Buckhurst Hill FC were pleased to officially unveil their ground improvement works recently, which were made possible by investment from the Premier League, delivered by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund.

The investment has allowed the current ProKit UK Essex Olympian League champions to move the position of their First Team pitch and install perimeter fencing with spectator and vehicle access gates. A concrete walkway, a pitch barrier and new dugouts were also unveiled at the special ceremony at Roding Lane on Saturday 7th September.

The new facilities form part of the first phase of the club’s ambition to eventually install floodlights and stands as the First Team aim to move up the football ladder. The improvements also provide a huge incentive for Buckhurst Hill’s 400 playing members to have dreams and ambitions of playing for the First Team one day, keeping them involved in the club and playing football.

Buckhurst Hill FC were co-founded in 1985 by Club President, Ray Sherrin, with an idea to have a local football team for friends in the community playing in a local park. With over 400 players, the club now offers ‘mini kickers’ for children aged between three and five, through to youth football, up to Under 16s and an adult section.

Over recent years, former Buckhurst Hill players who have progressed to play professional football include Connor Wood at Bradford City, Joe Lumley at QPR, Jack Payne at Lincoln City, George Moncur at Luton Town, Cauley Woodrow at Barnsley and Alfie Madden playing professionally in the USA. They also have over 50 children currently playing at academies around the country.

Last season the men’s First Team won their division by a record 25-point winning margin and they also regained the BBC Essex Saturday Premier Cup to cap a magnificent 24 months for the club. With only two defeats, they topped the Step 7 level on points throughout the country, with seven of the squad having progressed through the club’s youth system.

The project was made possible by a £20,000 grant from the Premier League, which is delivered through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund - the sister organisation of the Football Foundation. Simon Cornwell, Chairman of Buckhurst Hill FC, said: “This is a huge milestone in the club’s 35-year history and one we are immensely proud of.”

“For all the trustees and committee members it makes those endless hours given-up for free to support the community, and the club, all worthwhile. Buckhurst Hill is a family to all of us and we are fortunate our trustees and committee have a history of their own children and grandchildren being involved, for at least 15 years or more.”

Nick Emery, Essex County FA Development Manager, added: “It’s excellent to see that Buckhurst Hill have made use of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund to support upgrades to their ground. The club have shown themselves to be very ambitious and this will support them to provide a progressive player pathway. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this happen.”

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