases have none
No overplay. Most sites have small
amount of capacity at peak time (and
could stagger fixtures)
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 193
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,
1.5 at peak time
Youth – -1 match equivalent across the week (taking into account
overplay) and 3 match equivalents at peak time
9v9 – – 1.5 overplay across the week (taking into account overplay)
capacity for 3 match equivalents at peak time
7v7 – 16 match equivalents across the week (taking into account
overplay) and 2.5 available at peak time.
5v5 – 5.5 remaining capacity across the week, 1 match equivalent at
peak time.
Heavy use of parks influenced by training on grass pitches
Declining quality of parks pitches – several sites approaching poor – this would
reduce capacity further and generate overplay.
Issues with access to Leicester Road Stadium pitches mean that there is spare
capacity on these pitches
Limited spare capacity at parks and school sites
Several large clubs dispersed across multiple sites and at capacity. Key clubs
include Greentowers FC, Hinckley Town, Hinckley AFC
Displacement of Hinckley AFC seniors to Ibstock
At a site specific level;
Clarendon Park / Westfield Community College - Almost no capacity at peak time
and overplay evident. This is based upon standard categorisation for the majority
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)
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 194
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
time
Youth – -1 overplay across the week, no capacity at peak time
9v9 – – -2 overplay across the week, no capacity at peak time.
7v7 – 1.5 match equivalents across the week (all activity) and 0
available at peak time.
5v5 – 6 match equivalents across the week (all activity) 1.5
remaining capacity at peak time without staggering fixtures
Provision under pressure, particularly for youth and 9v9 pitches and capacity is
particularly compromised at Dovecote Pavilion. Pressures are exacerbated by the
youth of all sites for training on grass pitches. On a site specific note;
Dovecote Pavilion – Accommodates key club. Almost no capacity at peak time and
overplay evident. Some compaction evident but overall pitch quality is adequate
although further machinery is required to support pitch improvements. On pitch
training generates the majority of overplay. Pressures also raised as concern by
club. Changing provision adequate
Unsecured access to Barwell Academy but remains a small amount of spare
capacity across the week, although no remaining capacity at peak time without
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
time
Youth – -1 match equivalent available across the week, 1 match
equivalent capacity at peak time
9v9 – – -1 match equivalent available across the week, 1 match
equivalent capacity at peak time
No 7v7 or 5v5
Lack of large club in the area although Earl Shilton Albion have aspirations for
development of junior teams.
Spare capacity greater than in some areas although still remaining relatively
limited. Capacity is also limited by use of grass pitches for training at Weaver
Springs
Spare capacity at Weavers Spring both across the week and at peak time. Pitches
however compacted with lots of weeds
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 195
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
time
Youth – -1.5 overplay across the week, capacity for 1 match
equivalent at peak time
9v9 – – -no remaining spare capacity either across the week or at
peak time
7v7 – 10 match equivalents across the week (all activity) but only 1
available at peak time
5v5 – 11.5 match equivalents across the week (all activity) 2
remaining capacity at peak time without staggering fixtures
Quality of facilities may start to impact capacity longer term. Some improvements
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
improvements to quality
Particular pressures across the week due to training on grass and some overplay is
also evident, particularly on youth and 9v9 pitches
Spare capacity at peak time also limited.
At a site specific level;
Hastings High School – of limited quality. Capacity inhibited by quality so poor
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 196
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
overplay) and 1 match equivalent at peak time
Youth – -no remaining spare capacity
9v9 – – no remaining spare capacity
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.
Very little spare capacity and a reliance upon South Charnwood School for both
training and matches (all on grass). Club are however comparatively small
Jubilee Playing Fields quality improving and scope to increase levels of play
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
pitch has recently been approved for this site and this will negate the use of the
grass pitches for training.
Groby Adult -no remaining spare capacity across the week or at peak time
Youth – -0.5 match equivalents across the week and 0.5 match
equivalents at peak time
9v9 – – 0.5 overplay across the week, no capacity at peak time.
7v7 – 6 match equivalents across the week (all activity) and
1available at peak time.
