The future of Wardle FC and Rutherford Park

Wardle FC players

Wardle FC breathed a sigh of relief after a recent cabinet meeting chose not to earmark land at Rutherford Park for a new secondary school, so what does this mean for their long-awaited pitch improvements?

The grassroots club has been fighting to improve the training grounds at Rutherford Park for a number of years, but is still yet to benefit from a pitch extension and permanent clubhouse.

One of two sites put forward for the new school, the club thought their future would be jeopardised.

However, Rochdale council’s cabinet instead approved Littleborough playing fields as a potential new site for a secondary school at the latest meeting in June. As the site proposed is a playing field, consent must be granted by the Secretary of State for the lease of land towards a new school, proposed to open in 2022.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/119978/public-not-given-the-chance-to-discuss-littleborough-playing-fields-being-approved-as-site-for-new-secondary-school

Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Wardle FC Chairman Rik Fielding said: “In regard to the future development of our club, there is no need for the council to drag their heels now and all parties need to push on and fulfil the ideas and promises that have been made for over five years. We have great support, not just within our club but from the community and our local councillors that have spent hours doing what is right for our local community.”

Despite receiving a funding boost for these very works three years ago, Wardle FC are still waiting for the pitch extension and permanent clubhouse, and have been unable to sign a new lease.

An extension would transform one of the two junior pitches to a second adult pitch to meet Lancashire FA standards, which would allow adults to play football in the evening and the children in the morning. A permanent clubhouse was initially set to follow 12 months after these works had taken place.

The 99-year lease would cost £1,000 a year for the first 15 years and then a ‘peppercorn’ rent for the next 84 years.

This would be cheaper than the club’s current £400 per year rent at Rutherford Park, and the £750 per year cost of hiring grounds at Firgrove for one of the club’s three adult teams, saving the club £150 per year. 

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/118674/wardle-fc-still-waiting-to-extend-pitch-three-years-after-funding-boost

Mark Robinson, assistant director of economy at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Rutherford Park has been allocated around £70,000 from Pennines Township and section 106 contributions over the last three years to provide temporary clubhouse facilities and improve pitches.

“Discussions are also taking place with officers and elected members regarding proposals to extend one of the existing junior pitches and the provision of a permanent club house.”

The club has previously been granted £44,332 towards extending and widening the pitch to meet the Lancashire FA guidelines (£29,674), plus drainage on one pitch (£11,880) and two sets of senior lightweight goal posts (£5,800).