The Charlie Wayman Playing Fields have officially hit an incredible new milestone, moving from an eight-year football absence to securing a top-tier rating in their latest PitchPower inspection.
For years, the site battled persistent drainage issues and declining surface quality. This forced local clubs like Chilton Juniors FC to find alternative accommodation, frustrating residents and leaving the local community without its historic football hub.
However, following a rigorous maintenance-led strategy, the latest FA PitchPower assessment report has revealed that both pitches have officially achieved an ‘Advanced’ rating, marking a massive turnaround from their historic ‘Poor’ score.
This transformation did not happen overnight. Over a dedicated two-year period, the pitches have been completely revitalised thanks to a powerhouse partnership. The trustees of the Miners’ Welfare Recreation Grounds Charity Trust led by Chair, Cllr Sue Reece, collaborated closely with the Durham FA and the Grounds Management Association (GMA).
Crucially, the heart and soul of this turnaround has been driven by the tireless dedication of Trustee volunteer David English and his family.
Their hands-on commitment and countless hours spent tending to the grounds have been the true catalyst for moving the site into an elite tier of pitch health.
The Trust recognises that a project of this scale requires the backing of the entire community.
The Miners’ Welfare Recreation Grounds Charity Trust extends its heartfelt thanks to the local club parents, Chilton Junior Football Club, and Chilton Club FC for their unwavering patience, enthusiasm, and support throughout this two-year journey.
Their belief in the project kept momentum alive, and this milestone belongs to every family and player who stuck by the grounds.
Beyond the competitive league matches, the revitalised playing fields serve a vital role in the broader Chilton community. The site is actively enjoyed for widespread community use, serving as a safe, welcoming green space that supports local health and well-being.
By providing a pristine, accessible environment, the fields offer a dedicated place for young people to enjoy physical activity, socialise, and stay active outside of school hours.
The initial Durham FA Football Assessment Report had confirmed the poor condition of the playing surfaces.
Armed with data, the Trust utilised the Football Foundation’s support to secure crucial financial backing. Funding provided by the Football Foundation Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund unlocked a structured, long-term improvement programme that directly targeted the site’s critical infrastructure issues.
To elevate the surfaces to the high-quality standard required for community football, a series of essential renovations and investments were rolled out:
Advanced Ground Maintenance Equipment: Backed by a successful £50,000 FA Foundation grant, the Trust invested in high-grade machinery, including a compact tractor and specialist cutting equipment, enabling volunteers to carry out precision upkeep.
Intense Surface Maintenance: An aggressive programme of aeration, slitting, decompaction, and top dressing drastically improved soil health.
Seeding and Fertilisation: Dedicated turf management guaranteed thick, resilient grass coverage.
The payoff of this hard work has been immediate.
The playing fields now actively support local teams, breathing life back into the local community and serving as the proud home hub for both Chilton Club FC and Chilton Juniors FC.
By pushing these pitches to an Advanced standard, the Miners’ Welfare Recreation Grounds Charity Trust, David English, and the entire volunteer network have not only preserved local heritage, but ensured that the next generation of sporting talent has a premier, high quality and match-fit environment to hone their skills.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
