Council supports local football teams to extend season

Local football teams wanting to extend the use of recreational grounds in the borough into May are being asked to contact Richmond Council. 

Groups who use the Council’s sports pitches to facilitate team sports have been asking the Council to extend the availability into next month to allow teams, particularly young people and children, to catch-up on time missed during the national lockdown. 

Restrictions on amateur team sports were lifted on 29 March 2021, leaving many teams around just one month of play before public grounds that are used for other sports, such as cricket, or those that require maintenance over the summer period are closed. 

Groups wanting to continue to use sports pitches beyond the end of May are being asked to make an enquiry to the Council at richmondsports@continental-landscapes.co.uk or on 0344 324 6277. Requests will be assessed on a case by case basis. 

Ishbel Murray, Assistant Director for Environment and Community Services, said: 

“We understand that many teams will be wanting to continue their team sports into the summer months, to make up for lost time earlier this year. Where possible we will accommodate this, but we will be unable to do so in all cases. 

“In some instances, the grounds must be given over to other sports but it will also be necessary for us to carry out essential maintenance on some of the grass pitches. Our parks and open spaces have seen a huge increase in footfall and use during the pandemic and as we head into summer, they need some care and attention to ensure they are in as good enough a condition for everyone to use during the next sports season. 

“As not all sports pitches will be available, it may not be possible to accommodate every request and so would encourage teams to enquire as soon as possible.” 

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