5v5 – no remaining 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
some use of the grass pitches. Large club.
Limited remaining demand both at peak time and across the week.
At a site specific level;
Brookvale Learning Campus – supply closely matched with demand and home to
large club. Pitch quality perceived to be deteriorating due to insufficient
maintenance and heavy use, and site suffers from poor drainage. Pitches are
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 197
Settlement Overall Adequacy of Provision (match equivalents) Specific Issues Identified
Ratby Adult -0.5 match equivalents across the week and 0.5 match
equivalents at peak time
Youth – 1 match equivalent across the week but no remaining
capacity at peak time
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.
Ratby Sports Club is the only provision in the area. Site is wet and muddy underfoot
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
both across the week and at peak time, but this is impacted by the pitches being
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
Barlestone No 5v5 or 9v9.
Adult – 0 match equivalents across the week (all activity) or at peak
time
Youth – 0 match equivalents across the week (all activity) or at peak
time
7v7 – 4 match equivalents across the week (all activity) and 1
available at peak time (2 if staggered)
Only one site in the area – club based facility that is used for both training and
matches.
Barlestone St Giles – Weeds and compaction across the site although pitches in
adequate condition overall. Two barriered pitches available for use with adequate
ancillary provision. Site suffers from regular drainage issues 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 and
means that there is no further capacity for youth or adult play.
Desford Some adult -pitches overplayed – -2 match equivalents across the
week, 15 available at peak time
Youth – -0 match equivalents available across the week, 0 match
All sites are heavily played. Quality is generally good but deteriorating due to heavy
usage and there is little scope for further play in the town
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 198
Settlement Overall Adequacy of Provision (match equivalents) Specific Issues Identified
equivalents at peak time
9v9 –overplay equivalent to -0.5, no remaining capacity at peak
time
7v7 – pitches heavily used - -1.5 match equivalents across the week
(all activity) and no remaining capacity at peak time without
staggering fixtures
5v5 – 9 match equivalents across the week (all activity) 1.5
remaining capacity at peak time without staggering fixtures
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
of limited quality
Kirkby Road - no capacity at peak time and overplay evident. Pitch quality
impacted by heavy use. Evidence of undulation, compaction and weeds and burnt
in lines may also cause injury.
Sport in Desford - Pitch is compacted, some weeds and 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.
Bosworth Academy – limited spare capacity at peak time and a degree of overplay
on the 9v9 pitch particularly
Newbold
Verdon
No adult provision
Youth – 0.5 match equivalents across the week (all activity) and 0.5
available at peak time.
9v9 – 1 match equivalent across the week (all activity) and 1
available at peak time.
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
Alans Way Sports Field is the only site. It is compacted, good grass length but evidence
of weeds and scuffing. Includes full ancillary facilities. No concerns raised by clubs but
site visits clearly demonstrate that pitch has deteriorated over the course of the season
(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
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.
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 199
Settlement Overall Adequacy of Provision (match equivalents) Specific Issues Identified
Thornton available at peak time.
No provision of any other pitch types.
accommodation. Spare capacity at peak time and across the week.
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
Bosworth
Adult -1 match equivalent across the week, no spare capacity at
peak time
Youth – 2.5 match equivalents across the week and 3 match
equivalents available at peak time
9v9 – 4 spare capacity across the week, 3.5 match equivalents at
peak time.
7v7 – 2.5 match equivalents across the week (all activity) but none
at peak time without staggering fixtures
5v5 – 0.5 spare capacity across the week, 0.5 match equivalent at
peak time.
Degree of spare capacity in the town (greater than other areas) occurs due to lack
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
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
indoor training facility at Bosworth Academy
Looking at a site specific level;
Market Bosworth Sports Club - pitches undulating with compaction and weeds,
despite recent investment in drainage (2013) Pitches heavily used and no
remaining spare capacity at peak time for most age groups. There is also very little
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
equivalent at peak time
Youth – 1.5 match equivalents across the week and 1 match
Quality issues at both sites, with pitches cut up and compacted
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
Capacity issues exacerbated by use of the grass pitches for training due to lack of
access to AGP
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 200
Settlement Overall Adequacy of Provision (match equivalents) Specific Issues Identified
equivalent available at peak time
9v9 – no remaining spare capacity at peak time or across the week
7v7 – 3 match equivalents across the week (all activity) but none at
peak time without staggering fixtures
5v5 – 3 match equivalents across the week (all activity) but none at
peak time without staggering fixtures.
