Plans for new and improved community sports and social facilities in Porthleven have gathered pace.

Proposed plans to develop the existing facilities at Gala Parc have moved a step closer, with recommendations discussed with Porthleven Football Club by sports facility development consultancy Sports Solutions GB being approved.

At this early stage in the project, Sports Solutions GB are carrying out a comprehensive feasibility study of the opportunity to redevelop and improve the existing sports facilities at Porthleven Football Club's grounds in the town. The team will investigate the feasibility of developing new, sustainable community sports facilities on the existing site, including a supply and demand assessment, consultation with the local authorities, sports clubs and potential user groups, sports development planning workshops and a review of grant funding opportunities. The dedicated and enthusiastic committee members at Porthleven FC, led by the recently appointed chairman, Darren Shaw, are keen to develop sports and community facilities with the local authorities, which can be enjoyed by local residents, groups, schools and sports clubs, as well as attracting new members to the football club. “It is increasingly important for sports facilities to become sustainable businesses in order for them to survive and grow and one of the aims of this project is to create new community sports and social facilities for use by local schools, sports clubs, organisations, groups and all members of the community,” said a spokes person for Sports Solutions GB. Chairman of Porthleven FC, Darren Shaw, said “We're delighted to see this potential project take shape and are now keen to get the local community more involved in the plans and investigate opportunities for funding the project, which is vital to ensure that the scheme continues to progress. The proposed new facilities will play an important part in sustaining the football club and enable more local residents to enjoy sport. We want to hear from anyone who is interested in the project, from local clubs and residents to parties who may be able to help with funding.”

Sports Solutions GB’s managing sirector, Chris Bevan, said: “Our team is looking forward to continuing to work with the dedicated team at Porthleven Football Club and the stakeholders involved in this exciting project and delivering high quality, sustainable sports facilities which will benefit the wider community. The next step, which involves carrying out a comprehensive feasibility study, is a key stage of the project and the views of existing and potential users will play an important part in this.”

The project team would like to hear from sports clubs, teams and user groups who are interested in this project and those who may be in a position to offer support and funding. Contact Darren Shaw at Porthleven Football Club on 07977 851381 or deshaw155@yahoo.co.uk or Katrina McCarron at katrina_mccarron@btinternet.com.