£5.5m pitch plan to enhance grassroots sports

Work is under way to boost the amount of 3G artificial sports pitches in West Yorkshire in a bid to increase grassroots participation.

A report presented to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) said the county had a shortfall of around 69 all-weather pitches.

However, it said it was hoped five new pitches could be created, at an estimated cost of £1.1m per site, with work typically taking 18 to 24 months from early feasibility to completion.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, said bringing "modern, all-weather pitches" to every district, would create "healthier communities".

At a meeting on Friday members of the authority's culture, heritage and sport committee heard the first phase of the £5.5m scheme would see five districts, including Bradford, get one new artificial pitch, with councils deciding where the pitches were located.

Once up and running, each pitch would be used for around 80 hours a week, and by around 1,000 weekly users.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said committee members were told the programme would be targeted to widen access for women and girls, people with disabilities, people from ethnically diverse communities and residents in low-income areas.

The WYCA report, stated: "A typical single pitch project cost is £1.1m, with the Football Foundation usually contributing 65–70%, and remaining match provided by councils, clubs and the combined authority."

Brabin added: "Grassroots sport has the power to change lives, but for too long, access to quality facilities has been out of reach for the people who would benefit the most.

"I promised every young person would have access to grassroots sport to level the playing field.

"By working together to bring modern, all-weather pitches to every district, we are backing our local clubs and creating healthier communities in a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire."

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