At Stoke Golding Recreation Ground – no spare capacity at peak time. Pitches are
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
There is also little spare capacity on the school site, with pitches forced to
accommodate both games and training.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 201
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).
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 202
Table 10.16: Reduction in Pitches Available by 25%
Pitch
Type
Available
Pitches
Reduction
by 25%
Capacity
of Pitches
(Standard)
Match
Equivalents
(Current
Matchplay
only)
Spare
Capacity
Match
Equivalents
(All
Activity)
Peak
Time
Demand
Spare
Capacity
Adult
Football
(aged
16+)
28 22 44.8 30 14.8 42 2.8 13.5 8.5
Junior
Football
(age U13
- U16)
24 19 38.4 17.5 20.9 38.5 -0.1 12 7
9 v 9
(age U11
and U12)
24 19 38.4 17.5 20.9 44 -5.6 13.5 5.5
7 v 7
(age U9
and U10)
27 22 86.4 27 59.4 51 35.4 25.5 -3.5
5 v 5
(age U7
and U8)
20 16 64 20 44 33.5 30.5 16 0
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 203
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 204
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 205
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 206
Table 10.17 Potential Role of 3g Pitches
Scenario
Format
of the
game
Number of teams Fixture
Equivalents
Matches
per full
size AGP
Number
of
match
sessions
Duration of
session (inc.
changeover)
Hours of
play on
3G AGP
Programme
Hours
Available
Pitches
Required
All
Teams
5v5 43 21.5 4 5.375 1 5.375 4 2
7v7 55 27.5 2 13.75 1 13.75 4 4
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 207
Table 10.18: TGRs for Football in Hinckley and Bosworth
Sport and Age
Groups
Number
of Teams
Current
population
in age
group
within the
area
Current
TGR
Future
Population
Potential
Change
number of
people in
age group
Potential
Change in
Team
Numbers
Football Adult
Men (16-45yrs)
56
18557
331 18400
-157 -0.5
Football Adult
Women (16-45yrs)
2
18557
9279
18400 -157 0.0
Football Youth
Boys (12-15yrs)
34
2323
68 2407
84 1.2
Football Youth
Girls (12-15yrs)
3
2323
774 2407
84 0.1
Football 9v9 Boys
(10 and 11 years)
31
1231
40 1235
4 0.1
Football 9v9 Girls
(10 and 11 years)
4
1231
308 1235
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 208
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
Scenario
Adult Football Youth Football 9v9 Football 7v7 Football 5v5 Football
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(Co
mp
eti
tive)
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(All
Acti
vit
y)
Peak
Tim
e
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(Co
mp
eti
tive)
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(All
Acti
vit
y)
Peak T
ime
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(Co
mp
eti
tive)
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(All
Acti
vit
y)
Peak
Tim
e
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(Co
mp
eti
tive)
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(All
Acti
vit
y)
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(Peak
Tim
e)
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
(Co
mp
eti
tive)
Peak
Tim
e
Sp
are
Cap
acit
y
Current
Provision
23 13 7.5 30.5 9.5 10 29.5 3 9 79 55 6 60 46.5 7.5
Future
including
Potential
Growth
14 4 2.5 19.5 -2.5 0 20.5 -7 0 67.5 43.5 -4 48.5 35 -2.5
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
AFC Barwell
6 5v5 (including
development age groups), 7
7v7 teams, 4 9v9 teams, 4
youth 11v11 and 1 senior
male. Club also includes 4
inclusive teams DOVECOTE WAY
AFC Market
Bosworth Juniors
4 5v5, 1 7v7, 2 7v7, 2 9v9, 1
youth and 1 senior male ALANS WAY SPORTS FIELD, Newbold Verdon
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 209
Club Existing Site Comments
Hinckley Town
Juniors
Futsal, 6 5v5, 2 7v7, 1 9v9
SWALLOWS GREEN
Barlestone St Giles 2 senior male, 2 youth teams BARLESTONE ST GILES SPORTS CLUB
Sporting Markfield
First
1 senior male
JUBILEE PLAYING FIELD
Stoneycroft United 1 senior male STONEYCROFT SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB
Caterpillar Juniors
3 7v7, 3 9v9, 2 youth and 2
senior Caterpillar Sports & Social Club
Stoke Golding
2 5v5, 2 7v7, 1 9v9 and 3
11v11 Stoke Golding Recreation Ground
Market Bosworth
Town FC
2 5v5, 3 7v7, 2 9v9, 3 youth
and 4 senior Market Bosworth Sports Club
Hinckley AFC 3 youth, 2 open age Ibstock Miners Welfare
GreenTowers FC
Hinckley
5 5v5, 9 7v7, 6 9v9, 5 youth Richmond Park Richmond Road Hinckley LE10
0DZ
Groby Juniors
6 5v5, 6 7v7, 5 9v9, 3 youth, 1
senior Groby Community College
FC Burbage Juniors 4 9v9, 4 7v7, 2 9v9, 1 youth Sketchley Hill Farm Park
Earl Shilton Albion
FC
1 adult team
Stoneycroft Park
10.193 Overall therefore, unless action is taken it is likely that facilities will inhibit demand.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 210
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.
11:Summary
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 211
Introduction
11.1 This section summarises the key issues arising for each of the sports in Hinckley and Bosworth.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 212
