HISTORY

WICKFORD TOWN YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

AFFILIATED TO THE ESSEX FA AND THE ESSEX ASSOCOATION OF BOY’S AND GIRL’S CLUBS

Wickford Town Youth FC is one of the longest serving clubs in the Community, having been in existence since 1969. Following are brief highlights and some lowlights of the club’s history.

1968

The very first game was in December 1968 at Wickford Memorial Park, pitch 3 against the Wickford Cubs representative squad.

1969

A junior section to the Wickford Town F.C. was launched and when the adult club folded later that year, the junior section affiliated itself to the Essex Association of Boys clubs and renamed itself Wickford Town Boys Club. Team colours – Old Gold shirts, Black shorts and socks.
A single team (Under 12’s) played its first league game as Wickford Town FC on 21st January 1969 against Leigh Rangers in the Basildon Youth League.
The first Committee was just 4 members – Founder George Merrin, assisted by Reg Bailey, John Carter and Audrey Carter.

1970

An Under 13 team formed.

1974

This year saw the start of a long running friendship with the German side Fortuna Bredeney in the town of Essen, West Germany. Numerous exchange visits and tournaments were regularly held between the two clubs over a 16-year period. Each year two teams from Fortuna would visit Wickford during the Easter weekend and two teams from Wickford would travel to Essen during the May bank holiday. Players and officials would stay with host families. Apart from football there would be a number of social events and many long-term friendships were made.

1978

Founder George Merrin leaves the club to work in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Some years later George Merrin would emigrate to Cairns, Australia where he was to become involved in youth soccer, running the Far North Queensland Football Association and organise European tours for his representative sides that included here in the UK sightseeing, visiting Premiership League clubs and playing friendly matches against Wickford Town and other local teams.

1981

Wickford Town for some unknown reason wasn’t being invited to 5-a-side competitions so the football secretary decided that the club would run its own. The tournament was held on what was known as the 'Runwell Pitch' in Old Southend Road, a piece of land that had been left to the youth of Wickford by local resident one Colonel Burton. It is said that before the war both Arsenal FC and Essex County Cricket team played on this site.

1983

John Bartlett took over as club chairman, a position he would hold for 11 years. John retired from the position in 1994 and was elected into the honorary position of club President.

1989

The club had grown to 15 teams that required more pitches, more training and more dedicated people to run the club. Football matters were still split from club matters the small committee would continue to have monthly meetings at someone's house.
A team manager had found for his team a kit sponsor; the manager purchased yellow shirts, green shorts and yellow socks. Much discussion took place at the next committee meeting where the decision was made to adopt the colour scheme as the new club colours.

1998

The club changed its name to Wickford Town Youth FC to reflect the growing interest and involvement of girls and to reflect the non-discriminatory policy in the club.
Child protection officer appointed.

1999

Formation of the girl’s section of the club.

2000

The first girl's football team is formed.
The club opened a relationship with the Rotary Club of Wickford and with their financial backing purchased a small parcel of land, known as the Runwell Pitch, on Southend Road (Opposite Hill Avenue). The club purchased this land, which had been used for many years by various Wickford clubs, from Essex County Council to ensure continued playing facilities for the club and its members. With help from the Rotary Club, the ground was developed by cutting back surrounding foliage, re-seeding the central pitch area and adding a car parking facility. The name of Wickford Town YFC was proudly displayed on a board by the entrance.
The club became one of the first clubs in Essex to be awarded the prestigious FA Charter Standard, recognising the club’s commitment towards development and organisation of youth football.
The club acquired from Basildon Council a 7-year lease for “Table-House”, a building located in Wickford Memorial Park. Previously used as a “holiday home” for disadvantaged children this had fallen into disrepair and been unused for 5 years. With generous help from club members and friends, the interior was renovated and transformed into a mini clubhouse with 4 changing rooms, toilets and kitchen facilities. External redecoration was also completed with help from the Prince’s Trust. Table House is open every Sunday morning during the season providing refreshments to players, spectators and match officials.

2001

Another great achievement for the club being awarded FA Charter Standard Development Club status.
The club moves the annual 5-a-side tournament from the 'Runwell Pitch' to North Crescent School. No more cars parked on Southend Road causing congestion for 2 days, no more tarpaulins strung between trees as a registration tent and protection for the referees in the blistering sunshine, no more large water containers. We have a Proper car park, a kitchen, electricity, running water and the luxury of toilets but above all else a safe environment for young players and visitors.
The club Internet website is launched, developed and maintained by a dedicated club member.

