A VILLAGE football club, founded in 1903, has raised nearly £300,000 for a new clubhouse.
Hatfield Peverel FC was told five years ago by the parish council to leave its home on the Recreation Ground in Maldon Road.
The 170 children making up the junior teams moved to new pitches on Wickham Bishops Road, called the Keith Bigden Memorial Ground.
However, without a clubhouse and proper changing facilities at its new home, the club was hampered in its league aspirations and development.
Hatfield Peverel FC has since raised £285,000 to build a clubhouse, to include changing rooms and a bar.
The owners say the money has secured the future of the club, which also provides football for four men's teams, made up of 65 players, and a team for the 'golden-oldies'.
"It's been a long journey," said Aaron Haydon, vice-chairman of the club.
"It's fantastic because we've spent years trying to get this.
"It's a huge relief that we can finally deliver something for the kids.
"They have somewhere to play and will not have to find another club."
It also means that the club can throw open its doors to disabled football players and run more girls' teams.
The new clubhouse was designed for free by Aaron's father, 69-year-old Ronald Hayden, a retired architect of Stanford Rivers, near Ongar, who watches his grandsons George, 15, and Thomas, 11, play for Hatfield Peverel every week.
"He did it because he loves the club," said Aaron, "and he loves watching his grandsons play every week.
"He loves football and played the game for 40 years – he has given so much of his time and I'm so proud of him. Without Ron, none of this would have happened."
The money was raised through grants from national organisations. The Football Foundation gave £191,000, Sport England £54,000, and £10,000 from the FA.
The club also raised £30,000 on its own, through casino nights and a well-used members' bar.
"We're a family-run club and everyone chips in and everyone pulls their weight," added Aaron.
