Woodford Town FC make an emotional return to their old ground
Published: 16 August 2021
Woodford Town Football Club made an emotional return to their old stamping ground on Friday evening, as they played their first home game back in the borough after a 28-year absence.
Their welcome return follows Redbridge Council’s £1.6 million investment in Ashton Playing Fields in Woodford, to support the construction of a new grandstand alongside other new facilities including an upgraded pavilion with a new changing room, first aid facilities, upgraded gym facilities and a multi-use club room.
Cllr Jas Athwal was there in person on Friday alongside Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Kam Rai, to cheer on the team in inaugural Essex Senior League match at their new home, which ended in a 2-1 defeat to Stansted FC.
Cllr Athwal said: "It was truly fantastic to see Woodford Town back in their rightful home in Woodford, the level of support was incredible, with over 800 local people coming out to watch the match and cheer on the team.
“Our investment in Ashton Playing Fields has delivered world-class football and athletics facilities for local sports clubs, schools and our community, plus a brand new state of the art gym. I’m looking forward to seeing our team go from strength to strength in their new home and hopefully some future Olympians coming through the Athletic Club.”
The new facilities at Ashton Playing Fields will also enable Woodford Green Athletic Club, with Essex Ladies, to host British Athletics League Division One meetings.
Woodford Football Club’s former home ground was situated off Snakes Lane East. In 1993, the club lost its ground and unfortunately was forced to fold in 2003.
After reforming in 2017 the club played in Broxbourne and then Harlow until Redbridge Council got behind the dream of chairman Tony Scott to restore the club to the heart of its original community.
