MORE than 300 young people will benefit from a new £200,000 pavilion built in Oakley.

The pavilion was officially opened on Saturday by Oakley Parish Council chairman Rodney Scott, who said: “It’s taken three or four years to get to this point – the lead up was very challenging and there were lots of pitfalls along the way.”

The new building at the Peter Houseman Sports Ground in Rectory Road was paid for with £20,000 from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, £15,000 from Oakley Football Club and the remainder from Oakley Parish Council through grants and fundraising.

It includes a new kitchen and three changing rooms with showers and toilets.

Cllr Scott said: “The old building was totally demolished. It was well past its sell-by date.”

Helping to declare the new facility open were four members of Oakley Football Club, who passed a football containing a key to the council chairman to open the door.

The four members represented the longest-serving players, and the newest recruits.

Bryan Holden, chairman of Oakley Football Club, said the passing of the key from the older members to the younger ones was to follow the Olympic theme of inspiring a generation.

Amie Butler, 16, from Oakley Lane, plays for the club and was involved in the opening ceremony.

The Testbourne Community School pupil said: “The other building was quite shabby. This one is a lot nicer and we can actually use it now. I’m looking forward to seeing inside.”

Mr Holden said he was delighted with the number of people who had turned up for the official opening, adding: “If it wasn’t for all the people turning out, we wouldn’t have a pavilion like this. It’s fantastic.

“We have waited probably 15 years overall. We do annual fundraising and football tournaments and the parents and kids contributed.

“We have got about 300 members ranging from under six to under 18.”

Those at the opening were invited to look around the new facilities before enjoying sandwiches and refreshments.