Gosport Borough FC: A true community club

Whilst Gosport Borough FC are first and foremost a football club - they are also a lifeline for members of the local community.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the club started an initiative called 'Feed a Family' which delivered over 9000 food parcels to families within the community. Providing much needed supplies during a time when many shops were closed and people were remaining inside during lockdown.

Gosport Pantry at Privett Park | By Andy Jones

Fast forward a couple of years and the cost of living crisis means many people are still desperately in need of essential food supplies and Gosport continue to provide for their local community.

Originally funded by the club's owner, Iain McInnes, the 'Feed a Family' initiative then received funding through Hampshire County Council to become a community pantry.

Hampshire now has 19 community pantries across the county, one of which is based at the club's ground, Privett Park, and stocks a range of food goods.

Gosport Pantry's pitch-side store has a wide range of foods items available | By Andy Jones

Deb Redpath, who runs the Gosport Pantry and club's bar and food stalls explains how the pantry differs to the 'Feed a Family' scheme.

The pantry is fast becoming a lifeline for the surrounding community as members seek more affordable ways to buy their groceries as food prices continue to rise.

The club are also set to open up the ground as a warm space through the winter to enable vulnerable people to stay warm.

Mr McInnes reveals how the demand for the pantry is increasing and what the club will be doing to protect and support those in need during the cold winter months ahead:

Even with the cost of living crisis set to impact the club heavily over the coming months, Gosport have taken a stance that fans and and the wider community as a whole still come first, and it is this community feel that is so important to what the club are trying to achieve.

Mrs Redpath feels strongly that as community driven club, supporting the community and playing an active role within it is vital:

The club's hard work in the community has also been recognised by the Football Supporters' Association having been nominated for the FSA's Community Award - coming in second two years in a row.

Whilst it is not why the club do it, it is certainly nice to have been recognised and Mrs Redpath was able to attend this years award ceremony and is proud of what the club have achieved:

A club truly at the heart of its community Gosport Borough FC is taking the cost of living crisis head on.

Don't forget to listen to the full documentary which is set for release on December 15 - just two days away!