Guangdong announce plans for football pitches construction by 2020

Guangdong Province has published an official document outlining their full plan regarding football pitch and facility construction and space arrangements in the province from 2017 to 2020. 

The plan was made by the Guangdong Sports Bureau in collaboration with the Provincial Housing and Urban-rural Construction Department, Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission, Department of Education, Department of Finance and Department of Land Resources. The official publication was implemented at the end of May. 

According to the plan, there should be 8,577 various types of football pitches and spaces by 2020; 2,924 existing football pitches/spaces should be renovated and 2,203 new football pitches/spaces should be constructed. Among the newly built football pitches, there should be 811 pitches for 5x5 football, 1,161 7x7 or 8x8 football pitches, and 231 full size pitches for 11x11 football. The average number of football pitches per 10,000 people should be 0.72. 

Apart from the overall goals, the plan also arranges tasks for each city, the scale of construction, the infrastructure system and ensuring and servicing mechanics. 

Governments at each level within the province should increase funding support and include the construction as part of the local economy and society development plans. 

Private capitals are encouraged to take part in investing, constructing and operating football pitches and facilities and to collaborate with the local governments. 

Source: General Administration of Sport of China 

Proofread by Raymond Fitzpatrick