Broughton, Hampshire – July 2025: This summer marks a transformational moment for village sport as Broughton celebrates the official opening of its brand-new sports clubhouse. Designed to support cricket, football, touch rugby, and wider community sport, the facility is the result of more than a decade of planning and fundraising.
The opening event will take place on 19 July, with a full day of celebrations, including an English Sparkling Wine breakfast, live screening of the British & Irish Lions v Australia test, cricket matches, BBQ and live music. The ribbon will be officially cut at 10.30 am by Broughton resident Alison Dawkins, with local MP Rt Hon Caroline Nokes also attending to mark the occasion.
Built at a cost of £650,000, the new pavilion replaces an ageing facility first opened in 1974 on the same field where the legendary Dr W.G. Grace once played in 1870. It features four changing rooms, showers, disabled access, a licensed bar, dining area, committee room, trophy cabinet, and modern tech, including big screens and Wi-Fi. It has been purpose-built for sport and community life in Broughton, with input and funding from across the village.
“With our promotion to the Premier Division of the Hampshire Premier League this coming season, the opening of our new clubhouse couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Alan Elsey, Chairman of Broughton Football Club. “This fantastic facility will not only allow us to better welcome spectators, visiting teams, and officials, but it also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the entire club. We’re proud to announce the formation of a brand-new adult team, competing in the Southampton Saturday League. Our youth teams, too, will benefit from improved training spaces and matchday experiences. We look forward to nurturing talent, building memories, and hopefully filling the trophy cabinet in years to come.”
Adam Clemett, Captain of Broughton Cricket Club, added: “We are delighted to join forces with our footballing friends to create a united Sports Club that is the envy of the county and that will ensure cricket remains right at the heart of our fabulous village, just as our predecessors would have wanted when they founded Broughton Cricket Club in 1865!”
The idea of a united Broughton Sports Club was first raised by Simon Henderson at a Broughton Parish Council meeting in 2010. Now Chairman of Broughton Sports Club, he said: “This is a great day for Broughton and our neighbouring villages. Our new clubhouse has acted as the catalyst to bring together cricket, football, touch rugby, and more under one roof. A big thank you to all who donated, large and small. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of sports stars.”
Initial planning for the new facility began in 2018, with reapproval granted in 2023. Construction began in spring 2024 and was completed in July 2025. The project was driven by a dedicated committee of local stakeholders, with professional guidance from Alex Venables, a construction project manager, who oversaw the build on schedule and on budget.
Funding came from a broad range of sources: Broughton Parish Council, Test Valley Borough Council, Broughton Community Shop, a car pageant, and countless individual donors. Local businesses also contributed materials and time, with roofing and electrics carried out at cost by Chris Barlow and Brian Keane, and wood cladding provided free by East Bros.
Community-led fundraising included a 24-hour static cycling marathon, a Clarendon Way sponsored walk from Winchester to Salisbury, and the sale of over 100 engraved bricks now proudly displayed on the clubhouse wall.
The new pavilion will be home to junior and senior teams in cricket, football, and touch rugby, and will also host darts, pool, and other member activities. The venue is available for private hire by members for sports events and celebrations. Membership is open to all: £20/adult, £10/child, £15/student, and £50/family per year, with access to facilities, events, and a 10% discount on food, drink, and hire.
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Notes to editors:
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For interviews, images, or attendance at the opening event, please contact: Emily Miles (07855198867 / msemilymiles@gmail.com)
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High-res photos and historic images will be available on request
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Broughton Sports Club: https://broughtonsc.co.uk