2002

Building upon the Charter Standard, Wickford Town YFC became only the 2nd club in Essex to be awarded FA Community Club status.
The Under 13 team get promoted to the Premier division.
Concurrent with the major house building programs at both ends of Wickford, the club sees an expansion of its mini soccer section (up to under 10’s) to 10 teams. Girl's teams expand from 1 to 3 teams.
Wickford Town starts its first Veterans (over 35’s) team, playing in the Ridley’s Veterans League.

2003

The new season sees the introduction of an Under 18 team and continued upward expansion in mini soccer to 12 teams (plus 3 additional training only squads of under 6’s).

2004

Enthusiasm reaches an all-time high with an average of 21 people attending committee meetings. The club appears to be expanding where other clubs are folding.
Best year in 35 years for league and county awards.
Most of the managers and coaches have attained FA coaching qualifications
Richard Neville receives a “volunteer of the year award” from the Essex FA.
Most teams now have sponsors for their kits.

2005

Parent Eddie Wright sadly had a heart attack pitch side whilst watching his son play, Eddie sadly passed away and at a committee meeting it was decided to arrange a Memorial game to raise funds to be given to a good cause chosen by Eddie’s wife. Many people supported the event, the players including Eddie’s son’s showed great attitude making it a fun event. Julia Wight thanked the club and asked if the match could be played annually as her family and friends enjoyed the occasion so much.
League divisional honours - U9a Lions 1st, U10b Tigers 2nd, U17 2nd, and U8a Lions Cup Finalists.
Wickford Town Youth FC awarded the Southend & District League Fair Play Trophy.
Wickford Town Vets awarded the Ridley's Veterans League Fair Play Trophy.
U18 team awarded the Fair Play Trophy in their division of the Chelmsford & District League.
Wickford Town Youth FC were Runners-up for the Chelmsford & District League Trophy, scoring 8.65 and coming second to a one team club who scored 8.66.
At a committee meeting Alan Payne presented a plaque to Richard Neville in recognition of his outstanding services to the club. Richard had been club secretary for 10 years; he had been Instrumental in helping the club to become one of only 82 Charter Standard clubs in Essex and one of only 8 clubs in Essex who have Community Club Status; he had done a lot of groundwork to bring girls football the club; he is still an active committee member and team manager.
The Rotary Club offers to pay for the car-park extension at the Runwell pitch.

2006

21st March and the club reaches a huge milestone in the history of the club. A special general meeting is arranged to discuss proposals to sell off the 'Runwell' pitch and acquire a piece of land at Shotgate. Proposals were explained and those present voted in favour of allowing the club to proceed. A dream for many years was finally taking shape and the Shotgate Project was up and running.
Dave Boakes - Passes the FA Level 2 Coaching Course
The weather turned the annual 5-a-side tournament into a mud bath but with several rolls of carpet, plywood panels (donations from club members) and marking out 4 repositioned pitches in the early hours of Sunday morning for the second day's play, the tournament was once again an outstanding success.
2005-2006 League divisional honours – U8a Lions 1st, U9b Tigers 2nd and promoted and the Vets team win the Cup Final.
The club took up the offer of hiring football ground at Rettendon; the ground was large enough for 3 mini soccer pitches and had a building that could be used for storage and changing facilities.
The club is the largest it has ever been with 28 teams and in excess of 300 playing members (11 x 11-a-side teams, 4 x girl's teams, 13 x mini soccer teams).

2007

Several teams achieved league honours.
A major down side to the year was and is the ongoing vandalising of Table House in Memorial Park. This is costing the club many hundreds of pounds in repairs. TV and media press have given news coverage to highlight the clubs’ plight. The police remain vigilant to eventually apprehend those who are vandalising the building and surrounding trees.
The Shotgate Project – 25th September – The Basildon Council Planning Committee reject Outline Planning for the Shotgate site, the application would have to be revised and resubmitted.

2008

An application for funding was reviewed at a Football Foundation preliminary meeting in January and was knocked back on 3 issues.
The senior team finish 3rd in the Chelmsford Invitation League division 1 and win the division 1 Cup Final 4-2 against Durassic Park FC.
Thundermite league divisional honours - u11a 3rd div A, u11c 3rd div B.
Southend league divisional honours - u12a 4th div D, u12c 1st div D, u15a 2nd div C.
Annual club football tournament moved to Bromfords School, a larger facility and the format revised to include both 5-a-side and mini soccer.
Colin Bennett gets a Volunteer Leader Award from the Jack Petchey scheme.

