Competition for space on sportfields across the Northern Beaches can be fierce. We look at the issues faced by codes, and what could be done about it.
A scene played out at North Manly’s Nolan’s Reserve recently that perfectly encapsulated the challenge facing sporting organisations and local councils in finding enough space to accommodate an ever-increasing workload.
A senior football side from the Manly-Warringah Football Association was beginning pre-season training, at the same time a junior cricket game entered the final overs of a twilight T20 match.
Both were within their rights to be there, and a friendly compromise was reached where the footballers ran around the outskirts of the boundary until the last ball was bowled.
Once the cricket match finished, stumps were removed and goalposts were hastily put in place as the ground converted from summer sport to winter in the blink of an eye.
“That’s not an unheard-of scenario,” David Mason, chief executive officer of Manly-Warringah Football Association, tells Peninsula Living Pittwater.
“There is a desperate need for more sporting fields on the Northern Beaches. This was clearly identified in the Northern Beaches Council Sportsfield strategy in 2017.
“Since then, the number of football players has grown by 2,000, and the gap between what we have and what is required is getting larger.
“Grassroots sport is one of the most important parts of the fabric that keeps our community together and it needs urgent attention.”
Football, with just under 20,000 registered players on the Northern Beaches, is in a constant struggle for space to accommodate 15,000 games a season across 42 grounds.
Games are played from Friday night through to Sunday afternoon to cater for demand.
Participation numbers aren’t as high in other sports, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their own issues and challenges, especially around amenities for male and female players.
MWNA, with headquarters seen here at Curl Curl, is desperately looking for space to accommodate an expected influx of players. Image credit: MWNA Facebook.
Northern Beaches Council admits it is struggling to keep pace with the explosion in numbers.
Its 2017 Sportsfield Strategy set out a fifteen-year action plan to assist in meeting the current and future needs of local sport.
The document specifically notes the allocation process should be constantly reviewed and monitored, collaboratively working with the clubs and the community.
Council interim chief executive officer, Louise Kerr, says: “Council manages over 120 sportsgrounds to cater for a range of sports, schools and community groups.
“We continue to work closely with clubs to determine the best use of these grounds. There is a huge demand for sportsgrounds on the Northern Beaches, and our obvious challenge is the limited space available to create new ones.
“Despite this challenge, we continue to do all that we can to upgrade and renew existing sports fields and provide fair access to a range of sports. We are always open to hearing ideas and suggestions from sporting clubs and the community.”
Ms Kerr points out the council has invested in upgrades to lighting and irrigation at existing sportsgrounds to ensure play can continue after dark or in wet weather, increasing play time for a range of sports.
Cricketers at Warriewood Valley Sportsground in the Manly Warringah Junior Cricket Association compete with codes like football towards the end of their season.
Council has also partnered with the NSW Department of Education to access two school sports fields at the Northern Beaches Secondary College, at both the Cromer Freshwater campuses.
Both fields have been upgraded, and plans are underway for new lighting to be installed.
Council is also in discussions with the Department of Education about accessing sports facilities at the proposed relocated Forest High School.
As Ms Kerr notes: “Other local councils face similar challenges. As Sydney continues to grow in population, the demand for open space and sportsgrounds continues.”
Mr Mason fears players may be lost to football if additional fields are not secured.
“The ability to train and play on a field that is in reasonable condition, is one of the most important measures people take into consideration when they decide to play community sport,” says Mr Mason.
“We already have challenges keeping kids involved in sport. Maintaining the ability for people of all ages to be able to stay active is something that has health and well-being benefits for our society.”
The Manly-Warringah Netball Association (MWNA) has similar concerns as it looks to cater for the needs of more than 5,000 registered players.
MWNA’s Nicole Carter says netball must be supported by the right infrastructure capable of responding to change.
The MWNA expects its numbers to increase by a further 600 members – or 80 teams – over the next decade, generating 40 additional games, requiring 40 competition court hours plus 60 to 80 training hours per week.
Upgrades to satellite courts at Narrabeen, Forestville, Belrose and Avalon have taken some of the pressure off the sport’s Curl Curl headquarters, but more space is still desperately needed.
“As a not-for-profit, member-funded body, MWNA is responsible for the continued development and growth of netball in our local government area,” MWNA vice-president, Nicole Carter, tells Peninsula Living Pittwater.
“We are determined to provide great opportunities for all to play netball. However, this needs to be supported by the right infrastructure capable of responding to change, and to support all members who wish to participate in our great game.”
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