VITAL steps have been taken to secure the future of Basingstoke Town Football Club.

It has confirmed the club's full-time educational academy for 16 to 19-year-olds will be relocated to the Hampshire FA complex in Winklebury.

Meanwhile, a meeting with volunteers looking to help Basingstoke Town after it transitions to a community club was held last week at the Winklebury site and it has been confirmed work on the new 3G pitch at the site will soon begin.

This was after the Hampshire FA and community club bosses signed a detailed agreement setting out the respective responsibilities in the Community Club's usage of the new facilities at Winklebury.

Paperwork has also been sent off to the national FA to transfer ownership to the community club, essential for the move to Winklebury to take place.

The academy programme provides pathways into not just playing football, but also in to the coaching, nutrition, analysis and psychology sectors of the wider sporting industry.

Town player and academy lecturer, Ben Wright said: "We have waited a while to be able to officially announce this news, but it’s fantastic that it’s all now confirmed.

"It’s an exciting move for the academy that will see us have a much improved education facility, as well as a brand new 3G playing surface.

"We are looking forward to holding an open evening at our new facility in June, for all interested students and parents to come and have a look."

Speaking about the meeting of volunteers, Community Club chairman Terry Brown said: "I was impressed by the number, array of skills and enthusiasm of those coming forward.

"The aim is to value our volunteers and get people involved as quickly as possible . Further constructive get-togethers will be held and extended to others coming forward."

Prospective volunteers can contact Martin French on 07831804692 or email board@btfc.co.uk.