2009

The Shotgate project – Pitch preparation scheduled for March put back 1 year due to the economic situation.
The Senior and Vets teams are invited to play in Berlin.
U15 team have a successful tour winning games in Germany and Holland.
Steve Amos completes the London Marathon.
U11 Tigers and U11 Panthers win their respective Thundermite League Divisional Cup Finals.
Steve Tilson (Southend United manager) is special guest at the U7’s Fun-day.
The Men's team win the Chelmsford Invitation Premier League Cup Final.
An. ex-Wickford Town player (Claire Capon) currently with Colchester United Academy represents the Welsh National U17 team against France, Netherlands and Denmark.
Our best ever annual football tournament. 100 teams took part with 850 children played football over the 2 days with no injuries or bookings.
The Summer Ball was a great success and enjoyed by all who attended.
A 9-year-old girl from the club has been chosen to play at the West Ham Academy.
A double-decker bus painted in club colours was entered in the Wickford Carnival.
Jeremy Lawrence entered his u12 team in the Association of Essex Boys and Girls Clubs National 5-a-side competition. The team represented South Essex in the Regional Final at Woking. The team finished runners-up and went through to the National Finals at the Trafford Centre in Manchester.
The club retains its status as a Charter Community Club.

2010

Shotgate Project – Preliminary work on 6 pitches due to start.
U9 Tigers - South East Essex League - Division 4 Runner-up.
U9 Panthers - South East Essex League - Division 5 Runner-up.
U10 Panthers - Thundermite League - League Cup Finalists.
U13a - Thundermite League - Division A Runner-up & League Cup Winners.
U13a - Southend Junior League - Division C Champions.
U16 - Southend Junior League - League Cup Finalists.
Men's team - Chelmsford Invitation Premier League Champions, League Cup Winners & Essex Junior Cup Finalists.

2011

Connor Jones wins the club competition to design a new club badge. The winning design, one of 19 entries, will be applied to club football shirts.
The application to the Football Foundation was reviewed at a preliminary meeting on the 18th January but was knocked back.
Men's team - Chelmsford Invitation Premier League Champions, Premier League Cup Winners.
The senior team finish 3rd in the Chelmsford Invitation League division 1 and win the division 1 Cup Final 4-2 against Durassic Park FC.
The u11a team finish 3rd in the Thundermite league division A.
The u12c team finish 1st in the Southend league division D.
The u15a team finish 2nd in the Southend league division C.
Steve Dalligan, Jeremy Lawrence and Jon Boakes pass the FA Level 2 Coaching course.
Planning application for the pitches and changing rooms etc at Shotgate passed by Basildon Council.
U14 Lions are runners-up out of 3000 teams in the Street Soccer and Freestyle football competition.

2012

Men’s Reserve team folds due to the lack of players.
U14 Lions win the group stage of the Essex Boys and Girls Club 5-a-side tournament and qualifies for the Southern Region Finals.
U14 Tigers Southend League Division D Champions.
U11 teams start playing 9v9 games in line with format changes announced by The Football Association.
Men’s Team Chelmsford Invitation League Premier League Champions (4th year running) & Premier Division Cup Winners (finalists 4 years running – 3 cup wins in 4 years).
Paying player subscriptions on line begins and is very successful.
John Bartlett, Chris Evans and Alan Payne receive long service awards.
George Doyle (U16) signs for Norwich City FC.
Annual Football Tournament another outstanding success.
Chris Evans and Alan Payne retire as officers of the club; to acknowledge their long service they are elected to the honorary position of Vice President. Chris retires after 13 years as Treasurer; he had also been a team manager at various age groups. Alan retires after 7 years as Assistant Football Secretary, he has been with the club over 30 years, held various positions including Club Secretary and has played for and managed Wickford Town teams.
A valuation of the Southend Road pitch is finally agreed and the developer starts enabling work at the Shotgate site.
2nd of November Wickford Town Football Club has been registered as a Charity in England & Wales. Fantastic news for the club and should provide greater funding opportunities for the club going forward.

2013

The Under 14 team folds early in the year.
Under 9 Tigers win 2012/13 Fair Play award at mini soccer.
U15 Tigers reach the Cup Final to be played at Rootes Hall.
The pavilion/changing rooms; car park and work on pitches at Shotgate are finished.
The new Wickford Town Ladies team prepare for the forthcoming season.
Under 16 and Senior teams fold at the end of the season.
League season extended due to bad weather disrupting fixtures; annual football tournament reduced to one day because of teams having to play league games on the Sunday.
The club has a float in the Wickford Carnival.
The Eddie Wright Memorial match was once again a huge success.
13th December - Southend Road / Shotgate Facility legally completed today. Wickford Sports is now the official owner of the Shotgate Site. Massive thanks go to Paul Haine, Richard Neville, Chris Evans and Tony Silk for all their hard work over the years to make this Dream a reality.

