Eastleigh Football Club are delighted to announce that University of Southampton are the official sponsor of the Elite Development Squad (EDS).

Following the start of this exciting partnership, University of Southampton will now become the Front of Shirt Sponsor of our EDS team for the 2024/25 season, with the university keen to support the next generation of Spitfires progressing through Eastleigh FC’s Academy.

As part of the new agreement between the two parties, Eastleigh Football Club will have access to Wide Lane Sports Ground to use as a training facility hub which includes a grass pitch, a brand-new cork, all-weather surface pitch, a strength and conditioning unit, and a designated Eastleigh FC changing room for both the first-team and the EDS to use.

This partnership ensures that both University of Southampton and the Eastleigh community benefit from shared expertise, resources, and opportunities for active participation and personal development.

Trudi Vout, the director of Residences, Sport and Community at the University of Southampton, said: “As its heart, football brings communities together and acts as a catalyst for good through the love of the game.

“We are delighted to sponsor Eastleigh FC’s academy which shares our common goal of inspiring the next generation by creating an inclusive community that reduces barriers and transforms lives.

“Our facilities at Wide Lane are some of the best in the region and, with the backing of the University, will help the academy players achieve their full potential.”

Eastleigh FC’s Vice-Chairman, Thomas Coffey, added: “We are delighted to have built a partnership with University of Southampton. Universities, and therefore students, are something that we have looked to try and connect with as we look to try and build our fanbase and engage with the local community.”