Tooting and Mitcham Football Stadium.

Press Release 2nd March

TOOTING & MITCHAM UTD F.C. GETS A  HELPING HAND FROM LOTTERY FUNDING FOR SPORT

The local communities of Merton and Sutton are going to get a grant from the Big Lottery Fund and Sport England to build a fantastic new multi sports hub at the home of Tooting & Mitcham F.C.

The two organisations are working in partnership on the new Active England funding initiative, which will drive forward community participation in sport and physical activity, provide new or improved sporting facilities and increase capacity and quality of activity projects in local communities across England. Active England projects will contribute to the health and well-being of all sections of society, but in particular those sections of society that typically do not take part in sport and physical activity.  The programme endeavours to increase participation in sport and physical activity - working towards the 70% target of people participating in 30 minutes, five times a week by 2020, as set by the government in Game Plan in 2002.

The grant will help utilise the space in the north stand of Tooting & Mitcham Football Club in order to provide a multi purpose facility for the local community, many of whom live in deprived circumstances.  Based on the theme of inclusion and with the 'wholehearted' support of Merton Council, this initiative aims to provide a centre for multi sports, play, leisure and health.  Catering for St. Helier ward, it includes an innovative soft play area that can provide physical activity for groups such as pre walkers or people with disabilities. As well as working with local health trusts and GPs, the Hub will also provide vocational training to people from minority groups such as single parents and youngsters who have been excluded or are in the justice system.  It is particularly apt that the hub will be located at Tooting and Mitcham FC which has a long tradition as a dedicated community football club.

  The project was particularly suited to receive Active England funding given its commitment to creating and supporting sustainable multi-activity environments in areas of social, sport & health deprivation.  Its innovative approach will create a new working partnership both between sports and between sectors that will seek to raise participation levels by breaking down perceived barriers to sports and physical activity.

This project is one of 21 London projects that have been awarded a slice of the £14,464,000 Active England funding allocated to London.

Matthew Delaney, regional director of Sport England London says, "This multi sport hub is the epitome of the future of sports clubs in London.   Evidence from the continent and from Scandanavia shows that multi-activity environments set in the heart of the local community and run by local people are highly instrumental in increasing participation and making sport accessible to all."

Tooting and Mitcham Project co-ordinator Steven Adkins "This enhanced sporting provision will be at the heart of our local communities. It will give local people the chance to get fit and stay fit, and will bring long term benefits for their health and well being for the people of Sutton and Merton."

Russell Darbon, Regional Manager for London, Big Lottery Fund says

"National Lottery players can take pride in the fact that they are contributing to the creation of more active communities."

 Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week for adults and one hour a day for children can make a significant impact on health. Exercise can help to prevent some cancers, heart disease, depression and obesity.