2014

U12 Tigers Southend League B Division winners.
U13 Tigers are promoted to Southend League Division D.
U13 Lion’s win Southend League Cup Final 4-2 after being 2-0 down.
7th June – After 12-15 years the wait is finally over – Open Day at the new Shotgate facility is a huge success. Club President John Bartlett cut the ceremonial ribbon and unveiled a plaque officially naming the facility ‘Bartlett Park’. The opening is attributed, after a huge amount of work, to Richard Neville, Paul Haine Tony Silk and Chris Evans.
President’s Trophy presented to John and Terri Clark for service to the club over the last 5 years and with very generous donations.
Our new ladies team begin their season thanks to the efforts of Jill and Freya Barnard and Niks.
Paul & Sean King start a Girls Academy and enter a team into the U16’s league.
The Eddie Wright Memorial match goes ahead once again and is enjoyed by all players and supporters.

2015

Steve Tilson becomes manager of C&K Basildon Ladies FC. Steve is an ex-Wickford Town Junior Section player who began his footballing career with non-league sides Basildon United, Bowers United and Witham Town before being signed by then Southend manager David Webb. During the 1990s he appeared in just under 250 matches. Steve also had a loan spell at Brentford, until 1998, when he signed for Canvey Island, serving as club captain during his 4-year spell with the team. In March 2004 Steve became manager of Southend United, a position he held for 7 years after which he managed Lincoln City FC and then Canvey Island.
U13 Tigers just miss out on promotion to the Premier division.
Great celebration for the U13 East team winning their first game in 3½ years (3 years 6 months 21 days.
U14 Lions Runner-up in both Southend League Premier Division and League Cup.
U14 Tigers reach quarter finals of Essex County Cup.
U15 Pumas have a very strong finish to the season beating all top 6 teams.
U18 Lions finish season as League Champions
U18 Ravens finish 2nd in their division.
Our Ladies team complete their 2nd season and reach the Semi Final of the County Cup.
President John Bartlett attends the Essex Boys and Girls Clubs annual dinner and awards evening to collect ‘The Matchroom Trophy’ awarded to Wickford Town FC as the club that had done the most for itself with respect to Bartlett Park.
Bartlett Park used regularly by our teams for training sessions.
6th June – Hundreds of parents, players and supporters attend the Club Open Day at Bartlett Park.
The annual Eddie Wright Memorial match played on 6th September is enjoyed once again by all who attended.
President’s Trophy presented to Richard Neville, Paul Haine, Chris Evans for services to the club over many years covering many committee roles and their involvement in the Bartlett Park Project.
Teams start using the all-weather pitch at Billericay school for winter training.
5, 7, and 9-a-side matches will be played at Bartlett Park for the 2015/16 season. 9 and 11 w-a-side matches will be played at Memorial Park.

2016

25 teams in action this season
U13 East Division D Champions.
U15 Lions win Premier League and League Cup.
U18 Lions Division D Champions.
U18 Tigers Division B Runner-up.
Ladies team Runner-up in the County Trophy and the Tiptree Charity Cup and also recruit enough players for a second team.
President’s Trophy presented to Robert Lodge and Josh Hudson for raising the profile of the club in the local community, supporting all events the club had facilitated for local schools and offered advice and support to youngsters. A number of schools had written expressing their gratitude and asked that Robert and Josh be recognised.
Robert Lodge receives an award from the Essex Boys and Girls Clubs.
Basildon Council approves the plans for the development of Bartlett Park.
Discussions continue with the FA and the Football Foundation concerning the grant application.
2Worlds facilitate a variety of school events at Bartlett Park.
An application submitted by Clive Lodge for a substantial grant from Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) was approved.
The 11th annual Eddie Wright Memorial match played on 4th September is enjoyed once again by all who attended.
Steve Amos, Clive Lodge and Stewart Cassidy all complete the FA Level 2 coaching course.
The club passes the FA Health Check and wins an award.
Essex FA provides a mentor for its “FA Mentoring Programme” to improve coaching provision.

