Council signs 25-year lease with Worthing United Youth FC - 'securing the future of children's football'
The council has ‘secured the future of children’s football’ by signing a 25-year lease with Worthing United Youth FC.
Worthing Borough Council said the move will unlock investment in the site and ‘deliver lasting benefits for local children and families’.
A WBC spokesperson said: “We're delighted to confirm that we've signed a new 25-year lease with Worthing United Youth FC, securing the future of children's football at Hill Barn Recreation Ground and unlocking exciting investment in the site.
“Representatives and players from the club recently visited Worthing Town Hall to celebrate the signing of the lease with Councillor John Turley, cabinet member for finance and resources, and Councillor Dom Ford, cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure.
“The agreement means Worthing United Youth can now access Football Foundation funding to improve the recreation ground's grass football pitches and provision.
“Hundreds of local children use the pitches every week, and the improvements will help create better playing conditions for current and future generations.
"As part of the arrangement, Worthing United Youth FC will manage the football pitches, allowing our parks team to focus on maintaining the many other sports grounds they are responsible for across the borough.”
“This builds on recent investment at the site, including the creation of a new community clubhouse by Worthing United Youth FC, helping to strengthen the recreation ground’s role as a thriving community sports hub.”
The authority confirmed Hill Barn Recreation Ground will remain open to the public.