Stadium for Cornwall

Stadium for Cornwall-The Political Will?

The Cornish - for well over a century - have been a passionate rugby people and to this day, with the era of professionalism well in advance, Cornish teams continue that passion with a presence in the new National One and Championship leagues.

It is with some frustration and annoyance that this dedication and passion is not reflected in Cornwall’s sporting facilities. Meaning no disrespect to local clubs that have a long and proud history, the reality is that grounds are nothing more than a field with a shed of seats on the side and with no major re-structuring having taken place for many years, our playing fields are hardly of the ‘level’ variety.

Cornish supporters still make do with toilet facilities of the antiquated type – those of the ‘outside trough’ design backed-up with one or two portaloos. With such basic facilities, is it any wonder we don’t attract more supporters into our grounds?

Players fair no better and probably worse in some circumstances. Indeed, visiting clubs are rumoured to book into hotels rather than use the changing rooms!

Since the onset of professionalism in 1996, our grounds remain a poor reflection of what we have achieved and the old ‘Cornwall County Council’ did nothing to address the situation. Yet surely they were aware of Cornwall’s proud rugby history that comes with a following most clubs would die for.  A sorry epitaph for the old Council.

With our new Unitary Cornwall Council in place, it is hoped they will have the foresight to recognise that we require a modern sporting facility in Cornwall. A facility that could contain many new innovations, making Cornwall a beacon of sporting excellence and one of which the Cornish may be proud and not the sporting stadia backwater we have become. Should we be surprised that our talented youngsters feel they have to move away from Cornwall to reach their potential? Why we can’t attract the top sporting stars and why Cornwall can’t host top class games?

In the end, it will be down to the collective political will of our Councillors and Planners. Will they recognise and understand the neglect Cornish sport has suffered because of the lack of a modern stadium? Will they see the stadium as a ‘whole community’ project for Cornwall? Surely, these concerns must be addressed alongside any ‘viability/feasibility’ studies.

As the project is gaining publicity – albeit slowly - the people of Cornwall are clearly becoming aware and supportive of the stadium project. This is in evidence on the Stadium for Cornwall website petition totals.

But does our Cornwall Council have the political will to realise a Stadium for Cornwall? I’m sure that whatever the outcome, any decision regarding a stadium will be reflected by supporters at the next election.

Examples of support from local Councils:

Carmarthenshire County Council supported Parc y Scarlets Stadium.

Council backs Slough Town FC stadium plans.

Support from Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council sees the opening of the new Winchester Sports Stadium on Saturday 2 May.

Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council discuss a new 50,000-seat ground for Nottingham Forest.

Comment from S4C supporter