Royals confirm temporary Gosport stadium deal

By Connor Steel

AFC PORTCHESTER have confirmed that a ‘temporary ground-share contract’ has been signed alongside Gosport Borough to play home games at the AEI Stadium from the start of this coming 2026/27 campaign; their deal starting and lasting until works are completed at The On-Site Group Stadium including an installation of an artificial 3G pitch.

This announcement was made on social media and follows discussions with the local teams including Borough who are one league above the Royals on the footballing pyramid.  It is expected that the new pitch at The On-Site Group Stadium will be completed for use at ‘some point in the Autumn’ and will therefore be in best condition for this winter.

According to their fixture lists Portchester have a total of eight league games and one cup match at home before the end of October; although this doesn’t include potential rounds in the FA Cup once starting in August. The team’s first match at the AEI Stadium will be the league opener versus Westfield next Saturday (August 8) in a 3pm kick off time.

Chairman Paul Kelly said that the club were delighted to confirm a temporary home venue for its future matches and thanked officials at Gosport for their support; particularly Iain McInnes and Craig Stainton. He gave the hope that the club will embrace the situation and continue to offer their incredible support, as well as welcoming potential new fans.

The Royals are no strangers to the AEI Stadium having played there twice already in 2026 against Gosport. The first tie ended four-all in the Portsmouth Senior Cup semi final before Portchester won their penalty shootout, whilst a pre season tie two weeks ago was then held with Borough coming out as convincing three-one winners in warm weather.

Fans have been warned that matches may change at short notice including timings and days which is due to clashes with scheduled Gosport Borough league fixtures already being played at the stadium. They are asked to keep an eye on its club’s social media channels / website alongside the Isthmian League fixture list for all confirmation information.

PICTURED BY AFC PORTCHESTER MEDIA: The outfit will be ‘sharing’ the AEI Stadium with Gosport Borough FC.