The Berks and Bucks Football Association is set to take over the running of the football activities at Cantley Park.
The news that a 10-year agreement is set to be signed in the coming weeks was revealed at the second Cantley Park stakeholders meeting on Tuesday night.
Wokingham Borough Council will appoint the Berks & Bucks FA as the new leaseholder following resident feedback earlier this year.
The council had explored ways to address the ongoing financial losses at the park on Twyford Road which were previously reported as being up to £50,000 per year, and has worked with users to find a better solution.
In a statement, Wokingham borough council said that leasing the site to Berks & Bucks FA, a respected not-for-profit organisation with strong local roots, offers a sustainable way to invest in the future of the park.
“The organisation brings specialist expertise and a commitment to improve the quality of the pitches, improve customer experience, and maintain affordability for current users.”
Subject to contracts being signed, Berks & Bucks FA will begin operating the facilities later this year, which will also include the café, Ashridge room and the changing facilities.
Cllr Mark Ashwell, executive member for economic development, sport, leisure and the arts, said: “I am pleased to see Cantley Park is going to be given a new lease of life under Berks & Bucks Football Association.
“Our local football’s association seeing the potential in Wokingham Borough is a massive boost for Cantley Park, and for our borough as a whole.”
Jon Wood, head of delivery at Berks & Bucks FA, added: “Our desire to operate Cantley Park goes beyond maintaining a successful facility.
“The vision for this facility is for it to become a hub for the community, and aid us in connecting people and changing lives.
“We very much look forward to working with the existing clubs and users of the site, and will be engaging with them in due course.”
He added that his organisation is committed to ensuring there will be no increases in pitch charges, or significant changes for existing users of the facilities.
“We will aim to deliver a better experience for clubs,” he said.
Berks & Bucks FA delivers work surrounding grassroots football, including education courses, competition delivery, partnership working and discipline.
The organisation is keen to link with wider community events that already take place on the site, such as the Wokingham Carnival and Wokingham Fireworks Spectacular, as well as exploring options to host community events for residents in the future.
Until now, the grounds of Cantley Park have been operated by Wokingham Borough Council.
Whilst Cllr Ashwell stated that parking charges for users of the sports facility were not “off the table”, he added that this latest news will go a long way to addressing the significant operating losses that Wokingham borough council are currently experiencing.
Tuesday’s meeting was attended by representatives from users of the park, including football clubs, hockey, archery, Cantley House Hotel, and Wokingham Theatre.
Clubs who use Cantley Park were also informed by email earlier this week.
