OVERWHELMING demand from Barnsley sports clubs for more artificial pitches will result in £1m being spent to cater for teams in need.
The Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre in Cudworth benefitted from a joint Premier League and FA Facilities Fund scheme to create its first outdoor 3G several years ago, which is suitable for 11-a-side matches and smaller training sessions to accommodate nine, seven and five-a-side teams.
However, although its arrival helped reduce initial demand, a survey of sports clubs in Barnsley revealed two-thirds still require better access to 3G provision.
According to a document, a total of £989,836 will be spent on creating the neighbouring facility on its land on Snydale Road.
A total of £764,385 will be accepted from the Football Foundation next week, while £25,000 from operator Barnsley Premier Leisure and £200,451 from Barnsley Council’s Section 106 fund, which is cash clawed back from developers behind housing estates.
The venue is named after former European and Commonwealth champion Dorothy Hyman, the Cudworth-born sprinter who also won a silver and two bronze medals at two Olympics in Rome, 1960 and Tokyo in 1964.
A cabinet report said: “The grant will contribute 77 per cent towards the total cost of building a new and additional second artificial turf pitch at the Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre.
“The Barnsley Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sport Strategy (PPOSS) has identified that ‘there is deemed to be an insufficient supply to accommodate both current and future demand for 3G pitches in Barnsley’.
“The Football Foundation deliver outstanding grassroots sports
facilities, helping transform communities where the need is greatest, and the impact will be strongest.
“As the biggest sport charity in the country, the Football Foundation has a unique partnership between key football partners with a shared goal - ensuring every community in England has a great place to play.
“Through Barnsley Council’s work to increase physical activity levels and provide enhanced facilities, a strong relationship with the Football Foundation has been established which is drawing substantial investment into our facilities to help meet demand and facilitate growth.
“Most recently, the centre has received a Football Foundation grant of £180,041 towards the £280,000 cost of new changing rooms and pavilion.
“To make sure the venue can to continue to thrive and grow, both the council and site operator Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL) are pleased to announce that further investment will be made.”