2017

The Football Foundation grant is approved and the development at Bartlett Park can finally get under way.
Needham Building Contractors arrive at Bartlett Park on 16th March to start the long-awaited clubhouse extension.
U16 Lions - Southend & District Junior League – Premier League & League Cup Winners.
U15 Lions - Southend & District Junior League – Divisional Shield Runner-up
U14 South - Southend & District Junior League – Premier League Runner-up.
U13 Tigers - Southend & District Junior League – Division E Runner-up
President’s Trophy presented to Steve Amos who has managed teams since 2008, he currently manages the U13, U14, U15 teams and runs marathons from which he raises funds for the club.
Josh Hudson, Robert Lodge, George Neller, James Gregory and Connor Dobson-Amos all receive Essex Boys & Girls Clubs representative awards.
Josh Hudson awarded Jack Petchey Achievement award.
Helen Lodge awarded Jack Petchey Volunteer award.
Clive Lodge and Helen Lodge are guests of The FA – Community Shield at Wembley for Services to Grass Roots Football.
Wickford Town FC awarded Club Mentor Status 2nd year running by the Essex FA.
Josh Hudson and Robert Lodge receive awards from the Essex FA Youth Football Council.
The Club Open Day on 10th June is a huge success.
The Club football tournament, on 9th September, returns after a 4-year absence.
Sadly, in October Table House in Memorial Park is vandalised beyond repair, valuable club kit and equipment is damaged or destroyed. The club started using it in 1998, it had changing rooms, storage areas and that all-important kitchen that on match days provided bacon butties, hot and cold refreshments.

U11 Lions - Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League - Mersey Medal - Runner Up
U16 Lions - Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League - Division B - Champions
U17 Lions - Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League - Premier Division - Champions
Men's Team - Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League - Division 4 - Runner Up
Men's Team - Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League - Division 4 League Cup - Runner Up
U14 Lions - Essex Boys and Girls Club's - 5-a-Side Championship - Runner Up
U16 Lions - Essex Boys and Girls Club's - 5-a-Side Championship - Winner

The team defeated the current National Champions in the Final and progress to the National Finals in Manchester

President’s Trophy presented to Paul Brown, a team manager 2002-2016, Football Secretary 2007-2016, WTFC website and Life-in-the-Cloud designer.
Bartlett Park is continually used for various social activities, by local schools for sport events, scouting organisations and the FA for refereeing and coaching courses.
The clubhouse extension is officially opened on 23rd June by Wickford and Rayleigh MP Mark Francois with representatives of the Football Foundation and Essex FA also in attendance.
Teams will use the new 3G pitch at Beauchamps school for winter training.

2019

In March thieves broke into Bartlett Park, cutting padlocks on the main gates and containers. 2 sit-on mowers, lining equipment and various other items were stolen.
This year the club will celebrate 50 years of providing healthy recreation by the provision of facilities for the playing of football in a managed and safe environment and providing opportunities for recreation and competition for all members of the community.
In June the club was notified by Essex County FA that it had been nominated for an FA Grassroots Football Award, namely GRASSROOTS CLUB OF THE YEAR.
President’s Trophy presented to the U18 Lions, a group of young men as they are now but they have been with the club for 12 years and in their final season at youth football only missed out on a clean sweep of winning all 4 competitions they entered by finishing runners up in The ECFA U18 County Cup, but winners in SDJSFL U18 Premier League, SDJSFL U18 League Cup, SDJSFL U18 League Trophy. They play as a team and they help out at club events and with training the little kickers.
Vets team – Greene King Essex Veterans Football League Division 4 East – Champions and Division Cup winners
Men’s 1st team – Essex Sceptre Sunday League Division 1 – Runners up.
3 Mini Soccer teams reached their league cup semi-finals.
U18’s - Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League – The outstanding achievement of winning – U18 Premier League, League Cup, League Trophy and runners up in Essex County FC U18 County Cup.
U12 Lions - Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League – Division A – Runner-up and promoted to the U13 Premier next season.
2-day Football Tournament is again a great success.

