Club and council strike pitches deal

In a landmark partnership between the club and Plymouth City Council, Argyle will oversee management of two newly-renovated grass football pitches with a new modular changing room facility located in the Ham area of Plymouth.

The Millennium Street site, based on what was formerly Plymouth Civil Service property, will offer usage for the Argyle Academy’s under-16s and 18s for training and some competitive fixtures, with the club also laying on significant community provision as part of the partnership agreement.

The club’s award-winning grounds team will take responsibility for managing the pitches and associated facilities, and providing opportunities for the local community to use the reinvigorated pitches at agreed times.

Argyle will work with Plymouth City Council and grass-roots clubs to ensure that community provisions and activities are held on site throughout the year. As part of the Pilgrims’ commitment to the city and as a requirement of the partnership agreement, these activities and opportunities will be provided by the club at no cost to the local community.

In partnership with the Council, a community action plan will be initiated to ensure that grass-roots community provision, including increased participation opportunities for budding female footballers, is offered year-round – hopefully inspiring the next generation of youngsters to develop a lifelong love of physical activity.

Andrew Parkinson, Argyle Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to be working together with Plymouth City Council on this project, and it is exciting that work is already underway.

“The new Millennium pitches will be brought to life for use by both the club and local residents for grass-roots sports. This project is a huge positive for all parties, and we thank the Council for placing their trust in us to lead it.”

Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “Not only are Argyle the biggest sports club in the city, they’re the biggest in the region and so any partnership with them makes sense for the Council.

“I’m pleased that some of the Argyle stars of the future will be able to have their first run out in the famous Green shirts on the pitches at Millennium Street and that local residents will benefit from the fantastic sessions that the club will put on.”