Andy McCartan, the Assistant Director for Leisure, Libraries and Customer Engagement introduced a report which provided an update on the developing role that football had to play in the Borough, and the development of provision of high-quality artificial grass pitch (AGP) all-weather facilities, for use by all.

It was stated that the Borough was 22 pitches short of meeting the demand for grassroots football and five priority sites had been determined, with two being taken forward first. Other organisations were helping to meet demand elsewhere and the Council provided guidance and assistance to them. The potential finances were explained, including potential Football Foundation funding of £80,000 which is being decided in December. In the longer term, the developments would sustain themselves.

Cheshire West and Chester Council had invited Members and officers to view their facilities and Members were interested in being involved.

Members commented on particular areas, and it was emphasised that there were other organisations, including clubs and schools, developing pitches around the Wirral which the Council was advising but they were not part of this decision.

Resolved: That

(1)   the development of the business case and grant application process to the Football Foundation for the first two priority AGP proposed sites at Woodchurch Leisure Centre and Wirral Tennis Centre, Bidston be approved and supported, subject to Council approval for the match funding from the capital programme.

(2)   the development of the business case and grant application process to the Football Foundation, for the remaining three priority sites Leasowe, Arrowe Park and Bromborough, in due course be approved and supported, subject to Council approval for the match funding from the capital programme.

(3)   the revenue grant application process to the Football Foundations’ ‘Active Through Football’ fund be approved and supported.