Two Canvey football clubs have joined forces as part of a new scheme to develop youth football in the borough.

Dave McNeill, deputy director for leisure at Castle Point council, told committee members how the Island Boys and Concord Rangers Football Clubs had got together after the Island Boys put forward a proposal to establish themselves at the Smallgains Recreation Ground in Smallgains Avenue, Canvey.

In a detailed joint-proposal with Concord Rangers, Island Boys said its five-year plan would develop Smallgains into a multi-function community centre with a hard surface playing area for all sports and also include redevelopment of the main pavilion.

The proposal, presented to the council, said: "We believe the more the pavilion gets used, the less chance of vandalism to the property.

"Our proposal is to encourage as many sporting, fitness and craft activities as possible for all age groups."

The three pitches at Smallgains are currently licensed to Schweppes Essex Senior League club Concord Rangers.

However, an agreement was reached between the two clubs which will mean development in youth football which will then feed into the senior and semi-professional leagues.

Mr McNeill said: "This will be a partnership between Island Boys, Concord Rangers and the council. It will result in improvements in the facilities and football in the borough."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.