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 213
Demand
There are 31 adult male teams currently playing in Hinckley and Bosworth with the majority of teams playing formal cricket on a
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
Provision
The overall picture across the borough is that no sites are over overplayed and almost all sites can sustain further play across the
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 214
Summary of Assessment Findings and Key Issues to Address- Bowls
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
Strategy to
Address
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, Langdale Recreation Ground.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 215
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 216
Demand
Nationally, the participation in outdoor bowls has declined over the 2005-2016 period. For Hinckley and Bosworth the participation in
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 217
Adequacy of
Provision
There are no supply and demand models for bowling greens. The adequacy of provision is therefore evaluated by drawing together
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
Strategy to
Address
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 218
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 219
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.
Demand
Nationally, the proportion of residents playing tennis is declining. However participation in Hinckley and Bosworth is high, with
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 220
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 221
Adequacy of
Provision
Considering the current and potential future participation levels there is an overall potential tennis playing population of 4038 across
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
Strategy to
Address
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 222
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.
Demand
Hinckley Hockey Club are the only hockey club affiliated to England Hockey in the borough. Before folding and merging with Coalville
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 223
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
Provision
Peak time demand across the borough equates to 2 match equivalents while capacity across the borough equates to 12 match
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 224
Key Issues for
Strategy to
Address
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 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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 225
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.
Demand
Sport England data shows that from 2005/6 to 2015/16 regular participation in golf in England has declined overall however England
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,
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 226
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
Provision
There is a below average supply of standard golf courses in Hinckley and Bosworth and the immediate surrounding area. All existing
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
for Strategy
to Address
Retention of existing golf courses and golf driving ranges
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 227
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.
Demand
There are three rugby union clubs in the Borough running a total of 7 adult teams, 2 colts, 8 youth and 12 midi teams.
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.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 228
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
Provision
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
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 229
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
Strategy to
Address
There is a need to protect facilities at all three club bases as all are valuable for 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 therefore short security of tenure is a concern.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 230
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 231
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.
Demand
In total there are 236 teams currently based in Hinckley and Bosworth. 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.
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 232
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
Provision
The majority of grass pitches in Hinckley were assessed as standard and capacity has therefore been calculated as such. It should be
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
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough: Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment Report 234
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 235
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
Strategy to
Address
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 (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.