Cherwell District Council Bicester Football Plan The Bicester Football Plan is part of a wider Bicester Sports Plan. This document includes a draft of the football plan for consultation plus relevant excerpts from the Bicester Sports Plan for context. 1
Why a Bicester Sports Plan and how it fits Bicester is a town that is going to see an unprecedented growth in its population in the next 5-10 years, which will have an associated demand on the local infrastructure. There are opportunities to build on the 2007-2012 recreation strategy for Cherwell key themes: Community planning and marketing and information Improved facility provision Opportunities for young people Creating healthier lifestyles Improving community well-being The wider themes in the district council area of Thriving Communities and a Customer Focused Council are recognised, in particular: Work to promote and support increases in health and wellbeing across the District. Provide high quality and accessible leisure opportunities. Increase access to leisure and recreation opportunities through development and outreach work Reduction in anti-social behaviour and crime Consideration has also been given to the impact of austerity on local Government and local communities. in this plan they would be recognised as the need for: Reduced cost of providing services through partnerships, joint working and other service delivery models. More services delivered in partnership Make successful bids for external funding. What the plan will cover The population change in Bicester in the next 15 years Strategic themes and objectives to support sports participation in Bicester The potential sports opportunities for the new sports site - Local driver () to the Physical Activity and Sport agenda Phase 1 Specific Sports Football, Rugby, Cricket, Tennis and Hockey Phase 2 Other local outdoor sports, Athletics and Cycling 2
Market Segmentation Sport England has developed nineteen sporting segments to help us understand the nation's attitudes to sport, their motivations and barriers. The segments do not cover those under the age of 18. A summary of the segments can be found in the appendix. The market segmentation profile of the Bicester population wishing to take part in more sport The market segmentation shows 3 key groups: Tim: 36 45 years old, sporty male professional, buying a house and settling down Alison: 36 45 years old, mum with a comfortable but busy lifestyle Philip: 46 55 years old, mid-life professional, sporty male, older children and more time for themselves 3
Current Participation rates Active People Survey (APS) Carried out on behalf of Sport England by the leading social research company TNS BMRB, the Active People Survey (APS) measures the number of adults taking part in sport across England. The Key features of the Active People Survey are: APS is the largest survey of its kind ever undertaken 165,000 adults (age 14 and over) are interviewed each year The size of the survey means results can be published for a large number of different sporting activities and for every local authority area in England Time series data stretches back to the first wave of the survey in 2005/6 A high quality, random sampling, survey design ensures results are representative of the population National and Regional Participation Rates - Active People Data 4
Bicester Pitch Needs Recommendations Utilisation and growth of grass pitch stock Grass pitch provision for football is balanced with current demand for 11-a-side football. Demand from further growth in 11-a-side football is likely to be met by: Increased utilisation of existing pitch stock from 75% usage to 80% usage Additional pitches as part of green space provision of housing developments for example the South West Bicester development. There is an existing shortfall in pitches for small sided youth football which is likely to be exacerbated by housing development target at young families. Despite utilisation of Bicester Town pitches being below manageable capacity, historically grass cover has been an issue and so pitch maintenance may need reviewing. Pitch cleanliness continues to be an issue in particular in relation to dog fouling. Provision of new Artificial Pitch Cherwell as a district has no full sized 3G pitches (the recognised standard for football artificial pitches) and so demand from football is significantly under served. Current demand, demographics and development opportunity make Bicester the greatest