The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
The building at Leaveslake Drove playing field in West Pinchbeck is mainly occupied by a day nursery. The Spalding United Youth section has a small area of it, but no changing facilities. Photo: VNG300814-10
Spalding United’s popular youth section wants to build a home of its own in the town.
The Tulips are trying to find about five acres of land to develop for its growing junior set-up.
About 200 youngsters are currently involved across its 12 teams and the move is seen as the next sensible step towards growing the junior side of the club further.
The majority of its youth teams currently play at Leaveslake Drove in West Pinchbeck, but there are no changing facilities.
Youth chairman Pete Semmence said: “We’re trying to find somewhere so we can all be under the same roof and I’d like it to be in Spalding.”
Mr Semmence, who became chairman in June, is willing to buy land through his Wardentree Park firm SVR.
Some players’ parents feared that the current shortage of facilities might prevent teams being in leagues this season but Mr Semmence has given a reassurance that Leaveslake Drove will suffice.
“There will be no problem on that front,” he said. “But it’s not ideal because we want somewhere warm to have the kids in.
“We’ve obtained a Portakabin and we’re hoping Pinchbeck Parish Council allow us to put it on the field.”
The three under-15 teams – including a girls’ side – have to play on larger pitches than are at Leaveslake Drove.
Efforts to find them school pitches in Spalding have so far proved fruitless so they look set to use South Holland District Council pitches and the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
However, the club is mindful of wanting to preserve the quality of the Sir Halley pitch, with first team and reserves using it too.
The long-term aim is for purpose-built facilities with all youth sides – currently covered from under-seven to under-15 – all together.
Mr Semmence said: “If anyone has land they are willing to sell then please get in touch.”
The move would mirror a development by Holbeach United Youth, which is building a new base called Kings Academy at Pennyhill.
