The new 3G stadium pitch at The Elms was officially opened on Sunday (25th October), bringing together councillors, footballers, former players and supporters to celebrate a project that has been years in the making.
Among those taking centre stage was Pete Webb, who has been involved with Highworth Town since 1950.
Now in his 90’s, Pete continues to help out at the club and once had trials with Liverpool. In recognition of his lifelong contribution, the club has named its bar after him, while Pete was given the honour of taking the ceremonial kick-off on the new pitch.
The Mayor of Highworth, Councillor Julie Murphy, said the opening was the culmination of years of determination.
“We’ve been trying to get a 3G pitch in Highworth for many, many, many years,” she told Swindon24.
“It’s been a dream for a very long time, and it’s almost surreal that it’s actually come to that point where we’re here, and it’s been built, and the players are enjoying it.
“It’s absolutely wonderful, and it’s absolutely the future for Highworth football, which is a very big part of our town.”
The £1.2 million development has been led by Highworth Town Council, which will own and operate the facility for the wider community.
Funding has come from the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation, alongside contributions from Highworth Town Council, Swindon Borough Council and local organisations.
For a club that has played on grass for 133 years, the new surface represents a major transformation, allowing more regular training and matches throughout the year without the disruption caused by poor weather.
Club chairman Rowan Haynes said the opening was a moment he had struggled to imagine after so many years of waiting.
“We waited, I could say 20 years it’s been going on for. I couldn’t imagine a day like this when every local person’s here.
“Obviously, ex-players are coming here, and they’ve all joined forces. So it’ll be fantastic for our club for years and years to come.”
He believes the new facility will help improve the standard of football and attract more spectators, while local businesses have already shown their support through increased sponsorship.
And when asked whether Highworth Town supported their larger neighbours, Swindon Town, the chairman revealed an ambitious streak.
“We want to be bigger than Swindon,” he joked.
Although Highworth Town Football Club and Highworth Junior Football Club will be the main users, the facility will also support women’s and girls’ football, disability and inclusive football, schools and community groups.
Highworth Town Clerk Deanne Rose said the development had been in progress for at least a decade during her time at the council, with work beginning even earlier.
“There aren’t enough facilities for clubs around the town,” she explained.
“It’s about being accessible and inclusive. We have lots of disability groups involved.”
She revealed that a local secondary school had already used the pitch for an FA Cup match ahead of the official opening.
The Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Neil Hopkins, attended alongside his consort, Lesley Gow, and praised the determination of the Highworth community.
“The residents of Highworth really, really deserve this facility,” he told Swindon24.
“It’s just wonderful to have a facility that will actually contribute to keeping the fitness going of people of all ages and from all sections of the population.”
For Lesley, a former Highworth parish and town councillor, the occasion was particularly emotional.
“When I stepped round the corner here and saw this fabulous pitch for people of all ages in Highworth and the surrounding areas, it gave me goose pimples. It really did.”
The opening celebrations included a charity football match, a junior football tournament, refreshments and music.
For Highworth Town, the new pitch represents more than improved sporting facilities. It is an investment in the next generation of footballers and a new chapter in the club’s 133-year history.
