NFSSP News Story

Bridges being built at Testwood Sports College
Over the past month Testwood Sports College and Pace Youth Football Club have held talks about a possible partnership between the two organisations. It is hoped this arrangement will significantly increase the links between Testwood and Pace and the community itself.

Interestingly Pace was founded by ex-Testwood pupils and, after starting less than six years ago, has become one of the Premier Junior Football clubs in the local area with over 14 girls & boys teams ranging from ages U7 to U14, both in mini-soccer and Tyro 11-a-side.

The partnership arrangement will allow increased use of the schools facilities for training and Testwood will become a home for Pace's tyro and girls mini soccer matches, and will provide a regular source of income to the Sports College. This partnership is further proof of Testwood Sports College's improved links with the surrounding areas and further enhances its improving reputation within the local community. Both Testwood and Pace are exited about developing the relationship further to provide further benefits to both the pupils of Testwood School and children in the Southampton and Waterside area.

Testwood's Community Development Officer, Rob Crocker, stated
"It is an exciting time for Testwood Sports College and with this new partnership between Pace Youth Football Club we are hoping to offer a safe and friendly environment with state-of-the-art facilities for young people to play football."

New Forest School Sport Partnership Development Manager, Peter Brailey, added
"Bridges like these between Specialist Sports Colleges and community clubs are imperative for young people to benefit from in-school coaching sessions, after school clubs and effective pathways into community clubs."

To mark the agreement an 11-a-side game between the teachers and the Pace coaches will be played on Testwood's top of the range 3rd generation Synthetic Turf Pitch, which has become soared in popularity since being opened in October last year.