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On June 8, 2024, the Fordingbridge Turks had the honor of hosting the esteemed Welsh team, Blackwood FC, for an exhilarating international football tournament. This event was a celebration of talent and teamwork, featuring a range of age groups from our club, including our U10s, U11s, U12s, U13s, U14s, and our men's teams. Tournament Highlights: Date: June 8, 2024 Location: 3G Pitch at Burgate & Fordingbridge Rec Participating Teams: Fordingbridge Turks and Blackwood FC The day was filled with competitive matches that showcased the skills and dedication of young athletes and seasoned players alike. From the spirited performances of the U10s to the strategic plays of the men's teams, each match demonstrated the passion and commitment of the players. Community and Sportsmanship: The tournament was more than just a series of matches; it was a celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit. Fans from both teams enjoyed a day of entertainment complete with BBQ and refreshments to finish at our clubhouse. A Word from Our Coaches: “We are incredibly proud of all our teams for their performances today. Hosting Blackwood FC was a wonderful experience, and the matches were a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players. This event has been a fantastic opportunity to foster international friendship and sporting excellence.” – Jonny Cook, Fordingbridge Turks. Looking Ahead: This tournament marks the beginning of what we hope will be a longstanding tradition of international football exchanges. We look forward to more such events that bring together diverse teams and celebrate the beautiful game.

Date: April 26, 2024 We celebrated a monumental milestone yesterday as we inaugurated our brand-new 3G pitch, marking a significant advancement in the club's sporting facilities. The grand opening ceremony saw a star-studded lineup, including renowned football figures Harry Redknapp and Steve Fletcher, alongside Tyler Adams, opening the event. The festivities kicked off with an air of excitement as Harry Redknapp, former Premier League manager, and local legend Steve Fletcher, a cherished figure in AFC Bournemouth history, joined forces to cut the ribbon, officially declaring the pitch open for action. Tyler Adams, the promising young footballer known for his exceptional skills, added to the occasion's allure with his infectious enthusiasm for the sport as they joined in with the children and watched their training sessions. The celebratory atmosphere was further elevated by the delicious aroma of freshly baked cakes, courtesy of Burgate School's culinary talents, adding a sweet touch to the event. However, the highlight of the day was the sporting prowess showcase displayed on the pristine 3G pitch. Teams from Fordingbridge Turks, Fordingbridge Rugby Club, and Burgate School took to the field, demonstrating their skills in football, rugby, and various other sports. Spectators were treated to exhilarating matches, filled with moments of skill, teamwork, and friendly competition. The presence of such esteemed guests and the vibrant display of sporting talent underscored our dedication to promoting physical activity, teamwork, and excellence in sports. The new 3G pitch promises to provide teams and the local community with a top-tier sporting facility, fostering a culture of athleticism and sportsmanship for years to come. Speaking at the event, Burgate School's Headteacher expressed gratitude to all involved in making the 3G pitch a reality, emphasising its importance in enriching the children's sports program and enhancing the overall student experience. The sentiment was echoed by Harry Redknapp, who commended the school for its commitment to providing opportunities for young athletes to thrive. As the inaugural matches concluded and the cheers of spectators filled the air, it was evident that our new 3G pitch would serve as a hub for sporting excellence, bringing together communities and inspiring the next generation of players to reach for the stars.

Welcome to the Turks Boot Swap! At Fordingbridge Turks, we believe that every player deserves the opportunity to perform their best on the pitch. That's why we're excited to introduce our Boot Swap, aimed at providing affordable and accessible footwear solutions for players of all ages and skill levels. About the Program: The Boot Swap is a grassroots initiative designed to promote inclusivity, affordability, and sustainability within our local football community. Through the exchange and redistribution of gently-used football boots, we aim to ensure that every player has access to quality footwear without financial barriers. Key Features: Boot Exchange Events: We will organise regular boot exchange events where players can donate their gently-used boots and trade them for a pair in their size. Quality Assurance: All donated boots undergo a thorough inspection to ensure that they meet our quality standards. We only accept boots that are in good condition, with minimal wear and tear, to ensure the safety and comfort of our players. Affordability: Our Boot Swap offers an affordable alternative to purchasing new boots. By exchanging boots with fellow players, participants can save money while still accessing quality footwear that meets their needs. Sustainability: By recycling and redistributing gently-used boots, we contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing waste and extending the lifecycle of sporting equipment. It's a win-win situation for both players and the planet. How It Works: Boot Donation: Players can donate their gently-used boots at our designated collection point at the 3G pitch in Burgate School or during boot exchange events such as our end of season celebration. Boots should be clean, in good condition, and suitable for use by other players. Boot Exchange: Players can attend our boot exchange events to browse the available selection of boots and find a pair in their size. Each pair of boots is labelled with relevant size information to facilitate easy selection. Community Engagement: Boot exchange events provide an opportunity for players, parents, coaches, and volunteers to come together and engage with the local football community. It's a chance to share stories, forge friendships, and celebrate our shared love of the game. Get Involved: Drop your unused boots or kits at our collection point on the 3G pitch on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. Join us in making football more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for everyone in our community through the Boot Swap at Fordingbridge Turks FC.