priority for 3G provision within the district. The highest proportion of the market segments most likely to play football can be found in South West Bicester and there is significant housing development planned which will further increase numbers from these segments. South West Bicester is therefore ideally located for additional pitch provision. Floodlighting is essential to maximise usage of any AGP and in particular 3G. Provision of a suitable 3G AGP could reduce demand on existing sand AGPs enabling the growth of Hockey which is expected to reach capacity in the very near future. If a 3G AGP on a new site is not viable, consideration should be given to resurfacing an existing sand based AGP. The impact on Hockey would be mitigated by providing a new hockey suitable AGP on a new site such as Graven Hill. Providing a dual pitch site would enable Hockey to continue its growth in Bicester since the club is at capacity limited by facility availability. Provision of increased Floodlighting Suitable floodlighting provision is necessary to allow pitch utilisation to be maximised Floodlighting is essential to maximise usage of any AGP and in particular 3G to allow increased financial viability against investment. Floodlighting is expected to be a requirement of Sport England and Football Foundation funding. 5
Sports Specific Plan 1: Football Current Football Participation National Picture APS 1 to APS 8 Data from the Active People Survey, conducted by Sport England, has show a decline in adult football, however the most recent data shows signs that the decline has stabilised. Participation b those aged 14 to 25 has seen greater improvement than older age groups and local evidence suggests that junior football is buoyant. Nationally BME groups have had an underlying upward trend. Locally and Bicester has 13 clubs with active teams of which 5 have achieved Charter Standard. A further club, Bicester Town Football Club, does not currently have an active team but continues to affiliate and is expecting to have a team returning to the Hellenic League for the 2015/16 Season. Bicester Town FC and Launton FC have previously competed at National League System Football at Step 5. Currently no senior teams compete above Step 6. Four clubs have female teams of which Launton Ladies is the only senior female team. There are currently no disability teams. Bardwell FC had a team in previous years and Chesterton plans to establish a disability youth team in 2015 Small sided leagues Leisure Leagues 12 teams playing Monday evenings and Wednesday evenings. Power Play 10 teams playing Thursday evenings Soccer Sixes 8 teams playing on Tuesday evenings All leagues take place at Bicester Leisure Centre where 2 small 3G AGPs with floodlighting are located. The 3G pitches are also available for causal hire for 5-a-side and 6-a-side games. 6
Active People with population estimate and latent demand for Football Segment Currently Playing Football Would Like to Play Football Ben 439 79 Jamie 197 39 Chloe 34 8 Leanne 24 6 Helena 12 2 Tim 622 109 Alison 37 4 Jackie 22 4 Kev 95 22 Paula 16 2 Philip 266 48 Elaine 7 2 Roger & Joy 20 6 Brenda 5 1 Terry 14 7 Norma 2 1 Ralph & Phyllis 3 1 Frank 11 8 Elsie & Arnold 3 2 Total 1829 351 Catchment: 2.5km from Bicester Centre (OX26 6EF) Consultation events were held with clubs in August 2014 and, a direction of development was identified. This is to develop a Bicester wide football plan, to increase the quality and quantity of local football provision; with the ambition of providing a pathway for local players to take part in Step 5 Senior National Standard Football locally. There are a number of options on how the clubs can work together. For example, coming together as hubs or setting pitch space to specific age groups. An outline development plan has been created from the input of local clubs and partners. 7
