Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, leisure and engagement, said: “We are extremely upset to see our Anker Valley Sports and Community Complex flooded last week. Like many areas across the country, we sadly experienced flooding, following the extreme weather conditions.
“We’ve never seen flooding at this site and comprehensive flood risk assessments completed last year by independent specialists show that no flood risks were identified during investigations prior to work to install the new 3G pitch.
“The 3G pitch is currently being assessed to identify the flood impact, by specialist engineers and contractors used as part of our agreement with the Football Foundation.
“We are working closely with our grassroot clubs and community groups to find alternative spaces for league fixture games. We understand how facilities like this one in Tamworth are vital for local communities, and our priority is to bring the pitch safely back to use as soon as possible.”
Notes:
The new 3G pitch opened last year, thanks to grant money from the Premier League, The FA and government’s Football Foundation of £513,610, section 106 monies and money from Tamworth Borough Council’s football development fund: to provide more grass roots sports development opportunities for women and girls as well as the wider community.
£513,610 has been received from the Premier League, The FA and government’s Football Foundation.
This project is also supported by an additional £269,882 from section 106 monies and £30,000 from Tamworth Borough Council’s football development fund.
About the Football Foundation
The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and Government’s charity that delivers outstanding grassroots facilities, more and better places to play, transforming lives and communities where it is needed most.
The Foundation’s goal is to unlock the power of pitches ensuring every community has a great place to play regardless of gender, race, disability or place.
Since its creation in 2000, the Foundation has invested more than £1.1 billion to improve grassroots facilities across the country, including 1,200 3G pitches, 13,000 grass pitches and 1,500 changing rooms. This has attracted an additional £1.4 billion of partnership funding, totalling over £2.5 billion investment in grassroots football so far.
In partnership with local authorities, County FAs and other community stakeholders, the Foundation has created Local Football Facility Plans for every local authority in England. These plans act as a blueprint for providing the grassroots football facility improvements, that each community needs and deserves across the country.
Visit footballfoundation.org.uk for more information on the Foundation and view the Plan for your local area.