Issue - meetings

to thank Mr Kindness for his deputation.

The Committee had before it a deputation by Mr Dani Kindness, Kincorth Youth Football and Champion Street Committee in relation to item 9.6 (Kincorth Cruyff Court Outline Business Case). (Article 6 of this minute refers).

Mr Kindness provided background information in relation to Kincorth Youth Football, specifically his connection with Kincorth Emirates which he founded in 2020.

He made reference to the loss of sporting facilities associated with the closure of Kincorth Academy, which included two gym halls, changing facilities and grass/astro pitches. He explained that the current grass pitches at Kincorth Circle had been used well, were being maintained by the community over many hours, which included the grass cutting and the painting of the pitch lines.

He advised that everyone connected with the team was in favour of a Cruyff Court being located within Kincorth, however they were not in favour of the proposal to have it situated at Kincorth Circle.

Mr Kindness described the youth football set-up in the area, intimating that children were now being coached from a very early age (4-5 year olds), playing 4 a-side football, moving to 5, 7 and 9 a-side and then onto 11 a-side as they enter secondary school age. He explained that during the children’s earlier years, the area required for football training was quite small, however at the moment, there was only one 11 a-side football pitch and there were concerns that even this grass area would be over utilised in the coming years, which would be a detriment to the community, preventing teams from taking in more children.

He made reference to the loss of use of Inverdee football pitches, where many Kincorth teams used to play and train, which had now been converted to two cricket pitches, indicating that investment was required to possibly create a 4G fenced in astro pitch within the Kincorth area, which could be used by the community and the Kincorth Youth/Amateur teams.

He provided information regarding the Champion Street football tournament and the set-up at the Kincorth Circle grass pitch area.

In response to questions, Mr Kindness outlined the importance of appropriate space/segregation for matches (adult and children pitches) to prevent injury. He also made reference to the Skate Park and under used play park on the south side of the area and agreed that the community would welcome the opportunity to engage with Council officials to find a solution to locate the Cruyff Court in a more suitable location within Kincorth.

The Committee resolved:-

to thank Mr Kindness for his deputation.