Page 24 - Issue 83 Online

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I am pleased to announce that in October
the Parish Council secured a new field
for the village. The new field will offer an
additional 7 acres of space which will be
used for sports pitches. The acquisition was
entirely funded by Section 106 payments
the council received from developers who
have built in Manea.
For as long as I’ve been part of the Parish
Council it has been apparent that the
playing field doesn’t offer enough space.
There are more than 200 registered football
players in the village spread across more
Field Location than 10 teams. With 5 senior teams playing
on the main 11 v 11 pitch, we have seen an
increasing number of matches being either
cancelled or moved away from the village
during recent seasons.

At all ages playing sport helps people
stay fit and healthy, boosts friendships
and builds relationships. The case for the
physical and mental benefits of organised
sports does not need to be made, it has
been proven beyond doubt. There are also
benefits to those related to the players. On
Grass Seed Sowing matchday the park is alive with parents,
partners, siblings all enjoying the fresh
air, walking, playing and socialising. It is
estimated that football in Manea already
directly or indirectly impacts the lives of
around 500 people.

The success of football has pushed
other sports to one side. We have been
approached regarding other activities such
as cricket and rugby but were not able to
progress those conversations due to lack
of space and concerns about additional
wear. The opening up of additional
pitches will give us more flexibility and,

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