Local MP, Maria Miller, marked the new football season by visiting Basingstoke Town Football Club, and meeting with the Club Chairman, Jack Miller, alongside the Leader of the Borough Council, Cllr Simon Bound, the Council’s Chief Executive, Russell O’Keefe, and Hampshire FA Chief Executive, Neil Cassar.
Maria said: “I was delighted to visit the Club at their new home in Winklebury, and to hear from Jack about the growth they have experienced since, with 16 teams now utilising this purpose built facility.
“The last couple of years have undoubtedly been a difficult and uncertain time for the club. So I was reassured to see them secure and prospering at their new ground, as well as seeing all interested parties around the meeting table, which demonstrates the high level of local support the club has had throughout this period and will continue to have going forward.”
In coordination with the Club, Hampshire FA, Football Foundation, and Sport England, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have invested more than £200,000 in the Winklebury site, to ensure that it meets the playing standards required. Additional funding, up to a total of £800,000, is also due over the next two years as part of the planning agreement to develop the old Camrose ground.