By Professor Robert Van de Noort
Well, as World Cup Finals go, the one between Argentina and France was one of the very best matches I have seen in a long time.
And while the early exits of England and the Netherlands was obviously disappointing, it meant that I could watch the final in a relaxed state of mind, simply enjoying the beautiful game.
Sport is good for you. Active participation is of course good for one’s physical health, but even taking part as a spectator lifts one’s spirits. Knowing that you are among millions sharing in the enjoyment of watching a memorable game creates a sense of belonging, and a shared experience we can discuss at lengths afterwards with friends and colleagues.
At the University, many academic colleagues study the broader impact of sports on individuals and society and the result tells us inevitably: sport is good for you.
It should therefore come as no surprise that in our work with the wider community in Reading and Wokingham, we include sport in the opportunities for people living in our own neighbourhood.
This year, working alongside Shinfield Parish Council, we plan to deliver two important new community facilities. The Manor Sports Pavilion and pitches are due to be complete in spring and the Shinfield West Pavilion and cricket pitch should be ready for use by the end of this year.
These new facilities are linked to previous development in the parish and were requested by local sports clubs that needed improved facilities to recruit and develop new sporting talent in the area.
Once complete, they will be handed over to Shinfield Parish Council to manage the day-to-day running and oversight.
Grassroots sports facilities are so important for local communities. They bring people together, they help to encourage active lifestyles, which in turn lead to an overall healthier population, and they can also be the start of someone’s sporting career.
That is why we are working once again alongside Shinfield Parish Council to look at future sports provision for the parish, and we want to consult people on their views on what this should look like.
The University has put forward proposals for a further six sports pitches as part of a Reserved Matters Application for the site at Shinfield West, but we would like to consult with local residents on what type of pitches these should be. They might be facilities for football, hockey, rugby, American football, tennis, or other sports. Now is the chance for local people, and sports clubs, to have their say.
As part of the consultation process, we will be jointly hosting an event with Shinfield Parish Council on Saturday 28 January, at Shinfield Parish Council Community Centre, giving residents the chance to see the plans from the University and the Parish Council, and provide feedback.
At the same event, the University and the Parish Council will also ask local people about their aspirations for a new community growing space in Shinfield. We have some ideas that could open up opportunities for sustainable food growing and increased biodiversity, as well as educational opportunities for school children.
These plans are separate to discussions around the updated Wokingham Local Plan, and the development of Loddon Garden Village, the University’s proposed new community development at Hall Farm – currently awaiting a decision from the council.
Whatever the outcome of that decision, the University is committed to continue to work with our neighbours, and to deliver the best outcome for all, including for our local sports stars of the future.
For more details, log on to: rdg.ac/ShinfieldSport
