Ross Juniors FC Grapples with Escalating Flooding Issues

A community-based football club in Herefordshire has stated that persistent flooding at its facility is becoming “more and more of a challenge”. Ross Juniors FC members are accustomed to their home ground at Ross-on-Wye Sports Centre on Wilton Road experiencing inundation annually, typically once or twice. However, during the current season, the pitch has been waterlogged on three separate occasions. Paul Flitney, a committee member, noted the frequency of the incidents, stating, “We’ve had flooding in October, flooding in November, and now flooding in December.” He added, “So we’re estimating… we’ve probably lost seven to eight weeks of the season for home fixtures.” Mr. Flitney explained that managing the repercussions of Storm Darragh has rendered the club’s 30 teams—encompassing players from 2-year-olds to a veterans’ side, collectively playing up to 15 home games every weekend—incapable of hosting any matches prior to Christmas. He elaborated on the consequences, stating, “We’re having to postpone games, we’re having to ask opponents if we can play them at their place,” or alternatively, “look for expensive facilities in the local area that haven’t flooded.” The organization relies on funding from grants and contributions from its members. Mr. Flitney commented on the financial strain, stating, “If there’s anything little left over we try to improve the facilities, but over the last few years it’s become more and more of a challenge with the flooding.” He further explained the impact on operations: “We have a groundsman, who’s the only paid person we have in the organisation… And instead of him working to improve the pitches, it’s always repair now.” He concluded, “So there’s no progression in the facilities, it’s just repairing.” Mr. Flitney expressed the town’s need for a dedicated 4G pitch situated away from the river. He conveyed the club’s frustration, stating, “We’re just not playing games, and there doesn’t seem to be any immediate solution.” He added, “It’s very disheartening.”