Pitch perfect plan for players at Staddiscombe

Playing fields that have been dogged by drainage and condition problems will be getting a major revamp to make them pitch perfect.

Plymouth City Council has announced Agripower Limited as the contractors to carry out the improvement work to the playing fields used by teams belonging to the Plymouth and West Devon Combination Football League and Plymouth University.

The full-size eight senior football pitches will have high specification drainage installed to ensure the pitches are maintained to a higher standard.

The project which costs around £515,000 has been funded by the Council – through its Section 106 funding and capital grants of £249,460 from the Football Association/Football Foundation, £50,000 from Sport England and £40,000 from Plymouth University.                                

Cabinet member for Streetscene, Councillor Brian Vincent said: “Staddiscombe is one of the most well used set of playing pitches in Plymouth but regular players know too well that it gets water-logged.

“As a city we are conscious that as we build and expand, we need to make sure that residents of all ages and fitness levels have space to enjoy sport.

“Here in Plymouth we have a much higher than average amount of green space – playing fields, pitches as well as woodlands – we need to make sure they are fit for the job. We are delighted that the FA as well as our partners in the city have pitched in to improve these fields.”

Plymouth City Council is currently finalising its Plan for Playing Pitches which outlines a commitment 'to be a city that provides a good supply of well managed and maintained playing pitches and ancillary facilities, which are fit for purpose, meet identified needs and encourage residents to maintain and increase their participation in sport.

The improved pitch facilities will provide opportunities for better learning and for people of all ages to get involved in sport and get fitter.