Upgrade of Pitch Maintenance Equipment
The Pitch
Problem statement
Holsworthy Football Club was established in 1891 and has a long and rich history of providing people in Holsworthy and the surrounding rural area the opportunity to participate in the wonderful sport of football which is so beneficial for both their physical and mental health. The club is committed to delivering the best possible experience for players, referees, coaches and supporters, making football safe and fun for everyone. To enable the club's teams to compete in the local leagues it is crucial that the playing pitch is maintained to a high level to ensure optimal playing conditions and player safety. This project is to replace the current, ageing maintenance equipment.
Solution
The goal of this project is to upgrade the machinery which is used for the vital upkeep and maintenance of the playing pitch. The proper maintenance of the pitch is absolutely essential for the club, lying at the very heart of its activity. The equipment currently being used for the pitch maintenance is very old and is unfortunately reaching the end of its useful life, having been repaired many times! This project is to purchase a new tractor, mower and grooming kit to replace the current machinery. The impact on the players and on the volunteers who carry out the ground maintenance work will be immediate, enabling the pitch to be groomed to a high standard before and after every match.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Holsworthy Football Club is committed to delivering the best possible experience for players, referees, coaches and supporters making football safe and fun for everyone. The Club is very proud of its FA Charter Standard status which is a measure of the high standard maintained by the organisation. The 1st team plays in the South West Peninsula League, the 2nd team plays in the North Devon Intermediate Division & the Under 18s team plays in the North Devon Youth League. Holsworthy AFC also supports up to 9 youth sides to secure the future of new players. The management team, with its many years of skill and experience running the club, is best-placed to successfully deliver this project.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Purchase of Mower: Trimax Striker 190 [1.9m Cut, 540 PTO, Cat 1 Linkage, 3 Year Warranty] | £4,000 |
Beneficiaries
215 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
The beneficiaries of this project will be the 132 players signed onto the three men's teams, the 20 members of the veterans' team & the 18 members of the Under 16s team, as well as their coaches, referees and supporters. In addition there are over 200 local children (aged between 7 – 15 years) signed up to the 11 Youth teams who use the pitch on occasion. Local school teams are also invited to play on the pitch for the experience when the weather & pitch conditions allow. Having a well-maintained pitch will have an impact on all the players and the volunteers who support them. Team sport participants report significantly higher levels of happiness, confidence and trust compared to individuals who play no sport, or just individual sport. According to Sport England, playing football can develop confidence and self-worth, and can help create more resilient, inclusive and connected neighbourhoods. Football brings people together with feelings of belonging, loyalty, and passion.
Track record
Holsworthy Football Club has a long, rich history having been formed back in 1891 and moving to the current ground, Upcott Field in 1949. The club has a proven track record of success over the years having won County Cups at three different levels and having played in the North Devon League and the Plymouth and District League (which they won twice). They were later elected to play in the South Western League. More recently the club played in the Devon County League, which they won in their first season and in the South West Peninsula League Premier & First Divisions. The appeal of being part of the club is borne out by the number of players signed up to all the men’s teams as well as there being around 200 local children (boys and girls aged between 7 – 15 years) signed up to the youth teams who are coming up through the ranks to be the adult players of tomorrow. The volunteer coaches and referees give up their time to support the club as well as those who maintain the ground.