The popular football pitches at Hove Park have officially reopened following a £250,000 redevelopment, bringing relief and excitement to the many community teams and players who rely on the facility.
For several months, the closure had a detrimental effect on a number of local clubs who were left without their usual venue for matches and training. Among them were AFC Varndeanians Walking Football Club, a community driven team that calls the Hove Park Astro home.
Gary Jakeman, a regular at AFC Varndeanians walking football, spoke about the pitches and their closure:
“It’s a wonderful thing for the community around Hove to have. I’m sure it’ll benefit a lot of people.
“It was obviously disappointing [when the facilities closed] because it broke the momentum of playing in the summer months, which we all love to do.”
Welcoming players aged 50 and over, AFC Varndeanians provide an essential sporting outlet for older residents, encouraging fitness, social connection and wellbeing. The club is the current league champion and has been a lifeline for members, particularly those dealing with health challenges.
Jakeman stated: “I think the mental health benefits are massive because a lot of us played together back in the 80s. Then when we had to stop playing on weekends, we stopped playing for around 10-15 years until this was set up.
“We suddenly reconnected with each other, as well as with some new guys, so it’s massive in terms of the wide-ranging benefits, both in health and on a social level as well.”
The nature of walking football has also proved to be a powerful tool for inclusion, offering a safe space for individuals living with conditions such as dementia. Jakeman spoke warmly about one teammate in particular.
“Norm has been with the club for years, going back to playing competitive level 11-a-side back in the early 60’s and he later became club secretary.
“Sadly, in recent times he was diagnosed with dementia. But the one thing that he’s always keen to emphasise is that it’s his highlight of the week.
“He looks forward to it so much and he’s probably the person that would give the ball away less to the opposition than any of us. He’s still able to pick a pass easy.”
Jakeman continued, outlining the positive effect the club bring to people like Norman and how they help incorporate him in the team saying:
“The guys take it a little easy pressuring him and stuff like that on the ball, we’ll give him a little bit more time or extra touches if we’re playing three touches.
“It’s just brilliant and we all recognise the benefits that it gives him. It’s massive for him.”
Closed since June after reaching the end of its useful life and no longer meeting health and safety requirements, the pitch has now been fully refurbished and upgraded to meet the latest Sport England and FA standards.
The transformation was made possible through a partnership between Brighton & Hove City Council and the Russell Martin Foundation (RMF), who operate the pitches, along with specialist consultants. The refurbished pitch now features new gate grills and rebound boards around its perimeter, ensuring a safer, more durable, and accessible playing environment.
With the refurbishment now complete, the club has resumed its regular schedule of training sessions and fixtures and is already eyeing another title winning campaign. However, adapting to the new surface has posed a few early challenges.
Luis, the facility operator at Hove Park Astro and representative of the Russell Martin Foundation, acknowledged that while the temporary closure caused disruption, the long-term benefits are significant for the facility’s longevity, saying:
“It was supposed to open in September but because of the council, we had a couple of delays, and they delayed it by about a month and a half. But we’re open, we’re running and that’s all that matters.”
He also commented on how some players and coaches are still adjusting to the fresh artificial turf, primarily facing issues around incorrect footwear.
“Where we’ve had a new surface, obviously, there’s going to be new rules which are very strict,” Luis said.
The new playing surface requires the use of moulded studs to help prolong its life and improve the safety of players according to the RMF.
Luis said: “I personally don’t understand why people buy Astros because they’re playing on artificial grass and Astros are very outdated.
“I haven’t personally bought a pair since 2010 and that was about 15 years ago. But I think once everyone gets used to it, the boots are so much better, you get more grip and it’s just overall better for the health of the pitch.”
Other members of the AFC Varndeanians side are already appreciating the benefits of a rejuvenated astro turf with Warren Sanders commenting:
“I’m a goalkeeper, so this is a nice spongy surface to land on, so I’m really, really happy. Compared to what it was before, this is really, nice.”
Despite these teething issues, the mood across Hove’s football community is overwhelmingly positive. The redevelopment has not only enhanced the pitch but also reinforced the city’s wider commitment to improving local sports facilities.
The Hove Park 3G refurbishment forms part of a wider investment programme by Brighton & Hove City Council to enhance grassroots sporting infrastructure. The reopening follows similar upgrades across the city, including the Withdean multi use games area (MUGA) and ongoing works at Hangleton Park and Saltdean.
Together, these projects reflect the council’s ten-year Sports Facilities Investment Plan, a commitment to ensuring residents have access to high quality, sustainable, and inclusive places to play sport.
For the many players, coaches, and volunteers who depend on the Hove Park Astro, its return marks more than just a new surface. It is the restoration of a community heartbeat that will continue to bring people together through the game they love.