Football in Havant
Local clubs, grassroots and the non-league game
Football is the most popular participatory and spectator sport in the Havant area, with clubs operating at levels from the semi-professional National League South down to Sunday league and youth football. Havant and Waterlooville FC, commonly known as the Hawks, is the principal football club in the area and competes in the National League South, the sixth tier of English football.
The Hawks play their home matches at Westleigh Park in Havant, a ground that has been developed over the years to meet the requirements of semi-professional football. The club has a loyal local following and has enjoyed notable moments, including FA Cup runs that brought national attention. The club relies on a combination of gate receipts, sponsorship, fundraising and volunteer effort to sustain its operations.
Grassroots football thrives in Havant, with junior clubs, youth teams and adult amateur leagues all active. The playing fields and recreation grounds across the borough host matches at weekends during the football season. Youth football in particular has a strong base, with clubs running teams across the age groups from under-sevens upwards. These clubs depend on volunteer coaches, referees and organisers, and they provide an introduction to organised sport for hundreds of local children.
Five-a-side football is available at commercial centres and on the all-weather pitches at schools and leisure facilities. These pitches are booked by groups of friends, work teams and organised leagues, providing a convenient way to play football without the commitment of a full eleven-a-side club.
Portsmouth FC, the nearest professional club, plays at Fratton Park and has a large following in the Havant area. Many Havant residents support Pompey and travel to home matches, which are easily accessible by train from Havant station. The club's fortunes have varied in recent years, but the fanbase remains passionate and Havant contributes a good number of supporters.
Women's and girls' football has grown significantly in recent years, with clubs in the area running female teams alongside their male counterparts. The success of the England Women's team has raised the profile of the women's game and encouraged more girls to take up the sport locally.
Football is woven into the fabric of community life in Havant, providing exercise, social connection and shared identity for players and supporters alike.
Women's and girls' football has grown significantly in recent years, with clubs in the area running female teams alongside their male counterparts. The success of the England Women's team has raised the profile of the women's game and encouraged more girls to take up the sport locally. Football is woven into the fabric of community life in Havant, providing exercise, social connection and shared identity for players and supporters alike. Whether it is a Saturday afternoon at Westleigh Park watching the Hawks, a Sunday morning on a muddy recreation ground or an evening five-a-side session under floodlights, football connects people in Havant in a way that few other activities can match.