Chantry’s New Sports Court

It took over four years to raise the £20,000+ needed to build the court, but in August 2001 the new sports area on the Chantry estate was opened by the deputy mayor of Ipswich Don Edwards and international basketball stars Steve Nelson and Peter Scantlebury. This sheet answers some frequently asked questions about the court.

Who built the court?
An organisation called the Chantry Youth Development Initiative (CYDI). CYDI is a sub-group of the Chantry Residents’ Association and was formed in 1997; its aim is to provide freely accessible leisure resources for the young people of Chantry. They raised the money from a variety of sources and commissioned the building of the court in early 2001.

Who owns the court?
It is hoped all local people will feel the court is theirs in some way. Chantry Residents’ Association has a 20 year lease on the land with Suffolk County Council, who have agreed a “peppercorn” rent.

How much will it cost to use the court?
NOTHING. When the basketball posts were obtained, it was on condition that access to the court was free.

Is the court just for basketball?
No. Although basketball is the main function, the court was designed to be multi purpose. Uses could include roller hockey, football or even an outdoor community fete. The Community Shop in Lavender Hill (details below) will co-ordinate bookings.

 

Can Community Groups use the court?
Yes. The Community Shop will co-ordinate any bookings. If you are a community sports group or a group wishing to hold an event like a sale or fete, phone Ipswich 683680 to sort out a booking.

 

Why can’t local youngsters play in a sports centre? Surely a court like this will just encourage youngsters to hang around and make a nuisance.
Most young people cannot afford to play sport at their local sports centres, where the cost court hire can be around £25.00 per hour.

Youngsters will tend to congregate around somewhere like a sports court but CYDI feel that this will be a positive thing. Youngsters can meet their friends and play sport; this may well mean that as youngsters have something meaningful to do with their leisure time that incidents elsewhere on the estate may reduce as a result.

 

Who sorts the court out if it is left in a mess or damaged?
If you see that the court is damaged, please do report it to us on Ipswich 683680. The local community service project have agreed to service the court on a regular basis. The project has set aside money for insurance, both for damage and public liability.

Retired community helper Brian Ellis helps maintain the court
 and keep it tidy. More help is most welcome

 

Do local councillors and the council support the court?
Yes. Councillors from both Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Borough Council have provided support from the start. Chantry ward councillors are kept regularly up to date on the project.

 

So the court is built—what happens now?
The court is now a resource for the people of Chantry to use. In a way it is up to local people as to how they want to see the court used. Some suggestions include:-

• Getting a basketball coach along to coach local youngsters
• Setting up a team based at the court
• To get a league started to play against other teams outdoors.
• Asking the council to run sports activities on the court during school holidays
• Casual spontaneous use of the court is its most important value

*        Floodlights have now been installed thanks largely to Suffolk Acre (Local Network       
Fund) donating £7,000 and £1000 from local County Councillor Sue Thomas.

How do we get these suggestions off the ground?
The Chantry Youth Development Initiative meets around once a month. Anyone who is keen to see more local leisure facilities is welcome to come along. Further details on contacting CYDI are given below.

Chantry  Youth Development Initiative is a voluntary group dependant on donations to finance facilities for disadvantaged young people many in the age range 5 to 13 years. Donations would be very much appreciated and the money put to immediate use for the benefit of young people.

IF YOU OR YOUR ORGANISATION WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO THIS CAUSE PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES OUT TO CHANTRY RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (YOUTH SECTION) AND SEND OR DELIVER TO THE ADDRESS BELOW. CASH IS ALSO ACCEPTABLE.