I am the assistant manager of Sudbury Football Club, Ashbourne Derbyshire. The sportsfield in our community is more than just a football pitch; it's a place where current and future generations come together to play, learn teamwork, and build lifelong friendships. However, this cherished local asset is under threat. The National Trust plans to replace the sportsfield with a grass meadow.

This change would not only rob us of our beloved field but also deprive our children of the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities that promote physical health and social interaction. In an era when childhood obesity rates are rising - 1 in 3 children aged 10-11 are overweight or obese according to NHS data - it's crucial that we maintain spaces like Sudbury Sportsfield where young people can exercise and play.

Sport has been played opposite the Hall for over 100 years , beginning with Cricket, expanding into Football and more recently Lacrosse. The field is part of the history of the area and many people, both young and old, have at some point reaped the benefits of the ability to use the area for sport, and it has been part of their heritage growing up, with no similar facilities within the village. The most recent team to play on the sportsfield, Sudbury Juniors, was established by John Ingram, of Sudbury, around 10 years ago, and what begun as an under 18's team has now progressed into a men's Sunday league team ran by Tom Crutchley, who was born in Sudbury and has a lot of strong relations within the village. Without this facility it denies the opportunity for lots of local players both currently and in the future to be a part of a team and enjoy themselves, especially at a time when lots of local amenities are being withdrawn and people are spending less time outdoors.

Through the withdrawal of this facility, it will also have an economic impact on local businesses of almost £10,000 annually, with current spectators being regular customers in the Sudbury Courtyard, as well as players and coaching staff attending the local public house after training, match days and for club events, a relationship which has been strongly established allowing sponsorship for the club.

We urge the National Trust to reconsider their decision. Let's preserve Sudbury Sportsfield for current generations who love it dearly and future generations who deserve the chance to enjoy it too. Please sign this petition if you believe in safeguarding local recreational spaces for everyone’s benefit.