TAFC interested in Udney Park playing fields

A Home Ground at last?

Teddington Athletic Football Club has submitted an expression of interest in the Udney Park Playing Fields, which landowners Imperial College have begun a sale process.

There are two main reasons for the interest in the playing fields. Firstly, the club is very short of pitch space, and have frequently not been able to find alternatives to accommodate the close to 100 players currently on the waiting lists. Secondly, as local residents, TAFC wish to help protect an area of green space under considerable threat from property developers, and the club's involvement in the process can hopefully help protect the facility even if TAFC is not the preferred bidder.

TAFC propose to make the fields a community resource managed by the club but available for use by local schools and other sports clubs, many of whom are backing the bid, as is local MP and Business Secretary Vince Cable.

If the expression of interest gains enough traction, the club may be asked to develop a formal offer – a significant task in terms of effort and money. Grants and charity support are available, but TAFC would also need to raise cash directly.

The club will continue to keep people informed as things develop, but at this stage, the best thing players and parents can do is discuss the idea with other local residents, with the aim of generating as much local interest as possible in keeping this facility available for the community.