FORDINGBRIDGE Turks Football Club has set out its vision for the future as it gears up to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

Melanie Gill, who is a child welfare officer for Fordingbridge Turks, outlined the club's five year development plan to Fordingbridge Town Council on Wednesday night which included proposals for improvements to the facilities at the Recreation Ground.

She said: "The club is a major asset to Fordingbridge, it is the oldest football club in Hampshire and one of the 10 oldest clubs in the country, which is amazing that we have that here in Fordingbridge. "Also it is not a club that lives in the past, it is a thriving club full of a large group of passionate players, coaches, parents and volunteers.

"We have a five year development plan, which sets out our vision as an expanding and self-sustaining community football club, which has a clear development pathway from junior football to elite level for players and coaches alike."

The club currently has 20 teams with players ranging from four years old to adults with children's teams and established men and women's teams.

"Over the next five years we intend to increase the number of teams as facilities allow. This means developing more girls teams, which is a growing area, the establishment of a veterans team and expansion into new areas such as walking football."

The meeting heard a key aspect of the five year development plan is to strengthen the bond between the club and community.

Miss Gill continued: "As you are aware we are very keen to secure your support in order to improve the facilities at the Rec which do not currently meet the requirements for the men's team to progress to the Hampshire Football League."

Problems with the roof and toilet and shower facilities need to be address.

"Rectifying these faults and improving the facilities would make the ground much more appealing for players and visitors to the ground. The improvement plan we have drawn up would rectify those faults whilst also ensuring that our men's first team can progress to the Hampshire League," said Miss Gill.

"Progressing to that league is key for the club in terms of achieving our aims of the club being represented at the highest level of football locally.

"Any improvements would not just benefit the men's first team but other teams using the facilities."

The plan would include taking down a wall and expanding the current away changing room, fixing the roof, as well as adding new showers on the ground floor.

Miss Gill said: "We recognise council finances are tight and we want to work with closely with you to resolve the issues with the building.

"We are offering to undertake the work free-of-charge, hopefully with building materials donated by sponsors, which would minimise the cost to the council.

Next year the club celebrates it 150th anniversary and to mark the milestone it hopes to have some "big names" from the world of football visit the club and other big events.

She said: "If the proposed works at the Rec could be completed in time for our anniversary celebrations we would have the chance to make positive first impressions on these important and influential visitors.

"We have come along way in the last few years and with your support I am sure we can continue to develop and thrive for the good of the club and the community."

Fordingbridge Mayor Malcolm Connolly praised the work the club does for young people in the town and said: "We're fervently proud of Fordingbridge Turks."

He said the town council were not in position to make a decision but will review the request as a matter of urgency.