Following the closure of the leisure centre, June 2021, we took over hire / management of an all-weather pitch, aiming to utilise the space for school and community. Our project is the repair and rejuvenation of this facility. This will offer more outdoor sporting experiences for pupils and establish sports for the community. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities sport can offer in removing barriers and bringing people together. Utilising an online booking system, with terms and conditions included, will be straight forward for all groups, clubs and individuals to access. It will make the project manageable into the future.
Benefits of the project
- The outdoor pitch can offer a variety of sporting opportunities that are not currently available to the community. This could include anything from hand ball to high jump, volleyball to hockey, etc!
- Extend the “cultural capital” of both pupils and the community. Everyone can try something new or apply their abilities and skills to something different for a challenge.
- By being securely but independently booked / accessed, the pitch can be available all year round.
- Sports are inclusive, with the surface being suitable for wheelchair games, over 60s walking football or balance bike toddler groups. We see the limitless possibilities!
- All abilities are welcome, amateur to professional. This has the potential to become a talent spotting venue, raising aspirations.
- This would be a welcome boost to the community, raising the NG7 profile in a beneficial way and showcasing a positive lifestyle choice.
- Uplift to the local economy. What better team building than to grab a coffee together at a local café?
- Extend links between the school and the local groups and businesses, such as the colleges and universities.
How we would use funds raised
To fully establish the Mellers Community MUGA we are aiming to raise £10,000 from crowd funding for surfacing – resurface or repair, sports markings, permanent goal posts and basketball hoops. We are being supported by Sports England with this but need to match their funding offer.
Other elements of the project are;
- security, (key pads or fobs) and lighting (repair and connection costs).
- access, (pathway and gate repair)
- booking system – online system set up costs
Once these items are paid for, we aim that in school / community fundraising and the hire fees will cover any future outgoings. It will not be a profit raising enterprise. Initially we would use free means of advertising available to us through social media, Ask Lion (Nottingham City directory). Utilising an online booking system, with terms and conditions included, will be straight forward for all groups, clubs and individuals to access. It will make the project manageable into the future.
This is something exciting and new. There is nothing like this in our community. The nearest sporting activities are all indoors, (Dance studio, Aikido and yoga) or limited to what is offered. The community centre that has these facilities is a 19-minute walk from school. Mellers has previous successes in engaging and celebrating community. Our recent 50th anniversary celebrations were extremely popular, and we are establishing links with HIMMAH, Trussell Trust, Archers and Belong.