2020

On-going discussions with Basildon council with regard to our planning application for enhancements at Bartlett Park.
Quiz night is a great success with more social events planned.
Function room still being hired out for various activities including Basildon table tennis league games, dance sessions and yoga classes.
The club is in a very healthy position with 16 Mini Soccer teams, 7 Youth teams and 4 Adult teams, 370 players in total.
It’s nearly March and our Youth and Adult teams are doing well in their league and cup competitions:
U14 Yellow - 1st in Division E.
U16 Green – Through to Semi Finals of League Cup and League Trophy,
WTFC 1st Team – 3rd in Division 1 of the Sceptre League,
WTFC Reserves – Through to Round 3 in the ‘Nigel Purkis’ Cup.
WTFC ‘A Team’ – 1st in Division 4 of Sceptre League and through to Round 3 in the ‘Nigel Purkis’ Cup,
WTFC Vets First Team – 2nd in Division 3 of the Southend Combination Vets League.
Rain and more rain stop all games at Memorial Park and Bartlett Park, Mini Soccer continues on the 3G pitches at Beauchamps School.
Vicky Morgan starts work on developing a new club website.
Covid-19 brings all football matches, training sessions, hall lettings and social events to a halt.
Dates for new courses at Bartlett Park, booked by the ECFA, are yet to be decided.
Activities at Bartlett Park won’t resume until government legislation allows and safeguarding actions are implemented.
Following an announcement from The FA stating that football training can resume, a Risk Assessment for preventing the spread of Covid-19 was developed to protect players, parents, coaches and volunteers at football training sessions. The club chairman presented the Risk Assessment to all teams via Zoom meetings, prior to football training resuming.
A talented member of the Vets team designs a new club badge; it will be applied to all new kit.
New safety barriers installed around the car park.
The fantastic new club website goes live.
Saturday 5th July football training resumes at an immaculate Bartlett Park with everything in place for training in a safe environment.
47 members attend the AGM, not since about 2003 has there been such a good attendance.
Presidents Trophy presented to the Vets Team, John Bartlett said that the award is given to a group of men that play with a smile and are entertaining to watch. “I’ve watched them many times and have yet to be disappointed”.
League season finally gets underway in Sept.
All non-football events at Bartlett Park are cancelled until further notice.
28 teams registered for the new season (367 players).
Great news for our future as more than 20 children (under 6’s) turn up every week.
Mid December and an increase in Covid infection rates puts the boot in again, matches and training cancelled until further notice.
Just before Christmas we finally get the news, we’ve all been waiting for, Basildon Council Planning Department confirm that that our planning application for more pitches, floodlighting and extra car parking had been passed with no amendments.

2021

No football and very little training up to beginning of April.
Leagues finally resume with most teams having to play double headers, the long layoff inevitably had consequences with injuries.
It’s with sadness that we hear in March that Colin Levy has passed away after contracting Covid.

Colin very enthusiastically managed a team from U7 (2007) to U16 (2016).

A very difficult season with no trophies won.
Vets – 2nd when their season finished early.
‘A’ Team – 3rd in Division 3.
Reserves (who went up three divisions) – 4th in Division 1.
U15 Tigers – 3rd in Division D.
The U14’s doesn’t have enough players to continue and fold.
In June Wickford Town Football Club are proud to announce that 6 members of our club committee have recently been awarded FA Long Service Awards to recognise grass roots volunteers. An achievement of dedication and commitment as volunteers to both the club and the community.

John Bartlett (Club President) Longest Service Award – Over 40 years.

Alan Payne (Club Vice President) Longest Service Award – Over 40 years.

Chris Evans (Club Vice President) Long Service Award – 30 years.

Clive Lodge (Club Chairman) Long Service Award – 10 years.

Larry Johnson (Club Welfare Officer) Long Service Award – 10 years.

Mark Neller (Club Vice Chairman) Long Service Award – 10 years.

More very sad news, Julia Wright with whom we organise the Eddie Wright Memorial game each year passed away in July after losing her fight with cancer. Eldest son Adam would like the event, that started in 2005, to continue in both their names.
20th November and news is received that Wickford Town Youth FC founder George Merrin has died. A sad loss of someone who did so much to build the foundations of the club we have today.
Mid December and the Southend Junior League committee cancel all u11-u18 fixtures so as not to put anyone at risk of catching covid prior to Christmas. Fixtures will resume in January.
Mini soccer league committee leaves the decision to play/not play matches up to individual clubs.
15 December – Club chairman puts out a message to all Wickford Town managers of teams under the age of 18 told to contact their opponents to confirm that they will not be fulfilling fixtures scheduled for 18th December.

