Highworth Town Council is delighted to announce funding has formally been approved for the construction of a new state-of-the-art 3G stadia pitch at the Highworth Town Football Club site,  thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation alongside contributions from Highworth Town Council, Swindon Borough Council and a number of other funding partners. With both funding and planning permission now secured, this landmark project long envisioned by generations of local volunteers, players, and community leaders can now move forward to delivery.

The new all-weather 3G pitch represents a major investment in Highworth’s sporting infrastructure and will significantly expand access to high-quality, reliable playing facilities for the whole community. Designed for year-round use, the pitch will support junior and senior football, school sport, women and girls’ development programmes, recreational leagues, disability-inclusive sessions, and wider community activity, regardless of weather conditions.

“This is a tremendous day for Highworth,” said Councillor Julie Murphy, Mayor of Highworth. “At long last, thanks to the tireless work and partnership between our local football clubs and the Football Foundation, we have secured the site, planning permission and funding to make this 3G pitch a reality. This facility will be a game-changer for our town benefiting residents of all ages, supporting grassroots participation, and creating new opportunities for community sport and recreation.”

Councillor Murphy added: “I want to personally thank our Town Clerk, Deanne Rose, for leading this project, along with our senior and junior football clubs, the FA and everyone involved for making this happen. Exciting times lie ahead for Highworth.”

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 Highworth will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new facilities at Highworth Town Football Club.” 

Mark Collett, Chairperson of Highworth Town Juniors FC, shared his delight:
“I am personally delighted that after 30 years of trying to bring this community facility to Highworth, we have now been given the green light. This would not have been possible without the support of the Wiltshire FA, the Town Council, various funding partners and the Football Foundation, we thank them all, but in particular the town councillors who without their support all of this would not have been possible. We look forward to seeing a facility built that all of the local Community and beyond can be proud of. ”

Rohan Haines, Chairman of Highworth Town Football Club, added:
“Highworth Town Football Club, founded in 1893, has leased its pitch from Highworth Town Council for more than a century. Throughout this time, countless individuals have dedicated their energy, passion, and resilience to the dream of creating an outstanding community facility that the whole town could take pride in. Today, I am delighted to say that this dream has finally been realised. We extend our sincere gratitude to all our funding partners, Highworth Town Council, the Football Foundation, and their funding partners, the Premier League, the FA and the Government, whose support has made this achievement possible.”

Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with the aim of opening the facility as soon as works are completed. The Council will continue to share updates as the project progresses.