Portsmouth Football Club are delighted to announce a link-up with the Royal Navy to provide pitches and facilities for young Pompey players to progress as footballers.
Academy sides from under-9 through to under-14 level will now use the HMS Collingwood base for their fixtures on a Sunday.
The Blues will have use of four pitches, as well as changing room and physio facilities, and lounge areas for parents and other family members.
As part of the deal, Pompey will invest in the pitches, which will be maintained by the club’s own ground staff.
Chief executive Mark Catlin said: “Following our partnership with the University of Portsmouth, this latest agreement forges yet another important link in the local community.
“We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with the Royal Navy and this is something both parties are keen to build on moving forward.”
"This latest agreement forges yet another important link in the local community."
Academy manager Mark Kelly added: “This is something that we have been working on for quite some time now and we are delighted to get the deal agreed.
“It ensures our younger age groups will have the use of top pitches and facilities as they continue their footballing journey at Pompey.”
Commander Mark Walker, executive officer of HMS Collingwood said: “The Royal Navy (RN) is delighted to establish a long-term partnership with Portsmouth Football Club in support of their Youth Academy.
“HMS Collingwood is the lead establishment of the Maritime Warfare School (MWS) and the largest Naval training organisation in Western Europe, boasting some excellent sport facilities in support of RN Officers and Ratings on their professional career courses.
“This partnership will only strengthen further the great relationship between the RN and the local community, providing many more opportunities for the next generation of young athletes.”
HMS Collingwood is a familiar venue for the Blues, with the youth side having trained their previously, while it was also the first team’s base at the start of the 21st century.