Inclusive Football Opportunities Grow as Work Begins on New 3G Pitches at Outdoor Sports Centre

Work is set to begin on a major upgrade to Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre, as construction starts next week on new floodlit 3G artificial grass football pitches aimed at increasing accessibility and year-round participation in the sport.

Specialist contractor Limonta Smith will begin the installation on Tuesday, 26 August, replacing four existing grass pitches with three all-weather 3G surfaces: one full-size 11-a-side pitch and two 9v9 pitches. The new facilities are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing them to accommodate a wide range of formats and age groups.

The construction forms a key part of the ongoing redevelopment of the Outdoor Sports Centre, which began in June 2025. The football pitch project is backed by a £4 million grant from the Premier League, The FA, and the Government’s Football Foundation—a national initiative focused on improving grassroots sports infrastructure.

During the works, the four pitches under redevelopment will be closed to the public, though two pitches will remain open throughout construction. Completion is expected by early 2026.

Councillor Toqeer Kataria, Cabinet Member for Leisure and People at Southampton City Council, said: “The installation of the 3G pitches and improvements to the remaining grass football pitches at the site represent significant progress of the Outdoor Sports Centre Project,” said Cllr Kataria.
“As a council, we are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our residents by creating inclusive, accessible spaces that encourage physical activity. These upgrades will ensure increased opportunities for juniors, women, and girls to participate at all levels of sport. The addition of floodlit, all-weather facilities will dramatically increase year-round usage and capacity.”

Limonta Smith, a civil engineering firm specialising in sports surfaces, previously worked on the Stoneham Lane Football Complex in Eastleigh. Their Managing Director, Ken Smith, expressed pride in being involved in another major local project.

“Limonta Smith is proud to be delivering the next phase of improvements at Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre,” said Smith.
“We will replace four grass pitches with three floodlit, all-weather 3G surfaces, one full-size 11v11 and two 9v9, significantly increasing year-round capacity and creating more opportunities for the city. Supported by the Football Foundation, our focus is to provide the community with three new artificial pitches built to a high standard.”

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,” Sullivan said.
“We’re delighted that works are now underway to redevelop the facilities at the Outdoor Sports Centre and we’re excited to see the new pitches in action.”

Once completed, the new 3G pitches are expected to dramatically boost grassroots football capacity in Southampton, especially during the winter months, thanks to their floodlighting and durability in all weather conditions.