Newbury FC is set to return to Faraday Road for their first home game.

The club's comeback is a result of a partnership between West Berkshire Council and the Newbury Community Football Group (NCFG), with backing from Newbury Town Council.

The pitch, which reopened in November 2023, has been the focus of a concerted effort over the past 18 months to bring football back to Faraday Road.

READ MORE: US election: Reading university professor comments on Trump

The first match saw teams from AFC Newbury Boys and Girls FC and CSA 07 FC face off.

The ground has been equipped with new portable changing facilities, a clubhouse, toilet facilities, dugouts, and floodlights for evening training sessions.

These improvements have made the ground compliant with FA National League Systems (NSL) Ground Grading 7 status, allowing Newbury FC to return to their home ground.

The club will play their first home game against Abingdon Abbotts FC at 2pm.

Councillor Jeff Brooks, leader of West Berkshire Council, said: "We are thrilled to see football return to Faraday Road and to welcome Newbury FC back to their home turf.

"This has been a long-awaited moment, and we are proud of the tireless work that has gone into restoring and preparing the pitch.

"We remain committed to developing the site further, ensuring it becomes a place for the community to enjoy for years to come."

Lee McDougall, from the Newbury Community Football Group, said: "Another amazing milestone at Faraday Road, seeing Newbury FC play their first game here since June 2018.

"We would like to thank a small group of volunteers from the local community who have campaigned for over eight years to protect this vital community asset.

"We would also like to express our thanks to West Berkshire Council leaders and officers who have worked tirelessly to make this possible and restore the ground.

"We see the latest milestone as another step towards fully restoring the ground to its former glory and the addition of a 3G pitch in the future."

Vaughan Miller, chair of community services of Newbury Town Council, said: "The town council have supported the return of community football to Faraday Road since 2019 and are thrilled to see the return of Newbury Football Club to its home of 60 years at Faraday Road.

"Along with NCFG, we have long campaigned for this and look forward to its first match on Saturday at Newbury FC’s ‘spiritual’ home."

The return of Newbury FC to Faraday Road marks a significant achievement for the community and a promising future for the club.