Community football team ‘struggling’ after council closes public pitch
A community run football team has said it is “struggling” to find a new home after the public pitch it used was closed down by the council.
The astroturf football pitch in Agnes Riley Gardens, Clapham, was closed by Lambeth council this summer on the grounds that it had become “damaged beyond repair” and too expensive to replace.
The pitch, which had been open for six years, was used by 450 children and 300 adults each week including community football club Caribb FC.
Clapham resident Richard Sobers, who has run Caribb FC for 23 years, said: “It was a big shock.
“We had parents asking what was going on but Lambeth wouldn’t explain it.”
A Lambeth council spokesman said the pitch had been “regularly maintained”, but sustained damage because of prolonged wear and tear. The decision to close the pitch came after a child suffered an injury as a result of the disrepair, a spokesman said.
Mr Sobers runs free football sessions three times a week for up to 95 boys and girls in South London. But, after the pitch was closed, the coach had to cut the sessions – running a reduced number in public parks.
He said: “It’s very hard for the kids because they have seen people breaking into the facility and messing about, but we’re telling them they’re not allowed to play on the pitch anymore.”
Following inspections by several specialist companies, the council said it was advised that a “complete replacement” of the surface was necessary, which it could not afford.
The council advised clubs to make use of another sports pitch in Agnes Riley, but Mr Sobers said this is a concrete pitch which is too dangerous for children to play on.
He said: “We struggle to find good quality facilities we can use – Clapham is being built over with regeneration projects and now the council have taken away another safe space.
“They keep turning a blind eye to what people need.”
Lambeth Liberal Democrats have launched a petition in response to the closure, calling for the pitch to be reinstated.
Cllr Donna Harris, Leader of the Lambeth Liberal Democrats, said: “It’s an utter disgrace that Lambeth Labour are neglecting so many children in our Borough: Agnes Riley Gardens is a hub for young people.
“Community leaders, parents and children alike are devastated.
“They’re asking why better maintenance wasn’t implemented from the start, which could have prevented this closure.”
A Lambeth council spokesman said it is actively exploring alternative funding avenues, including capital investment and external grants, to address this issue.
The spokesman said: “Lambeth is committed to providing all the borough’s children with the best possible opportunities for sports and play, and we provide a huge selection of much-loved, well-used and well-maintained facilities across our parks and open spaces.”
The Lib Dem petition can be found here: Agnes Riley Gardens Football Pitch – Lambeth Liberal Democrats (lambethlibdems.org.uk).
Pictured top: The astroturf football pitch in Agnes Riley Gardens (Picture: Lambeth Liberal Democrats)