A new, state-of-the-art 3G sports pitch at Testwood School in Totton has been officially opened by former student Aaron Phipps MBE, a Paralympic gold medallist. And former Saints FC and England player Louise Gardner, nee Cross, kicked the first ball on the new facility.

With funding from the Premier League, The FA and the government’s Football Foundation, the surface will help turbocharge women’s and girls’ football. The community asset, which cost around £750,000 and meets World Rugby compliance standards, will also be available for local rugby club Tottonians to train on.

Furthermore, two new artificial cricket pitches at the school will give local cricket clubs Totton and Eling, and Calmore, a new place to play and practise. The 3G pitch was opened by Aaron Phipps – a Paralympic golf medallist in wheelchair rugby – who cut the ribbon during a day of sport and celebration.

He said:

“Sport changed my life as a disabled athlete, and this is a fantastic facility which can be used in all weathers for a huge number of sports. It will hopefully change the lives of many who use it over the years to come.”

The pitch is one of at least 30 set to benefit from The Lionesses Futures Fund – a £30 million cash injection from the Government and The FA delivered by the Football Foundation.

It celebrates England women roaring to victory at the 2022 UEFA EUROs as well as their achievement of making the final at FIFA World Cup 2023 and will help meet the growing demand for women’s and girls’ football. Since the Lionesses lifted the trophy in 2022, 68,000 more girls are playing football than before the tournament.

Too often, badly lit pitches, unsuitable changing facilities and late-night kick-off times put women and girls off taking to the pitch. Like every Lionesses Futures Fund site, the new pitch will prioritise access for women and girls through reserved peak-time slots.

It will also increase the provision of disabilities football and participation for those from lower-socio economic groups.

Louise Gardner who kicked the first ball on the pitch and played for Saints and England in the 1970s said:

“I would have loved to have played on pitches like this when I was young. It was great fun to kick the ball and I hope everyone using the pitch enjoys sport as much as I did.”

The pitch has replaced a previous one that was 18 years old, exceeding its expected lifespan by more than double and no longer meeting FA standards for hosting fixtures. The project has also been supported with additional funding from New Forest District Council and from partner organisations such as Pace Youth FC.

James Cross, Community Facilities Manager at Testwood School, said:

“The redevelopment of the new 3G Artificial Turf Pitch (ATP) and the installation of two new artificial cricket pitches marks a transformative step forward for our community."

“This state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance sporting opportunities but also foster inclusivity, particularly for women and girls, offering them a space to thrive and play at the highest level. The partnership with local clubs such as Pace Youth FC, Tottonians Rugby FC, Totton and Eling Cricket Club, and Calmore Cricket Club underscores our shared commitment to supporting grassroots sport."

“Together, we’re creating a legacy that will inspire future generations to stay active, build confidence, and be part of a strong, connected community."

Tim Webber, Headteacher at Testwood School, said:

"We are extremely pleased to host these great sporting facilities for the use of the community at Testwood School. I am extremely grateful to the Football Foundation, to New Forest District Council, and to our local partner sporting organisations for their part in making this happen."

“This will benefit our students and the community immensely in playing sport, something that is such an important and fulfilling part of our lives. I am also very grateful to our staff, most notably James Cross and Jackie Barker for their hard work in managing this project."

Robert Sullivan, CEO of the Football Foundation, said:

“Thanks to the funding from the Premier League, The FA and Government, we’re delivering 30 pitches like this across the country to support the growing demand for football we’ve seen following the Lionesses’ inspirational success."

“Like all Lionesses Futures Fund sites, the new 3G pitch at Testwood School will provide a safe, accessible and welcoming place to play for the local community in Totton to lace up their boots.”

Top Photo:

(l-r) Former Saints and England player Louise Gardner, Testwood School headteacher Tim Webber and gold medal-winning Paralympian Aaron Phipps cut the ribbon at the opening of the schools new pitch.