BISHOPSTON councillor David Willingham tonight (Tues, March 18) won Mayor George Ferguson’s backing for his campaign to give local youngsters access to nine-a-side football pitches.
Dr Willingham (Liberal Democrat) is supporting the children and parents of Ashley Down Football Club, who want the council to say where they will be able to play in time for the start of the 2014/15 season. He fears the club’s future might otherwise be in jeopardy.
The nine-a-side game for under-12s needs a pitch that is less than full size. Councillor Willingham wants the council to take up the option of double-marking a pitch at Muller Road recreation ground or providing one on Wellington Hill playing field.
He said: “Youth sport provision is essential in delivering better outcomes for our city’s children, and it is vital that the council ensures adequate provision of sports pitches, and looks at innovative ways to deliver this, such as double marking.
“As far as I am aware, Bristol City Council have not yet offered any options for a local nine-a-side pitch for the 2014/15 season, which puts this club’s future in jeopardy.”
Daniel Brooks, coach of the Ashley Down under-11 team, said: “We are trying to build up a local football club here, and I don’t want to be the one to break the bad news to the kids that they cannot play next season as there is no space in their local community for sport.”
At tonight’s meeting of Bristol City Council, the Mayor told Councillor Willingham he would do all he could to help.
