PITCH fees in Merthyr Tydfil look set not to be brought back this year because it would increase the risk of clubs folding and have an “adverse impact” on the local football league, a council report says.
In March 2022, cabinet approved a recommendation to not charge pitch fees until after the 2025/26 financial year and a review of the potential impact of re-introducing these fees from April 2026 has been carried out.
In late 2019, a review of current sporting facilities, mainly outdoor sports fields and pitches, was commissioned by the Active Merthyr team.
As part of the review and consultation with local clubs, it became apparent that there were “significant issues” with the cost of annual pitch fees which correlated to certain clubs experiencing financial hardship or even folding as a result.
As a result, the parks department agreed that it would not charge clubs for this annual maintenance fee until the 2025/26 financial year so that sports clubs have an opportunity to solidify and grow without the stress of them not having to find finances to cover these costs.
Following consideration of the potential re-introduction of pitch fees from April 2026, it remains the view that financial implications for clubs will resurface and increase the risk of clubs folding, having an adverse impact on the local football league.
The cabinet report suggests that the reintroduction of pitch fees is deferred until April 2028 and the cost of pitch fee maintenance be met corporately and not passed onto the clubs that play on them.
If approved by cabinet, the annual maintenance cost of pitch fees will be met from the grounds maintenance budget from April 2026.
The council’s grounds maintenance department have not budgeted for any income from pitch fees.
The income is said to be relatively low considering the low numbers of teams currently playing in Merthyr Tydfil, therefore, the financial implication will be minimal to the council.
