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Facilities and spaces

Find the perfect place for your group to meet up and get active.

Finding a new home

Are you looking for somewhere to host your activities? 

Explore the pages here to read up on everything from hiring a hall - to running your own venue. 

Whether you, hire, rent, or own your facilities, this section can help you: 

  • Find facilities that meet your current and future needs.  
  • Work with third-party providers such as schools and leisure centres.  
  • Run and maintain your facilities. 
  • Maximise the use of your space. 
  • Find out more about community asset transfer. 

There's a lot to consider. But we've done some of the heavy lifting for you... 

 

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Getting prepared

Ready to find a place to play?

If you're just starting a group, or exploring facilities for the first time, there's lots to think about.

Do you have all the kit and equipment you need? What's essential for you when choosing a venue?

And will you hire somewhere, or have you thought about leasing or even running a place of your own?

Read more

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Finding facilities

Where can you look?

It can be tricky to find spaces near you that are right for your group's needs, affordable and aren’t already fully booked.

So here are some free online tools you can use to find the ideal facility, as well as some key things to consider when you've found somewhere you'd like to use.

See the tools

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Working with facility providers

Hiring somewhere for your group

We have lots of tips to help you work out what you'll need to think about when you're choosing a place to play. 

We'll give you advice on finding the perfect venue for your activity.

There's a special section on how to approach schools - and checklists to help you prepare for your negotiations. 

Tell me more

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Running facilities

So you're running your own pitch or hall?

Buddle has prepared some helpful advice, to help you deal with everything.

There's a building maintenance checklist, to ensure that your venue remains in great shape. 

You'll also get advice on what to do if there's a flood... 

What you need to know

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Developing facilities

Thinking of expanding?

This section covers everything from making a planning application, to securing your tenure. 

It's essential reading if you're planning to change what you do - or where you do it. 

Want to know more?

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Asset transfer

Do you want to take over council facilities?

Through a process known as asset transfer, you may be able to take control of your local sports pitches, pavilions, sports halls or pools.

Read some inspirational case studies.  

Get the lowdown

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Playing Pitch Strategies

Do your pitches and outdoor facilities meet your needs?

It's a question that Playing Pitch Strategies seek to answer – here's everything you need to know about them. 

Find out more

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Case study

Halton Farnworth Hornets ARLFC

Find out more about how this rugby league club developed their facilities to meet their needs and support their wider community.

Read their story

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