Bicester Football Partnership Plan This football development plan has been developed by the Oxfordshire FA, it s member clubs, Oxfordshire Sport and Physical Activity, Cherwell District Council and Bicester Town Council. The purpose of the plan is to provide a framework for the development of football in Bicester over the next five years, which will address the population growth of Bicester. Both the individual and collective needs of the local clubs have been considered with the aim to ensure a sustainable development programme. The plan supports any applications for funding towards the construction of new facilities at the Kingsmere site in South West Bicester. The objectives of this plan are to: Meet the needs of the local community for improved access to football facilities Provide a co-ordinated approach to the delivery and development of football in Bicester through establishing a local football partnership Increase participation through improved opportunities for people of all ability, age and gender to play football. Provide new opportunities for volunteers, coaches and club development. The plan identifies the following six key priority areas and provides achievement targets, which will be measured and reviewed through a partnership steering group: 1. Participation and Provision 2. Player Experience 3. Club Management 4. Facilities 5. Workforce Development 6. Football in Education The proposals that have been developed take account of the following key factors: The current levels and quality of football facilities in the area. The need to improve and increase the football provision to meet the increase in demand, as a result in the increases in population within the Bicester area The need to work in partnership with local clubs and the Oxfordshire FA to support football development and increase & sustain participation Links with national, regional and local football and sports development strategies 8
Male Female Mixed Male Female Mixed Male Female Mixed Male Female Mixed Male Female Mixed Male Female Mixed Current Current Current Format Team Baseline 2014/15 Year 1 2015/16 Year 2 2016/17 Year 3 2017/18 Year 4 2018/19 Year 5 2019/20 Current Football club provision and planned growth 5v5 Under 7s 2 0 2 2 0 3 2 0 3 3 0 4 3 0 4 3 0 4 5v5 Under 8's 2 0 4 3 0 3 3 0 4 4 0 4 4 0 5 4 0 5 7v7 Under 9's 3 0 3 3 1 3 3 0 3 4 0 4 4 0 4 4 0 5 7v7 Under 10's 2 1 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 2 4 4 2 4 9v9 Under 11's 3 0 1 2 1 3 3 2 3 4 4 3 4 3 2 4 2 3 9v9 Under 12's 2 1 3 3 1 1 2 1 3 4 2 3 4 4 3 4 3 2 11v11 Under 13's 4 1 1 3 1 3 3 3 2 3 1 3 4 1 3 4 3 3 11v11 Under 14's 2 0 0 4 1 1 3 1 3 4 3 2 3 1 3 4 1 3 11v11 Under 15's 3 0 0 2 0 0 3 1 1 5 1 2 4 3 2 4 1 2 11v11 Under 16's 0 1 0 4 0 0 2 1 0 4 1 1 5 1 2 4 3 2 11v11 Under 17's 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 1 3 0 2 11v11 Under 18's 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 4 0 1 11v11 U21s 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 11v11 Open Age 3 1 0 5 1 0 5 2 0 5 2 0 5 2 0 7 2 0 11v11 Vets 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7v7 Disability Youth 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 11v11 Disability Open Age 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5v5 Futsal 0 0 5 0 1 6 0 1 7 0 1 9 0 1 11 0 1 13 Total 26 5 22 34 9 26 35 15 32 49 18 39 51 18 45 54 18 50 Included: Bardwell FC, Bicester Town FC, Bure Park Juniors, Chesterton FC, Highfield Junior FC, Launton Boys, Launton Ladies FC, Launton Sports FC Not included: Bicester Town Colts, Highfield Social Club, Highfield Old Boys, Abba Athletic, Kea, FC Langford 9
Planned Pitch Requirement Growth Recommended Width (Metres) Recommended Length Recommended Goalpost Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Format Team (Metres) Size (Ft) Baseline 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 5v5 Under 7's & 8's 27 37 12 x 6 10 11 12 15 16 16 7v7 Under 9's, U10's, Disability Youth 37 55 12 x 6 12 14 15 19 19 20 9v9 Under 11's & U12's 46 73 16 x 7 10 11 14 20 20 18 11v11 Under 13's & U14's 50 82 21 x 7 8 13 15 16 15 18 11v11 Under 15's & U16's 55 91 24 x 8 4 6 8 14 17 16 11v11 Under 17's & above, Disability Adults 64 100 24 x 8 4 7 10 12 15 20 25 20 15 10 5 0 Baseline 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 5v5 - Under 7's & 8's 7v7 - Under 9's, U10's, Disability Youth 9v9 - Under 11's & U12's 11v11 - Under 13's & U14's 11v11 - Under 15's & U16's 11v11 - Under 17's & above, Disability Adults Planned Participant Growth (Based on minimum team size) Team Baseline 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/1 9 5v5 - Under 7's & 8's 50 55 60 75 80 80 7v7 - Under 9's, U10's, Disability Youth 84 98 105 133 133 140 9v9 - Under 11's & U12's 90 99 126 180 180 162 11v11 - Under 13's & U14's 88 143 165 176 165 198 11v11 - Under 15's & U16's 44 66 88 154 187 176 11v11 - Under 17's & above, Disability Adults 44 77 110 132 165 220 2019/2 0 400 538 654 850 910 976 Key requirements to meet growth plans Significant new participation into the game at U13 and U14. Retention of participant's at U15, U16 and U17 To meet Bicester Town FC projections significant recruitment of complete new teams in most age groups in 2017 10