January, persistent rain makes pitches unplayable and Bartlett Park is closed, as many games as possible moved to the 3G at Beauchamps.
Covid rules prevent Bartlett Park being hired out.
Men’s 1st team win Division 1, League Cup Winner and losing finalist in the Charity Cup.
U11 Panthers Mersey Medal Winners.
U11 Lions Mersey Medal Runner-up.
U11 Leopards Thames Runner-up.
U12 Clarets Spring Shield Runner-up.
U14 Lions League Champions.
U16 Tigers Challenge Shield Winner and 2nd in Division D.
U16 Yellows in League Trophy Runner-up and finished 3rd in Div B
U7 Lions and U12 Panthers leave the club.
A Sponsor page is added to the website.
Club development at a standstill, business plans will be developed for funding meetings in January 2023.
Hiring enquiries are on the up now there are no COVID restrictions.
The Vet’s team are folding. After Covid they’ve struggled to fulfil fixtures and find commitment from players.
The lead is stolen from the pavilion roof; it will be replaced with a lead look alike that has no scrap value. The containers were also tampered with but were not entered or damaged.
Mike Neller resigns as Secretary but will stay on the Committee, Nick Pavitt takes over as Club Secretary with immediate effect. Change will be ratified at the AGM.
Nick Pavitt is presented with the President’s Trophy for outstanding contribution to fundraising – As an under 8's manager Nick had not long been part of the club but his instant commitment to the club and huge fund-raising efforts to kick start momentum for Bartlett Parks Development made a great impression. Raising over £5000 in his first 2 events, John Bartlett commended Nick and highlighted his future potential at the Club.
Bill Lawrence takes on the role of posting regularly on the club’s social media platforms.
Only 3 new U7 teams this season.
Weetabix Wildcats start with 10 girls regularly attending. (Wildcats is non-competitive football for girls who want to give it a go for the very first time or want to play with other girls their own age. Most importantly, Weetabix Wildcats is all about having loads of fun and meeting new amazing friends).
An U9 girls’ team plays in the U8 league.
Year 7, 8 and 9 girls only training sessions start.
Bill Lawrence and Kit Houghton both accept an invitation to join the Executive committee. Positions will be ratified at an SGM.
November – The National Grid who owns the pylons and cables that are on Bartlett Park meet to inform us that the cables that run above need to be replaced. Scaffolding must be erected and the pitches covered to complete the work that will start in March 23 and take approximately 4 months. Bartlett Park will be out of operation while they are on site.
A Wildcats session starts at Abacus Primary School.

2023

We gain 2 new U7 teams called Orange and Grey.
In excess of 400 players registered with the club.
Some of the player’s, in Brian Stockwell’s men’s team, have been playing since they started at U7 and some have been with the club for 20 years. Brian started managing in 2004 with the U9 Tigers.
Our Wickford Town U14 team was selected to be ball boys for Southend United against Gateshead.
The FA and St Georges Park want to hold a girl’s festival at Bartlett Park but due to National Grid being on site we cannot hold the event.
U15 Lions finish as Champions in Div 1 in the SDJSFL.
U12 Panthers win the SDJSFL U12 League Vase Final on penalties and finish the season as league champions.
A new U9 Girl’s team will play 7-a-side football next season.
An U12 Girl’s team will be entered into a girl’s league next season.
Danny Ireland’s Inclusion Training gets 20-25 players regularly of which 2 have moved into an U12 team. (Inclusive Football - for children and adults of any age, gender or ability to engage in football and promote inclusive and disability football across the UK for the greater good).
The club is asked to do a presentation on a webinar for ECFA talking about Soccability and Inclusion.
Autistic FC have been contacted about what our club is doing.
Stuart McGill hosted a session for deaf children via the Deaf Society, 12-15 children attended and it was noted how much enjoyment and fun the children were having. More sessions will be scheduled.
A young lad helping in the café is learning sign language.
Wildcats every Saturday at Bartletts with good numbers and at Abacus School with 16 girls weekly.
into an U12 team.
Presidents Trophy presented to Aaron Goodchild and the U15 Team.
October and Bartlett Park in broken into again, essential equipment stollen totalling many £1000’s. Post robbery there have been many offers of help from the community including football clubs offering to lend us equipment and businesses offering help with the site.
A new defibrillator is due installed at Bartlett Park.
More discussions with the FA regarding the 3G pitch development plans at Bartlett Park.