In recent years, the world of football has witnessed a significant shift towards the adoption of 3G pitches, revolutionising the way the game is played and experienced. Here at Fordingbridge Turks Football Club, we are excited to be able to use the new 3G pitches at Burgate School, but what exactly is a 3G pitch, and what benefits does it offer? What is a 3G Pitch? A 3G pitch, short for third-generation artificial turf, is a synthetic playing surface specifically designed to replicate the look and feel of natural grass. Unlike earlier generations of artificial turf, which often lacked realism and performance quality, 3G pitches utilise advanced technology to provide a playing experience that closely resembles natural grass fields. The Benefits of 3G Pitches: Durability and Weather Resistance: One of the most significant advantages of 3G pitches is their exceptional durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Unlike natural grass fields that can become waterlogged or damaged during heavy rain, 3G pitches remain playable in all weather, ensuring consistent performance throughout the season. Year-Round Availability: With 3G pitches, football clubs and communities gain access to a reliable playing surface year-round. Regardless of the weather or season, players can enjoy training sessions and matches without disruption, maximising playing time and opportunities for skill development. Consistent Playing Surface: 3G pitches offer a uniform playing surface with consistent bounce and ball roll, eliminating uneven patches and divots commonly found on natural grass fields. This consistency enhances player confidence and allows for smoother, more fluid gameplay. Reduced Maintenance Requirements: Unlike natural grass fields that require extensive maintenance, including mowing, watering, and fertilising, 3G pitches have minimal upkeep needs. Routine maintenance tasks such as brushing and infill replenishment help preserve the pitch's quality and performance over time, resulting in cost savings for clubs and organisations. Accessibility and Inclusivity: 3G pitches provide greater accessibility to football facilities for players of all ages and abilities. Their durable, all-weather surface accommodates a wide range of activities, including training sessions, matches, and recreational play, fostering inclusivity and community engagement. Environmental Sustainability: While natural grass fields require significant water consumption and maintenance chemicals, 3G pitches offer a more environmentally sustainable alternative. By reducing water usage and minimising the need for pesticides and fertilisers, 3G pitches contribute to conservation efforts and promote eco-friendly practices within the football industry. In conclusion, 3G pitches represent a game-changing innovation in modern football, offering a host of benefits that enhance the playing experience for athletes and communities alike. From their durability and weather resistance to their accessibility and environmental sustainability, 3G pitches continue to reshape the landscape of grassroots football, providing players with a reliable, high-performance playing surface year-round.

After what seems like forever, we are very excited to announce that we shall soon have access to the brand-new 3G facility at Burgate School. Following recent meetings with the school and contractors, a completion date had been set for Thursday 22nd February although this current rain has added a few extra days to complete the ‘sand dressing’ stage. This means that it is likely we shall have just two more weeks of training on the front field at Burgate and beneath the mobile floodlights. But as soon as we get the green light, we are ready to go. Please find below information on training, matchdays and some guidance around the use of the 3G to keep you informed ahead of it's first use by the club. So, what does this mean going forward... Training Training will commence on the 3G for ALL teams and training groups at the start of March. Exact details in terms of your child’s training slot will be shared with managers and coaches shortly and this then passed to you on the WhatsApp group for that team. Some tweaks to timings have been made to maximise the use of the 3G whilst ensuring teams continue to train on their usual days. The club has committed to using the 3G 6-9pm, Monday-Wednesday, and will be looking to grow teams and expand different age groups in the coming months and into next season. Initially, teams will have up to half pitch but as and when new teams form or the need to share space arises, younger teams may revert to the standard quarter pitch space. This is more than sufficient and will seem light years away from what we have had up until now this season. Matchdays The club has an agreement in place with Burgate that the 3G will be available to teams from 9am-1pm every Saturday with access to the grass pitches for U11s and upwards also an option. The 3G pitch is marked up in order to provide 5v5, 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11 matches (the appropriate sized goals are also in place). Each game category has been assigned a specific space and time frame as per below; 5v5 - quarter pitch, 1hr slot 7v7 - half pitch 1hr slot 9v9 - half pitch 1hr 30min slot 11v11 - full pitch 2 hour slot With fixtures being different and changing each week, the 3G schedule will be drawn up on a week-by-week basis, starting with the youngest age groups first. As a result, all U7-U10 matches will be played on the 3G and U11-U18 games on 3G/grass depending on scheduling. Fair access and opportunity will be given to every team/manager to ensure every player benefits from this fantastic new facility. Equally, many teams will prefer to play on grass - the hope will be that we lose far fewer games to adverse weather (if any at all). What now? There is a strict code of conduct in terms of footwear for the new 3G. Attached are the rules and guidance as such. These are set by Burgate and in line with the guidance offered from TigerTurf and is paramount to ensuring the longevity of the surface. NB: No metal studs, no dimpled or flat-soled shoes, and footwear must be clean (no muddy boots!) This is true for all teams, managers and parents who volunteer to referee or run the line. Failure to adhere to these rules will mean no access to the 3G. We thank you for your patience and understanding throughout the past few months as we recognise the frustration and challenge it has brought - this has been felt not only by parents and players but by club coaches and volunteers, many of whom also give their time to sit on the club’s committee. As a way of thanking you all for that patience, we are very happy to announce that courtesy of a substantial financial sponsorship from SG Marine Surveyors, the club will be providing every registered player with a branded Fordingbridge Turks training top at their first training session on the 3G. Thank you all, and we look forward to seeing you soon.