Football facility moves from strength to strength
A Winchester sports club continues to innovate and expand, making the most of its popular local facilities.
Winchester City Football Club (WCFC), which has a history dating back to 1884, has amenities including a high-quality clubhouse and 3G pitch at its home in Hillier Way.
The 3G surface, which was funded by the club, the Football Foundation and Winchester City Council Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), can be used all year round.
The city council was also able to support the funding of the clubhouse upgrade, alongside a contribution from the club, and this new function space is also available for community hire. Additional funding from the Football Foundation supported the installation of its kitchen.
John McLaren from the WCFC Board of Directors, and club secretary for the first team and juniors, said: “We have so much going on at the club and can comfortably say we have something to offer to everyone; our facilities are used by thousands of people including local schools and colleges, and we have lots of exciting future plans. Our first team are in the league which is just below semi-pro, and there are 32 junior teams, the Flyers women’s team, walking football, SEN sessions, charity games, Solent Sport, recreational sessions, dads & lads and much more.
“The 3G pitch meant that youth players could carry on with their training in winter, which was vital for their mental as well as their physical wellbeing. We’re very appreciative of the clubhouse which is a lettable space accommodating kids’ and adult parties.
“We’re in the early stages of exploring links with the University of Winchester, including an academy side for post-16 education which will be a first for a university and sports club, combining football with a serious academic pathway.”
Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities Cllr Kathleen Becker said: “The top-notch facilities at Winchester City Football Club are proving to be of fantastic use to so many members of our local community, from under-6s in the kids’ sessions right the way through to the over-70s who take part in Walking Football.
“I’d encourage everyone to pop along to find out more about what’s going on at the Club, and the wider community sports hub in this area, as a participant or as a volunteer. There is so much exciting activity to join in with, for anyone of any age and physical ability level.”