Facilities now pitch perfect following improvements

More clubs across the borough will soon be able to enjoy improved facilities at a key football site as construction work nears completion.

Following a £152,000 funding boost from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, additional upgrade work, which includes new spectator stands, turnstiles, public address system, new committee room, changing room improvements and new mesh screening at the site, is expected to complete later this month.

This latest work follows the completion of a new state-of-the-art artificial pitch which was officially opened last August funded by Hampshire Football Association, The Football Foundation and the borough council.

It is hoped the latest improvements, which will bring the facility up to Grade D standards, will increase participation in local football by allowing more football clubs to enjoy high level facilities.

Following the completion of the work, ground grading officials will carry out an inspection to confirm the improvements meet their standards before the site is officially reopened.

Over the last five years significant investment has been made in sports facilities across the borough to improve the health and wellbeing of residents. This includes improvements at Down Grange, 3G pitches in Winklebury and Down Grange and The Vyne and Testbourne schools, improvements at Howard Park Bowls Club and a gym refurbishment for The Hurst Community School.

Cabinet Member for Borough Development and Improvement Cllr Rebecca Bean said: “I am pleased this important work to upgrade Winklebury Football Complex is almost complete and players of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy these great new facilities.

“As a council who is committed to ensuring our residents can enjoy sports activities, we have made significant investment in sporting facilities across the borough over the last five years. We know sport is so important for improving your health and wellbeing and I would encourage residents to go and enjoy the great mix of sporting facilities we have in the borough.”

Hampshire FA CEO, Neil Cassar, added: “We are very pleased with additional investment into Winklebury Football Complex which will enhance the experience of all users and visitors. At a time when there is so much uncertainty in the world, the power of sport and football in particular has a key role to play in uniting our communities and keeping local people healthy and active in body and in mind.”

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