Urgent Support Needed for Orpington Town FC’s Training Facilities

Dear Mr Bacon  

I am writing to you as a concerned constituent and supporter of grassroots sport in our community. Orpington Town Football Club currently has around 200 players (from Under 8 to adults, male & female) registered to play for their teams, many of whom have been training and playing at Poverest Park for some months.  

Unfortunately, the leaseholder of Poverest Park is now refusing further access to the club, despite the facility being available and it belonging to Bromley Council. Sadly, Bromley Council have shown no willingness to mediate or help secure this space or an alternative space locally, even though there are at least three viable options within Orpington itself. (St Mary Cray Rec and Hoblingwell Wood Rec being the other two)  

This decision forces the club to relocate training and matches to Mottingham – four miles away – up to three times per week. For 200 players and their families, which means hundreds of additional car journeys each week, adding to local traffic congestion, increasing harmful emissions, and running directly counter to both national and local commitments to reduce pollution and promote active, local lifestyles.  

At a time when many families are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, asking parents/players to shoulder the extra cost of fuel, vehicle wear, and longer journeys is both unreasonable and inequitable. It also risks excluding players from lower-income households entirely, undermining the principle of equal access to sport.  

The club has worked tirelessly to find alternatives, but this unnecessary displacement is not only impractical – it breaks the link between the players and their own community. Orpington Town FC members are proud to represent their home, and the club has shown great promise – including the U15s reaching the finals of a local tournament despite competing against teams established for many seasons.

The dedication of the players, coaches, and volunteers is inspiring, and the club plays a vital role in keeping 200 people active, motivated, and positively engaged.   I would also like to emphasise that our football club is proudly inclusive, welcoming and supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). For many of these children, regular travel to distant venues poses significant challenges. The extended journeys not only increase physical and mental fatigue but can also heighten anxiety and exacerbate existing symptoms. This uncertainty and disruption can undermine the stability and confidence that sport is meant to foster.  

A permanent home ground would provide a safe, familiar, and consistent environment where all our players — particularly those with SEN — can thrive. It would allow us to focus on building skills, friendships, and resilience without the added strain of unpredictable travel arrangements.  

Bromley Council has publicly stated its commitment to inclusivity and to being one of the best councils in the country for accommodating children with SEN needs. Supporting our request would be a direct demonstration of this commitment in action — helping to remove unnecessary barriers and ensuring that all children have equal access to the social, emotional, and health benefits that sport provides.  

We believe that securing a home ground is not simply a logistical matter, but a vital step towards upholding the principles of equality, accessibility, and community cohesion.  

I am asking for your urgent intervention. I urge you to press Bromley Council to work constructively with the club to secure a suitable facility in Orpington. This is a clear opportunity to uphold commitments to youth opportunity, environmental responsibility, and community cohesion – principles that should unite us all.  

I look forward to your response and to seeing meaningful action taken on behalf of these young people and their families.          

Key things to consider

Up to 2400 journeys per month

Up to 19,000 extra miles annually

Several tons of CO2 (avoidable) emissions

Reduced participation from kids, volunteers and coaches

Orpington Town Football Club    Contact the author of the petition