The new 3G synthetic turf pitches at Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex in Christchurch were baptised when the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr David Flagg, took the first penalty kick at goal.

The first teams to play on the two pitches were Burton United Under-16s and Portsmouth Football Club’s Development Centre.

The Development Centre aims to identify young players who might be good enough to move into the Premier League Club’s Football Academy, in effect bridging the gap between local football and the Academy.

Ron Bertie, one of the Academy coaches, said: “We are taking players from Christchurch and the surrounding area who may have missed out on the Academy at a younger age and encouraging them to develop their talents.”

The Development Centre has made the most bookings on the new pitches so far and Ron was very complimentary about the new facilities. “These pitches are Premiership standard and very few places have got them,” he said. “We’ve made so many bookings here because with these facilities, you can’t say no!”

The Mayor added: “Our players are very lucky to have these pitches. I was involved in a contract to provide indoor pitches with identical surfaces at West Ham United’s training ground in North East London, so I know how good the quality is.”