Investment could transform Sompting Recreation Ground’s football facilities

More than £470,000 could be used to improve the quality of the pitches at the green space in West Street, while also exploring plans for a new clubhouse with changing facilities and storage.

The proposed improvements come following a partnership between Adur District Council (ADC), the Football Foundation, Lancing Rangers Football Club and Sompting Football Club.

By entering the Football Foundation’s Home Advantage Programme, the council and the football clubs have the opportunity to access up to £250,000 of funding.

The council also plans to use £227,000 of Section 106 contributions generated by the major housing development in West Sompting.

The funding would enable the football clubs to purchase new grounds maintenance equipment, improving the quality and durability of playing surfaces used by hundreds of children and adults each week. It would also support the provision of hot drinks and snacks at the ground, enhancing the experience for players and spectators while generating additional income to help sustain their wider community work.

Alongside the pitch improvements, a new modular clubhouse could be created at the recreation ground, complete with changing facilities and a storage area.

An ADC spokesperson said: “Good-quality community sports facilities play an important role in supporting physical and mental wellbeing. For children in particular, taking part in sport can help build confidence, develop friendships and teamwork skills, and establish healthy habits that last a lifetime.

"Lancing Rangers Football Club and Sompting Football Club provide opportunities for local children and adults to be physically active, spend time outdoors and be part of their community.

“Should the council and clubs enroll to the programme, the clubs would take over management of the football pitches, allowing the council’s parks team to focus on maintaining the many other sports grounds it is responsible for across the district.”

A 25-year lease will also be signed between the council and the football clubs, subject to formal agreement, further securing the site for football, according to ADC. The recreation ground would remain open to the public and all other users as normal.

Councillor Adrienne Lowe, Adur’s cabinet member for communities, wellbeing and leisure, said: “Sompting Recreation Ground is a much-loved community space, and these plans would help make sure it continues to support local people for years to come.

“Investing in high-quality football pitches and a new clubhouse would give children and adults the opportunity to enjoy sport, stay active and be part of a team in a safe and welcoming environment. It’s a really positive investment in community sport and in the future of Sompting Recreation Ground.”

The recreation ground was one of just 30 locations selected for the third year of the Football Foundation’s Home Advantage Programme, following the successful joint application by the council and the clubs.

Steve Searle, Lancing Rangers Football Club vice president and Sompting Football Club manager, added: “It would be really exciting to get this investment for the Sompting community. Having been a Sompting resident for 55 years, it’s great to continue to see boys and girls, as well as the adult players, outside enjoying this wonderful space.

"This investment and the improved facilities would help continue to provide this and I’m sure would help to grow participation and further use of the area in the future.”

Should the invitation to join the programme progress, the award of up to £250,000 would go to the football clubs, while the council would receive a separate contribution up to £25,000 to cover its costs in putting the scheme in place.

ADC said it’s hoped that the first benefits of the Home Advantage Programme could be delivered and operational within 12 months.