A permanent home for Hythe & Dibden YFC
On Friday 4 September 2026 we officially opened our new pavilion at Applemore College, alongside the newly resurfaced 3G pitch. After six years working out of three temporary shipping containers, the club finally has a permanent base of its own, built for the 650 children and 160 volunteers who make this club what it is.
What’s inside
- Home and away changing rooms
- A classroom big enough for a full 11 a side squad, with a screen for match video analysis using the club’s VEO camera
- A new kitchen and kiosk
- Extra toilets
- A dedicated kit room and secure storage for equipment
The pavilion was built on top of the original containers, with a new pitched roof and cladding, and approved by building control. It gives players a warm, dry place to meet before and after games, coaches a proper space to plan and review, and parents somewhere to wait out the winter evenings.
The plans
The layout was developed by club volunteers and professional experts, building on top of the original containers.
Floor plan
Front, rear and side elevations
How it was built
The pavilion was delivered in two phases. The roof and cladding were completed in 2025, and the internal works followed in 2026, largely out of school hours. It was made possible by a council grant, club funds, sponsorship and a huge amount of community fundraising.
See how the pavilion was constructed and funded
Thank you
A special thank you to our club sponsors, MIMO Connect and Robertson ETOs, who made a generous contribution towards the pavilion on top of everything they already do for the club. Their support helped turn the plans into a reality, and we’re hugely grateful.
We’d also like to thank:
- New Forest District Council, for the Community Infrastructure Levy grant
- Applemore College, for their partnership and support
- Hampshire FA, for their guidance and backing
- Howdens, through their Game Changer Programme
- Tesco and Asda, through their community funds
- Rob Watkins Builders, Alan Gray Plumbing & Heating and Pegasus Total Homecare, who gave their time and expertise
- Every parent, player, coach and supporter who donated, fundraised or picked up a paintbrush
What’s next
We’re now fitting out the changing rooms with benches, pegs and club branding. If you or your business would like to help, we’d love to hear from you.