Newbury Town Football Club has played its first match under the new floodlights at Faraday Road, marking a significant milestone for the club and the continued development of the community sports facility.

The new floodlights were officially switched on by Cllr Martha Vickers, Vice Chairman of West Berkshire Council, ahead of kick-off, with supporters, players and guests gathering to see the lights in action for the first time.

The installation of the floodlights will allow matches, training sessions and other sporting activities to continue throughout the year, particularly during the autumn and winter months when daylight is limited. By extending the hours that the pitch can be used, the investment creates more opportunities for people of all ages to take part in sports and stay active within their local community.

As well as enabling evening use of the facility, the floodlights improve visibility across the pitch, helping to provide a safer and better experience for players, coaches, match officials and spectators. The improvements will support the long-term use of Faraday Road and help ensure the site remains a welcoming hub for grassroots sport and recreation.

The investment forms part of West Berkshire Council’s commitment to maintaining and improving local sports facilities, supporting healthy lifestyles, strengthening communities and creating greater opportunities for residents to participate in sport.

Councillor Nigel Foot, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, Sport and Countryside said: “It was fantastic to see the floodlights switched on for Newbury Town FC’s first evening match at Faraday Road. This investment is about much more than improving a facility. It gives local people more opportunities to play, train and enjoy football throughout the year, helping to support healthier lifestyles and stronger community connections.

“We are pleased that these improvements will benefit both the club and the wider community for many years to come.”

 Lee McDougall, Newbury Community Football Group said: “I’ve been involved in grass roots football in Newbury for many years, but last nights match was by far the highlight. Newbury Town FC is run completely by volunteers and to pull off such an impressive event was an amazing achievement that did the local community proud.

“Equally impressive for me is seeing first hand the Council working so collaboratively with Newbury Community Football Group and really listening and supporting the local clubs. We have had kids’ football every Sunday at Faraday Road for 3 years now.

“It really feels like the future is bright for an amazing community football ground at Faraday Road now and we really value and appreciate the work of West Berks Council and its officers and members”