Grassroots sport in the New Forest has been given a boost with the announcement of a new full-size 3G football turf pitch at The Burgate School and Sixth Form.

Funding for the facility, which has a total cost of £896,755, has been secured through a partnership between Hampshire Football Association, New Forest District Council, the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation.

The project has received a £601,255 grant from the Football Foundation, as well as funding from several local organizations including New Forest District Council, The Burgate School and Sixth Form, Fordingbridge Turks FC, and Fordingbridge Rugby.

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The new pitch will benefit not only The Burgate School and Sixth Form but also the wider community.

The facility will also aim to broaden the age and ability of those participating in football, rugby, and other sports, particularly among low participation groups, and provide affordable access for young people and adults, giving a boost to sports clubs in the area.

The 3G FTP will be open in the evenings, weekends, and school holidays, ensuring widespread access to the facility.

Mr Pover, head teacher at Burgate, said: “I am delighted that, by working with national and local partners, we have achieved funding from the Premier League, The FA and the Government through the Football Foundation. This exciting new facility for the community of Fordingbridge will enable sport for all and encourage healthy participation in a range of activities.

"The new 3G FTP will be in easy walking distance of the town and the new housing developments being built next to the school. The facility will be open in the evenings, at the weekend and throughout the school holidays, giving a real boost to grassroots sport in the area.”

Robert Sullivan, chief executive of the Football Foundation, added: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country. 

“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities. 

“This grant award to The Burgate School and Sixth Form towards creating a new 3G football turf pitch is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”