Press Release

8 October 2026

New 3G pitch set to boost community sport in Portchester

Fareham Borough Council is pleased to announce that AFC Portchester Football Club is preparing to officially open its new all-weather 3G pitch at Wicor Recreation Ground.

As one of Hampshire's largest community-focused football clubs, AFC Portchester supports 38 teams across youth, senior, women's and disability football. The club plays a central role in the local community, using football to encourage participation, inclusion, health, and wellbeing among people of all ages and abilities.

The new 3G pitch can be used in all seasons and weather conditions, providing a reliable all-year-round facility. It will support the Club's ambitions to expand disability football, walking football for over-50s, women's and girls' football, and other inclusive participation programmes. Through a Community Use Agreement, local schools, sports clubs and community groups are expected to benefit from more than 20 hours of community access each week.

The £1.1 million project has been delivered through a collaborative funding package involving the Club and football funding bodies. In addition, Fareham Borough Council has supported the project with a £105,000 grant, funded through Section 106 developer contributions designated for outdoor sports provision.

The Club will be holding an open evening from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on 22 October, where local residents and current users of the facilities, together with their families, will have an opportunity to tour the site and see the new pitch first-hand and learn more about the benefits the facility will bring to the local community for years to come.

Councillor Frair Burgess, Executive Member for Leisure and Community at Fareham Borough Council, said:

“The new 3G pitch at Wicor Recreation Ground represents a major investment in community sport. AFC Portchester plays an important role in promoting health, wellbeing and inclusion within the local community, and this new pitch will help the Club continue to grow and reach even more residents. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this facility will have in the years ahead.”

Paul Kelly, Chairman of AFC Portchester Football Club, added:

“This investment is about far more than football. It is about creating a welcoming community hub that promotes health, inclusion and participation. We are incredibly grateful to all of the partners and funders who have helped make this ambitious project a reality."

The first competitive fixture on the new surface will take place on Saturday 24 October, when AFC Portchester welcomes Bedfont Sports Football Club to Wicor Recreation Ground. Tickets are available at the website: https://afcportchester.co.uk/fixtures/first-team/.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Customer Enquiries

Tel: 01329 236100
Email: customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk

Media Enquiries

The Communications Team
Tel: 01329 824310
Email: publicity@fareham.gov.uk
Fax: 01329 550576

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