“Furious”: Pitch fees to rise by 20% if council budget approved

Caerphilly County Borough Council has proposed a 20% hike in pitch fees, on top of the 12% increase it announced last year.

As it stands, it costs a club £54 for a four-hour slot to rent a pitch and changing room for a football or rugby match. This would increase to £64 in April, if approved by the council.

Chairman and youth team coach of Fleur De Lys FC, Nathan Lloyd, believes a 20% increase to fees could force some clubs to fold.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, he said: “A proposed 20% on top of 12% last season and likely a 7% increase in council tax, along with a reduction in suitable facilities across the borough, will only discourage parents as they have to juggle the increasingly difficult financial situation we all find ourselves in.

“We as a club, along with all the other sports clubs throughout the borough, provide an amazing opportunity for children, young adults, and adults to exercise both body and mind in these times of hardships.

“As volunteers, the council should be supporting and assisting clubs like ourselves to continue and develop our facilities, improving our standing within our communities.

“However, these unjust increases will no doubt see many clubs like ourselves have to question their ability to provide a cost effective option which will no doubt see many clubs fold.”

Mr Lloyd went on to say that for just a youth fixture, a match on a 3G surface can cost up to £200 when paying referees is factored in.

When asked directly about the 20% increase, Cllr Chris Morgan, cabinet member for leisure, said: “Times are very hard unfortunately, but we are open to discussion during the consultation period.”

Another club, that doesn’t wish to be named at this time, told Caerphilly Observer that they’d consider reaching out to other clubs in the area in an attempt to unify resources and push back against the 20% hike.

Llanbradach’s Plaid Cymru councillor, Colin Mann, has also spoken about the increase in fee, and warned the council it needs to “recognise the value of sport”.

He said: “People struggling to run amateur clubs all over Caerphilly County Borough will be furious at the planned 20% price hike – which is five times the current inflation rate of 4%. It would add pressure to the financial challenges already faced by clubs.

“I know there is a need to make savings but how does this tie in with the much-publicised council aim of making our population healthier through active sport and recreation? The council also needs to ensure that pitches are playable on a more regular basis.

“Encouraging youngsters to play football, rugby and other sports helps reduce the chances of them  being diverted into antisocial activities.

“The cost of kit and other equipment is also huge. When you add in the cost of playing a competitive game per week plus hiring facilities for training, it may well cost up to £1,000 to keep a team running for just one season.

“Officials need to recognise the value of sport.”

If you wish to have your say on this proposal, a council survey is currently running until February 13.