Bicester Football Partnership Plan Version 1 - For Consultation Participation and Provision Objective To improve the opportunity for all ages, genders and To improve the opportunity for all ages, genders and abilities to play community club football; Specifically disabled people, women and girls. Achievements Manage and deliver the Local Football Plan Aligned promotion of the Bicester Football offer to increase their membership as appropriate All clubs to align to the player pathway Objectives Tactic Responsibilities Resources Time Target To manage and deliver Local Football Plan (LFP) Increase the types of opportunity to play football, with potential links to clubs Link disabled players to the talent pathway A consistent participation pathway from junior to adult football One club representative (Ideally committee member) to sit on LFP user group With and agree targeted opportunities and provide the offer (Walking Football, 5 a-side social, MASH Ups, Active Body Healthy Mind Group BOBi league) to support local disability have a go events. Promotion of disability talent pathway to work together to identify target groups (U15s, etc.) to fill the gaps in the participation pathway Oxfordshire FA Football Development Officer OXSPA Quarterly meetings, for all member to have their say in the delivery of the plan Bicester opportunities (and gaps) identified for each impairment group. 11
Participation and Provision Contd. Objectives Tactic Responsibilities Resources Time Target Aligned promotion of the Bicester Football offer Agree marketing and PR campaigns to delivery key messages about Bicester Football to hold coordinated player recruitments days targeted at recruiting into teams with highest need. (Promotion) Season start Campaign delivered 20 new players attracted through open days 12
Player Experience Objective To improve the football experience for those involved in football in Bicester Achievements To create a performance pathway from junior to senior football To provide high quality playing opportunities Pitches, Referees, Spectators Senior men s and women s teams playing at level Objectives Tactic Responsibilities Resources Time Target To create a performance pathway from junior male and female football Review local position and aspirations and submit framework to the LFP. Identify: Higher league/performance teams Feeder clubs Senior men s and women s teams playing at Step 5 of National League System football Agree which teams will become the top team in the pathway, male and female Agree feeder clubs, development squads Seek extra funding sponsorship for both teams To provide high quality playing opportunities Pitches, Referees, Spectators Include as standing agenda item on the LFP working group to identify issues and opportunities Implement campaigns e.g. Kick it Out and Lancashire FA silent weekend type events, to raise awareness of appropriate behaviour Joint campaign held by Bicester 13
Club Management Objective Improve the operations and sustainability of clubs Achievements All clubs to achieve appropriate Charter Standard status All clubs to hold up to date development plans Improved relationship with local stakeholder (,, BTC) Objectives Tactic Responsibilities Cost Time Target Improve planning for club growth and pitch demands Run a series of development sessions to assist clubs in completion of the development plan Oxfordshire FA Football Development Run 4 events for clubs All clubs to achieve appropriate Charter Standard status to submit forecasts of team growth annually with plan of how it will be achieved Assist clubs to self-assess and develop action plan to achieve Charter Standard status Provide bursaries/incentive package to charter standard applicants and promote FA Benefits package Provide examples of good practice (plans, codes of conduct etc.) Target key Bicester businesses to sponsor a Bicester Football Plan or Promotion. Officer clubs All to complete Club Matters Self- Assessment Tool OXSPA By March 2016 Growth forecast from each club Each club to have completed Club Matters Self- All clubs Charter Standard 14
