Ringwood Town Council, AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust and Ringwood Town FC are excited to announce the full opening of the new pavilion building as part of the multi-million pound redevelopment at Long Lane, now known as Ringwood Community Hub.
Invited guests, contractors, site users, along with members of the Ringwood Football Development Group who were instrumental in the build attended the showcase event on Friday 1st November. Prior to speeches, those in attendance observed sessions from a range of participants including AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust Men’s and Women’s Walking football, Girls Academy Under 10s, Ability Counts Under 16s and Mini Kickers from Ringwood Town FC.
Guests were then treated to a performance from Revolution Cheerleading Academy before hearing from a number of speakers including: AFC Bournemouth - Steve Cuss (Head of Community), Jeff Mostyn (Community Trustee), Ringwood Town FC – Phil King (Chair), Ringwood Town Council –Cllr Rae Frederick (Mayor) and New Forest District Council - Cllr Jill Cleary (Leader).
The project has taken a number of years to develop and has included the construction of the new Clubhouse encompassing office space, and full-size floodlit 3G artificial turf pitch (ATP).
The multi-million pound project has been boosted by funding from the Football Foundation, New Forest District Council and Ringwood & District Round Table.
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, the FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the Country. Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities. We’re delighted that the local community in Ringwood, will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new 3G pitch, and clubhouse at Ringwood Community Hub.’
The significant investment into the Long Lane development represents an exciting opportunity for the town of Ringwood to have a sporting and social facility for its residents and surrounding area, the site will continue to be the home of all teams associated with Ringwood Town FC and enable AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust to run a number of community programmes for a variety of participants.
Speaking about the development, Head of Community Steve Cuss said: “We are delighted to open the new pavilion as part of the Community Hub site. We are proud to have developed the new site in partnership with many organisations through our Ringwood Football Development Group. We now look forward to maximising the investment and usage of the site by the local Ringwood population through community engagement projects.”
Phil King, Chair of Ringwood Town FC, commented: “The opening of this new building is a fantastic achievement and with the 3G pitch offers the community a wonderful facility for all to enjoy. Today, we’re in a blossoming partnership with AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust delivering football in the community in a shared facility fit for the future. I thank them, the Football Foundation and the other partners for their invaluable contribution, together with our enormous gratitude for the unwavering support of Chris Wilkins and the Town Council throughout the past six years. We now have an amazing environment in which to operate and continue to foster a community spirit. I can’t wait to see the incredible moments that will unfold here!”
Ringwood Town Mayor, Councillor Rae Frederick, added: “I’m delighted that Ringwood Town Council has been able to play its part in securing these new football facilities for the town. The improved facilities will provide more opportunities for local people of all ages and abilities to be involved with sport. I am so grateful to our key partners; Ringwood Town Football Club, AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, the Football Foundation, New Forest District Council, Hampshire FA and many others and to the lead contractors; Knights Brown and McArdle TigerTurf.”
