Club from Kentish Hamlet Celebrates its 80th Birthday Most football followers across the county will be familiar with the name of Ashford-based Bromley Green FC but perhaps not so aware of its roots and fascinating history. Bromley Green is in fact barely a hamlet, situated four miles south of Ashford, consisting of a single road, with the few shops and post office that once thrived now long gone.
Early days saw the chaps playing on farmland (a cow field to be precise!) but by the 1970s things had progressed to the sheep-grazing plot known as Carters Field. This quickly became a spiritual home for club members and a haven for many local football lovers where sport, fun and socialising mixed happily. Indeed the 5-a-side tournaments held annually for many years attracted huge crowds of all ages from a vast area. A successful youth policy provided the playing resources for the ‘The Green’ to rise from obscurity and become Kent Cup winners in 1984 (still the only team from Ashford to achieve the accolade). Many lads have gone on to play professionally but still see Bromley Green as their ‘football home’. As the modern game demanded better facilities and playing surfaces, a move into Ashford itself became necessary; in essence Carters Field had become outgrown. Now based at the Swan Ground,South Willesborough, and fielding five sides competing in the Kent County League as well as the local Saturday and Sunday Leagues, the club is keen to mark its 80th celebrations by forming trusting partnerships with Kent companies and individuals.
Bromley Green Football Club: Proud to have a ‘social conscience’ Open to all sections of the community and run solely by volunteers (even though many of the staff are highly qualified) Bromley Green FC is a family club that believes its ‘social conscience’ ethos sits comfortably with firms and individuals seeking fresh opportunities as the recession slowly recedes.
A safe investment with long-serving officers that are committed to providing a disciplined yet enjoyable experience for both the current influx of youngsters and the more established players, Bromley Green would like to invite enquiries from persons interested in helping to promote the progression of a genuine community club. In return for support, whether it is through offering time, expertise or finance, there are various attractive options ranging from a running advert in the match programme, sponsor names on kits and/or tracksuits, complimentary tickets to major events such as the annual awards dinner, or individual player sponsorship which is proving very popular this year. With permission from members, the possibility of access to the database offers a great chance to target different age groups for a number of purposes. Another avenue of possible interest to potential partners is the club’s website which is widely regarded as the most informative and up to date in Kent. In addition to publishing a logo and editorial, there is also the attraction of a direct link to a company’s site. The club’s motto ‘Friendship in distress is the essence of virtue’ speaks volumes for what Bromley Green FC is about. They believe people come first. Having reached 80 years of age, there is now great enthusiasm within the club to move on, and they are keen to discuss partnership/sponsorship possibilities with like-minded individuals or companies. Bromley Green FC looks forward to having the opportunity to convince you! Please contact the club’s Patron, Dave Homewood, by email at dhomewood@yahoo.com or on 07761101988, or visit The Green’s website at www.bromleygreen.co.uk
www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk
17