A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save a football ground in Newquay as the town council explores the possibility of taking ownership.

Newquay AFC has started a petition titled ‘Save Godolphin Football Ground – Protect Grassroots Football in Newquay’ after Newquay Town Council started discussions with the owners, Cornwall Council, about taking over the freehold of the land.

Mayor Cllr Drew Creek has stated the town council is “committed” to supporting local sport, but Newquay AFC has raised concerns about the facility being lost for the local community.

The football ground is used by Godolphin Atlantic and Newquay AFC teams as well as 28 teams across youth, senior and women’s football as well as scout, Pilates and other community activities.

Tania Semmens, the chair of Godolphin Atlantic Football, who along with Margaret Ashwood are the trustees of the ground and hold the lease for the next nine years have raised concerns alongside Newquay AFC that they have not been consulted by the town council about the plans.

James Lenton from Newquay AFC has started the petition on Change.org, which has so far been signed by 542 people.

He states: “Godolphin Atlantic Football Club, chaired by Tania Semmens, and Newquay AFC are proud custodians of Godolphin Football Ground. Together, our clubs ensure the ground continues to serve football and the wider community.

“Newquay Town Council has announced plans to take over Godolphin Football Ground as part of its devolution programme without consulting either Godolphin Atlantic FC, the current leaseholders, or Newquay AFC.

“For over 30 years, Godolphin Atlantic FC has been a proud occupant of the ground, achieving success on the pitch and establishing it as a respected step six football venue in Cornwall. Today, both Godolphin teams and Newquay AFC teams continue to use and care for the facility, which now supports 28 teams across youth and senior football, including women’s football giving girls and women a clear pathway to play and progress.

“Youth teams from under sevens to under 18s offering hundreds of children the chance to play in a safe, welcoming environment. Tournaments and cup matches bringing visitors and boosting local businesses. Senior teams providing a progression route for youth players into adult football. One to one coaching and development programmes building confidence and helping players reach their potential.

“Strong community and volunteer network: parents, coaches, and supporters dedicating countless unpaid hours. Community partnerships: including the Newquay Scouts, making the ground a shared community hub.

“Despite this combined legacy and ongoing contribution, neither Godolphin Atlantic FC nor Newquay AFC have been consulted about the council’s plans. With Newquay already recognised by the FA and Cornwall FA as having insufficient pitches and astro turfs, losing Godolphin Football Ground would worsen this crisis. “We call on Cornwall Council and Newquay Town Council to recognise Godolphin Atlantic FC’s legacy as leaseholders and Newquay AFC’s role as custodians, along with both clubs’ ongoing use of the ground.

“Commit to transparent consultation with all stakeholders, including both clubs, the scouts, and the wider community. Safeguard the long-term use of the ground for grassroots football and community sport.

“Grassroots football in Newquay cannot afford to lose another facility. Sign this petition to help protect Godolphin Football Ground and ensure it remains a thriving hub for football, women’s sport, youth development, and the wider community.

“Together, Godolphin Atlantic FC and Newquay AFC can protect the future of grassroots football in Newquay.”

Newquay Town Council has stated there are no plans to disrupt or change the existing use of the football ground. The authority did say it hopes to open up the space when it is not in use to support other grassroots sports teams and community groups. But Godolphin FC and Newquay FC say any additional use must be managed carefully to protect the quality and availability of the facility for competitive football.

A spokesperson for Newquay Town Council said: “Following the recent article in the Newquay Voice about the Godolphin Football Ground, Newquay Town Council would like to clarify the current position. “Cornwall Council has approached us to explore the possibility of transferring the freehold of the Godolphin Football Ground to Newquay Town Council as part of the wider devolution deal.

“We’re looking into this with the aim of protecting and improving local sports facilities for the community. “We fully recognise that the ground is currently well used by Newquay AFC, and we want to be absolutely clear. We have no plans to disrupt or change this existing use.

“Our goal is to build on the good work that’s already gone into the site and ensure it remains a valuable asset for the town. Our hope is to open up the space when it’s not in use to support other grassroots sports teams and community groups who often struggle to find affordable places to train and play.

“Newquay Town Council remains committed to supporting local sport, improving access to facilities, and keeping important community spaces like this one well-maintained and available to all.”

Godolphin FC and Newquay AFC has issued a statement welcoming the clarification from the town council but called for “proper engagement and consultation with all stakeholders.”

In a statement they said: “Godolphin FC and Newquay AFC welcome the clarification from Newquay Town Council regarding the Godolphin Football Ground. We are pleased to hear that the council recognises the ongoing use of the ground by our clubs and has no plans to disrupt or alter our activities. “The Godolphin Football Ground has been central to the town’s activities, and collectively we have been overwhelmed by the levels of support from both clubs’ members, supporters, and the wider community.

“While we are encouraged by the council’s intention to maintain and enhance the ground as a valuable community asset, the clubs do remain concerned about the future. It is important that the local community’s voices are heard to ensure we safeguard this area for sport and recreation. “It should also be remembered that, whilst we support shared open access for the local community, the Godolphin Football Ground is first and foremost a league football pitch, which is already heavily used by the local community. Any additional use must be managed carefully to protect the quality and availability of the facility for competitive football.

“Godolphin FC and Newquay AFC value their ongoing relationships with both Cornwall Council and Newquay Town Council. However, we are concerned that no parties were consulted before such news was publicly shared, and we hope that going forward, proper engagement and consultation with all stakeholders will take place. “We remain dedicated to contributing positively to local sport and to the wider community in Newquay.”