2024

Jack of All Sports passes over the first group of U6 players to the club.
Social media is slowly improving, the club now has 1197 followers on its Facebook page, 577 on its main Instagram page, and over 100 on its Wickford town girls Instagram page.
Bad weather early in January closes Bartlett Park due to waterlogged pitches. Most of its 5 aside and 7 aside fixtures are moved to the 3G pitches at Beauchamps school.
Ground works continue behind the club house to clear more land.
Over 400 youth and adult players registered across 35 teams for the 2023-24 season.
U10 Reds win Corinthians Cup.
U11 Greens Divisional winners.
U11 Whites Divisional winner.
U16 Greens Premier League Cup Runner-up
Men’s Sunday team – Spring Cup Final Runner-up.
Men’s Saturday team – Cup Final Runner-up.
7th June – a Huge Landmark is reached - Bartlett Park is 10 years old.
U14 Greens win Rayleigh tournament.
U8 Blues – Bowers & Pitsea tournament Runner-up
Wildcats and Squad sessions continue to expand.
Presidents Trophy presented to Chris Evans. Chris has managed various teams and at the end of July stepped down from his role as club treasurer, which he held for a total of 19 years.

2025

The U10 Clarets fold – Most of the players will be integrated into the U10 greens & Yellows.
U11 Purples get a new manager and are applying to join a girl’s league for 2025/26.
The Wildcats were mascots for the Essex FA Women’s Cup final on April 10th.
U12 Greens – Runner-up in County Cup Semi Final – Winner of League Cup final – League Champions.
Essex FA confirm that we have the second-best Wildcats Centre in Essex for attendance and using the FA booking system.
U12 Yellows Champions of the SDJL Div E – Winner of League Cup final.
U14 Greens – League Champions (Unbeaten) in the league – Winner of League Plate final.
The President’s Trophy awarded to the U14 Greens (Manager Will Neller) for their astonishing season in winning both their division and league cup. All the committee agreed that the journey the Greens had been on over several seasons to achieve this success meant they deserved the award this year.
U8 greys had a solid performance at their first tournament
The Sunday Men’s team – Sceptre League Div 3 Champions.
With more girls’ teams being added and two new Women’s teams being created for the 2025/26 season, the future of girl’s football at the club looks extremely bright.
Tony Buckley (current manager U10 Panthers) is moving abroad, sincere thanks for all the years of hard work within the club and hope all goes well for you in the future.
U9 Yellows played a tournament at Leyton Orient; they were put in the toughest of the ‘developed’ groups alongside Echo A & B sides and only missed out topping the group on goal difference by one goal.
The 2025 League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium between Leyton Orient and Charlton Athletic. Leading Orient striker Charlie Kelman played for WTFC until he was 16.
U12 Clarets were recognised with the “Team of the Year Fair Play Award” from the Southend Junior League, an award only given to one team each year out of over 400.
Wickford Town will have a new Vets team next season.
The club will have 49 teams in the 2025-2026 season.
The Jack Petchey awards have been a great addition to the club, many people at the club recognised for the amazing things they do. The community partnership with the local schools continues to grow and it’s great to see so many people enjoying using our football club.
The news we have all been waiting for – Official notification that the Club has been successful with our funding application and Wickford Town FC will be getting a full size 3G pitch.
The 20th Eddie Wright annual memorial game was a huge success once again, enjoyed by all who played or supported the event. All donations collected will again go to The British Heart Foundation.
Grants from Howdens Game Changer Programme and The Greener Game Programme will improve the club’s facilities.

2026

The 3G pitch gets under way.
Howdens Game Changer Programme, the kitchen update and installation is completed.
U11 Greens win the Southend and District Youth League Vase Final.
U12 Reds win Div 2 of the Brentwood Community Football League and were Cup Final Runner-up.
U15 Clarets were Runner-up in 2 Cup Finals
U12 Blacks win Div 5.
U11 Yellows win the Southend and District Youth League Thames division.
U13 Yellows win Div B of the Southend and District Youth League, winning 17 out of 18 games.
The U13 Yellows went on a tour to Heiligenhaus in Germany in late May as part of the ongoing partnership with the Basildon Twinning Association, playing at the SV Hozel tournament, finishing in 2nd place. The tour was another huge success for the club and a huge thanks needs to go to Clive and Claire Lodge for the effort put in to arranging.
The Sunday Men’s team completed a league and cup double, winning Sceptre league Div 2 and the Div 2 Cup.
Both women’s teams are remaining for next season.
We have 2 new men’s Saturday teams, a new Sunday Reserves team and a Vet’s team.
Our wildcats continue to grow with new players coming along most weeks, this is without any advertising.
Squad girls training has been renewed to allow us to continue to offer this training. Some of the older Squad girls have begun training with the women’s reserves side.
For the 2026/27 season we will have 61 teams, delivering football across youth, girls, adult and development programmes.
Continuing with Community Engagement we now have ties with Active Essex and will host a Community Fun Day.
3G Pitch completed and available to use.
Wickford Town Youth - FA England Football Accreditation uprated to 3 stars.

To be continued