a world apart

At the end of our road was a field. In the winter it was our football pitch, with ‘jumpers for goal posts’. In the summer, after some mowing and rolling, it was our cricket pitch.  I was fortunate to have a ‘ground’ so close and easy to access. I have coached cricket and rugby, on and off, for nearly twenty years, so I understand that sport (and play) is much more than just exercise. 

In urban settings the competition for such spaces is more intense. The ground is valuable. It is desired by property developers, corporations, local authorities and roads, who all compete for the space. 

Sport often loses. 

London has lost 20% of its grass football pitches and 40% of its natural turf cricket pitches since 1990. Other cities and urban places have similar pressures.  Visually, they may seem a world apart, but the needs and the challenges often repeat. A sports area is an investment - in the community and its peoples’ health. How much that is valued may be seen on the ground.