Outdoor sporting facilities are vital for physical activity, supporting grassroots sport development, promoting social cohesion and public health. A playing pitch strategy (PPS) is a vital document to protect outdoor sports facilities and identify where new or improved provision is required.
But to get the most out of it, it needs to be more than just a policy document. For it to be effective, it must provide a realistic, locally tailored blueprint for protecting and improving outdoor sports provision over a defined period of time. A well-constructed PPS avoids the risk of ad hoc investment or reactive decision-making and instead supports a strategic approach to providing facilities.
A PPS is a planning document that acts as a practical roadmap which sets out a clear, locally relevant blueprint for protecting, enhancing and providing sports provision over the lifespan of the strategy.
It provides local authorities and their partners with the evidence, direction and framework required to plan for future demand, secure funding and make informed decisions.
A successful PPS starts with a comprehensive audit of existing facilities, including pitch quality, level of demand and capacity across core pitch sports like football, rugby union, rugby league, cricket and hockey.
A PPS also captures future demand with an assessment of population growth, changing demographics, evolving participation trends, combined with insight from key stakeholders such as schools, local sports clubs, governing bodies and developers. This direct engagement helps ensure the strategy is realistic, community-focused, and aligned with the needs of those who use the facilities most.
An effective PPS shouldn’t operate in isolation, but should integrate with the wider local strategy and physical activity frameworks. This allows local authorities to make informed decisions, helps them support Section 106 negotiations with developers or prioritisation of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and justify new investment or upgrading existing provision.
While a PPS lays out policy, it must also demonstrate clear pathways for delivery to avoid plans losing momentum. It must:
An efficient way to do this is to include periodic review cycles, for example, annually or biannually, to check KPI performance, respond to changes and adapt as necessary.
Whether a local authority is looking to secure funding from Sport England, the Football Foundation or other national or regional bodies, a well-developed PPS plays a crucial role. Funders increasingly require substantial evidence that a proposal will meet overarching sport and exercise goals, is financially viable, well-thought-out, actionable and achievable.
Ultimately, a well-constructed PPS is a working tool to help local authorities effectively deliver the outdoor facilities the community needs both now and into the future.
Looking to build a PPS that supports funding, informs planning and delivers real results? Speak to FMG Consulting about how to create a robust, actionable strategy that drives long-term value.
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