Two Pompey stars have opened a state-of-the-art 3G football pitch at Horndean Technology College, delivered in partnership with East Hampshire District Council.
Kieron Freeman and George Hirst cut the royal blue ribbon and announced the pitch open for play last week.
The full-size pitch has been funded through £500,000 from the Football Foundation and £106,000 of developers’ contributions.
The floodlit facility will be the only one of its kind in the area and will be a great asset to both the college and the community.
Cllr Julie Butler, EHDC’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Welfare and Community Integration, said: “There is a huge demand for pitches just like this, not just for school sports but also among football clubs around the community.
“It’s fantastic to see it complete and I am sure it will be the perfect place for our young footballers to learn and love the game.”
Horndean Technology College Headteacher, Julie Summerfield, said: “We are truly delighted with the 3G full-sized football pitch. It is an amazing facility that present and future students, and the community can use for sport and training.
"We feel very privileged and delighted that Horndean Technology College was chosen for this amazing facility. Since its opening the students, staff and local community teams have been using the pitch with much excitement. Many students and myself included are in awe of its size, specification and quality. We are grateful to all those who donated towards this excellent facility.”