COMMUNITY ROAD FOOTBALL CLUB are, as their name suggests, a club with their roots firmly laid in their local neighbourhood. I spoke to James Turner who describes himself as Chairman, Coach, Fixtures Secretary and at time a social worker for the club formed in 2020. He has his wife Lisa help manage the finances of the club which of course he greatly appreciates.
The club are based from the community centre in Stratford, which is just a stone's throw from the Olympic Park but in financial terms a million miles away, which is run by the local Resident's Association and provides many activities along with a meeting place for people. The club has a large hall and bar area which is the sort of place going back a few decades you had to arrive at 6pm on a Saturday evening to get a seat.
The team (both men's and especially the newly formed ladies team) are on the look out for new players so if you live in the area please contact them on twitter @CommunityRoadFC.
How did the club's formation come about?
We formed last year after discussions with the community club committee. We decided to be a club that helps all into Football. Our motto is to "Win or Get Drunk Trying". We put a huge focus on our off the field family based activities. Karaoke after games and a night at Romford Dogs are on the cards.
What are the aims of the team in the 21/22 season?
Our aims are to continue providing access to football to those who wish to play, regardless of ability. We will coach, help and develop those into players. We are also launching a ladies side with the same ethos.
I am also speaking to the Hackney & Leyton Sunday League committee regarding launching a Ladies League with all games at the Marshes. Both my Sister-in-Laws are single parents and arguably the barriers to entry are even greater for Ladies Football in comparison to the men's game. It is simply not feasible to ask teams, where players volunteer to play, to travel as far as Regents Park or Brentford on a Sunday afternoon. Our plans could literally transform the Ladies game in the East London area .
How has lockdown been for your players?
It has been tough. We have and will continue to help players with their mental and physical health throughout the next season and beyond.
Like many inner London boroughs Newham has it's problems in respect of youngsters involved in gang related crime. Can football help stop it?
Football is a huge help. We need more support from all authorities. We are being quoted £100+ for a third of a training pitch per hour on pitches that were installed with funding from public bodies. We are trying to launch youth teams but the cost is prohibiting us.
How is the standard in the Hackney and Leyton League?
The standard is great. We have some faced some really good teams full of great lads. We literally are a bunch of friends off the pitch and are always trying to help each other out. The Hackney and Leyton League is a true family.
Do you have any local rivals?
Bow Badgers are our main rivals, Boo Badgers!
The best is the family and togetherness that we bring. The worst is the costs involved, as always in life.
(Note - As you'll see CRFC were involved in an amazing game recently losing 8-7 to The Bandicoots. James Turner's summing up of the game is that being run from the social club many of the team were a little too 'social' on the Saturday evening before the game!)
COMMUNITY ROAD FC RESULTS FOR THE 2020/21 SEASON
4/10/20 - Lymore Gardens W 3-2
11/10/20 - Birkbeck Orient L 2-1
18/10/20 - BH Sports W 3-0
25/10/20 - Gorillas FC L 2-5
6/12/20 - South London Sharks L 1-2
4/4/21 - Atletico DFZ God D 3-3
11/4/21 - Wojak L 1-4
18/4/21 - Bow Badgers L 1-5
25/4/21 - East London W 1-0
2/5/21 - Maynell W 8-0
9/5/21 - Millfields L 3-5
16/5/21 - The Bandicoots L 7-8
23/5/21 - The Wenlock L 1-2
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