Facilities Objective To improve existing facilities and utilise new facilities (Kingsmere) Achievements Improved training provision (Pitch quality and lights) Better usage of the pitches for the maximum use for football Utilise Kingsmere site for football provisions supported to access equipment to enhance the facilities (Goal posts and lighting) Objectives Tactic Responsibilities Cost Time Target Improved training provision (Pitch quality and lights) Explore opportunities to access Sport England Protecting Playing fields, Inspired Facilities and Football Foundation funding. OXSPA BTC Better usage of the pitches for the maximum use for football Utilise Kingsmere site for football provisions supported to access equipment to enhance the facilities (Goal posts and lighting) Reduce dog mess and improve pitch cleanliness Submission of expected pitch needs ahead of season to enable coordinated approach to playing and training facility marking and hire. Establish site user group to agree shared use. Explore efficiencies through shared equipment use and storage Utilise Oxfordshire FA Small Grants Partnership Scheme. Regular pitch inspection and improved signage. Notification of problem areas to provide expected pitch needs to BTC OXSPA BTC 15
Facilities contd. Objectives Tactic Responsibilities Cost Time Target Programme of Pitch Improvement Assess and identify priorities to form a pitch improvement plan BTC Ensure Bicester has a compliant National League System facility accessible by senior team Negotiate use and improvement of Oxford Road site with BSA. Develop contingency plans to be considered with future developments. Reduce Local Authority subsidy and improve club flexibility over facility usage Explore Asset transfer where relevant BTC 16
Workforce Development Objective To continue to develop a quality workforces with the appropriate knowledge and skills to meet the needs of community football Achievements Established local workforce development group, linked to Local Football Plan Menu of local development opportunities promoted for Coaches, Officials and Volunteers Recognition of volunteers Increase numbers of Coaches, Officials and Volunteers, with reference to underrepresented groups, areas Objectives Tactic Responsibilities Cost Time Target Joined up approach to developing the football Established local workforce development group, linked to or part of workforce Local Football Plan Annual audit of workforce needs by Menu of local development opportunities promoted for Coaches, Officials and Volunteers Improve the recognition of volunteers Increase numbers of Coaches, Officials and Volunteers Increase numbers of Coaches, Officials and Volunteers from underrepresented groups and areas clubs communicated to Programme of workshops and other development opportunities to include: workshops Club Matters OXSPA In the Zone Put volunteers forward for the Oxfordshire FA and Oxfordshire Sports Awards Utilization of Oxfordshire FA Volunteer listing and Join In website Proactively identify individuals to develop within clubs. Promote opportunities through targeted communications e.g. Disability newsletter, ward newsletters etc. OXSPA OXSPA 17
Football in Education Objective To ensure all young people have the opportunity to participate in local football in and out of schools hours To help schools and colleges to provide high quality football coaching and strengthen the links between schools and clubs Achievements Provide suitable exit routes for pupils leaving school at 16 & 18 Increase and improve the football opportunities in schools (School Club links) Promote coach education for staff, teaching and non teaching Link football activities to support pupil numeracy and literacy? Objectives Tactic Responsibilities Cost Time Target Avoid gaps and overlaps of extra curricular football provision in schools and raise awareness of exit routes Map and coordinate club/private provision in schools. NOSSP Provide suitable exit routes for pupils leaving school at 16 & 18 Increase and improve the football opportunities in schools (School Club links) Promote coach education for staff, teaching and non teaching Link football activities to support pupil numeracy and literacy Identify appropriate clubs for each primary school to feed.. NOSSP NOSSP, 18
Glossary AGP Artificial Grass Pitch APS Active People Survey BME British and Minority Ethnic groups BSA Bicester Sports Association BTC Bicester Town Council Cherwell District Council ECB - England Cricket Board FA Football Association LTA Lawn Tennis Association OCB Oxfordshire Cricket Board Oxfordshire Football Association OLTA Oxfordshire Lawn Tennis Association OXSPA Oxfordshire Sport and Physical Activity RFU Rugby Football Association 19