Contact: Louise Pickford - Ext: 7355

1. Summary

1.1. In accordance with Section 100(B)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the following request from Yateley Green Football Club is submitted as a matter of urgency, given the need for the organisation to carry out urgent drainage works.

2. Nature of Project

2.1. Yateley Green Football Club is trying to raise money through various grants to replace the drainage system on the senior pitch in time for the new season starting in September at a cost of £22,500. Regular football on the pitch has been unable to take place and the Club occasionally has had to hire other local pitches at considerable expense. Local junior teams also use the pitch on Sundays.

3. Financing

3.1. Applications have been made to the following organisations:-

The Football Foundation - £10,000 - decision awaited
Hampshire Playing Fields Association- £2,500 granted
Hart District Council - £3,000 - decision awaited
Yateley Town Council - granted substantial maintenance contract

3.2. The Club has raised £1,500. Therefore, there is an anticipated shortfall of approximately £5,000.

4. Support for the Project

4.1. The local County Councillor for Yateley, Councillor A.P. Collett supports this request for financial assistance and the Director of Arts, Countryside and Community's comments are as follows:-

"This Club is well run with a commitment to youth development. With few alternative facilities in the area this project is crucial to the ongoing work of the club. If successful they intend further developing their facilities to include more young people from the locality. I would therefore recommend a grant of £5,000 towards the cost of these works".

RECOMMENDATION:

That a grant of £5,000 be awarded to Yateley Green Football Club towards the cost of urgent replacement of their pitch's drainage system.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1 Published works.

2 Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

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