Local people gathered to celebrate the official opening of the £732,000 Hawkinge Football Pavilion at the weekend (16 July).

Despite torrential rain, youngsters from the football club still managed to have a kick-about with the Folkestone Invicta squad who, with their manager Neil Cugley joined in the celebrations at the opening ceremony.

Damian Collins, MP for Folkestone and Hythe and a member of the House of Commons Select Committee for Culture, Media and Sport assisted by Councillor George Hodgson cut the ribbon to open the smart, purpose built building.

Mr Collins thanked the funders of the project and said the pavilion was a fantastic facility for young people and adults wishing to play football, and he looked forward to watching games being played there.

The official opening of the smart new football facility - Photo courtesy Hawkinge Parish Council

The project was funded with the help of grants from the Football Foundation, The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Hawkinge Parish Council and a contribution from Hawkinge Youth Football Club.

David Callahan Chairman of the Parish Council said: “This building is a major enhancement to the Parish Council’s football ground and will provide extra facilities needed to promote sport, especially football, amongst the youth of Hawkinge."

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©