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Over 500 games saved by new pitches
Thousands of local residents enjoy new football facility
The new Stoneham Lane Football Complex is now fully open and thousands of local residents are benefitting from the new facility and the all-weather pitches.
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After a very wet season, the positive impact of the new facility has been significant, with hundreds of matches being played on the three all-weather 3G pitches which would have otherwise been cancelled due to waterlogged grass pitches. Bob Galpin, Fixtures Secretary for the Eastleigh and District Mini Soccer League said: “With the persistent wet weather we have experienced this season, we have already seen over 500 of our league games saved as a result of the opening of
this fantastic new facility. With the new clubhouse now open, players and spectators are also benefitting from the onsite café, clubroom and changing facilities, making for a wonderful playing experience for so many of our teams.”
Since September, Stoneham Lane Football Complex has seen over 1,200 matches played, with 21,000 individuals now registered to use the facility, and over 10,000 visitors through the three turnstiles each week.
Lee Kelly, Manager of Eastleigh Tornadoes U12 Boys “I remember growing up in Eastleigh playing on poor facilities and gravel surface pitches so to have access to these tremendous facilities is fantastic for our players and their development. I remind them regularly how lucky they are to be playing here and we are grateful to the funding partners for providing this world class facility.”
Caitlin Morris, Coach of AFC Stoneham U9 Girls “Being able to use the new facility has had a huge positive impact on the girls and the team as a whole. The quality of the pitches and surrounding facilities are amazing and has not only given the team a great environment to grow and thrive in but also a space they feel completely comfortable and excited to be in.”
Simon Watts, Coach of Hamble Club U8 Boys “We have been training here for the past few months and my U8s are so excited about training here each week. The staff provide a welcoming environment and interact with the players which means a lot to the boys. The facility is clean and safe and we are grateful to be able to train and play at such a great place.”
