A state-of-the-art artificial grass pitch was recently officially opened by Portsmouth Football Club, at Horndean Technology College, on Wednesday 22nd September 2021.
The new artificial grass pitch was made possible thanks to investment from the Premier League, The Football Association and Government's Football Foundation.
After netting a £505,000.00 grant from the Football Foundation, work begun on the site in June 2021. The new facility replaces a smaller 9 v 9 artificial grass pitch which needed repair.
The grant enabled Horndean Technology College to develop a full size 11 v 11 pitch so more clubs could use the facility within the local Horndean area.
The new facility comprises of one 11 v 11 pitch, two 9 v 9 pitches, two 7 v 7 pitches and four 5 v 5 pitches.
The site will be used by various clubs including: Horndean Hawks FC, Clanfield FC, Horndean Youth FC, Havant and Waterlooville Social Club, Horndean Technology College and Portsmouth Football Club.
The project includes a football sports development plan. Horndean Technology College will be working alongside the key partner clubs to develop women and girl’s football as well as disability football. Within the plan it will also include growth of grassroots football with the current key partner clubs using the facility.
Horndean Technology College are excited about Portsmouth FC Academy regularly using the facility to train and develop their team.
Julie Summerfield, Headteacher of Horndean Technology College, said “We are truly delighted with the Artificial grass full sized football pitch. Thank you also to the Premier League, The FA and Government’s funding through the Football Foundation, East Hampshire District Council, Hampshire County Council and key partner football clubs.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Horndean Technology College’s Artificial Grass Pitch is now open to the public after receiving Football Foundation investment.