City of Portsmouth College team up with Hampshire football club for community project

First-year bricklaying students at City of Portsmouth College have been flexing their skills at a local football club, helping it with extensive groundworks.

The students have been working at AFC Portchester on an extensive community project to improve facilities at The OnSite Stadium, near Fareham thanks to connections between the club and lecturer Marcus Upsal.

The opportunity developed through my existing relationship with the Chairman of AFC Portchester Football Club,” he said. “I’ve previously supported the club on a voluntary basis, helping it grow from grassroots level to what is now one of the largest academies in Hampshire. Through this connection, the club has been keen to involve our students in ongoing development projects, giving them valuable real-world experience while contributing to the local community.”

So far, the students have been undertaking groundworks and foundations for a new spectator stand, construction of a disabled access ramp leading into the new media/commentary room, installation of concrete pads and blockwork bases for a future fast-food outlet and various bricklaying works.

This work has enabled the students to apply their skills in a live environment while developing teamwork, accuracy, and site awareness. And they’ll return later this year after club has installed a new 3G pitch for community use, to continue development of the main stand, progressing to blockwork to form the stepped seating (tiers) for supporters.

Marcus said: “This project represents a strong partnership between the College and the local community, providing students with invaluable industry experience while supporting a well-used local facility.”