UPDATE: We have been informed by our hosts that the pitch is waterlogged and the game has been postponed.
It is the Women’s Football Weekend and our women’s team is travelling south for a rearranged match against Dulwich Hamlet Reserves.
This hotly-anticipated clash is the first between any sides representing Dulwich Hamlet and Clapton for 25 years.
The Dulwich Hamlet women’s team story begins almost 10 years ago in 2010 – under the name AFC Phoenix.
Rising from a Saturday morning academy and friendly team, AFC Phoenix was a self-funded, fully independent and exclusively women’s club that worked its way up the football pyramid.
They made it to the London & South East Regional Women’s League (Tier 5) after a title-winning 16/17 season, with the reserves now playing in the Greater London Women’s Football League, Div 1, after a league winning season in 17/18.
After two consecutive second place finishes and cup finals and wins across both teams, the decision was made to merge with an existing men’s club that matched the ethos and ambition of AFC Phoenix.
Enter Dulwich Hamlet. After one meeting and tour of Champion Hill, the girls at AFC Phoenix, led by their long-term manager Farouk Menia and new reserve coach Jack Badu, were convinced this was the partner they were looking for.
Tragically, Menia died after a long battle with cancer in early November. We send our condolences to his family, friends and all the team.
This game was originally due to take place in September at Peckham Town FC’s ground only for the game to be postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Since then, Hamlet Reserves’ form has improved remarkably, including a stunning 6-1 win at third placed Islington Borough, who beat us 4-3 last week.
Dulwich Hamlet quietly helped CCFC in our impending move back home to Forest Gate.
Firstly several Dulwich committee members came to the Save the Old Spotted Dog public meeting to give advice.
Then most recently – and entirely off their own bat – speaking to their local MPs encouraging them to lend their support to our campaign.
Match information
Dulwich Hamlet Reserves vs Clapton CFC is at 2pm on Sunday, November 17th at the Edward Alleyn Club, 85 Burbage Road, London SE24 9HD.
Entry is free and there is a bar selling alcohol and soft drinks and snacks.
We are organising a supporters meet-up at The Half Moon Pub in Herne Hill, a mere 10 minute walk from the pitch at the Edward Allyen Club.
From 12pm onwards, come and meet other CCFC supporters and celebrate the Women’s Football Weekend.
If this is your first women’s team game, it’s the perfect time to join us. It promises to be a colourful and noisy afternoon of football.
If you’re going direct to the ground, it’s about a 10 minute walk from North Dulwich station too.
Any more questions? Email comms@claptoncfc.co.uk, Join the Facebook event here.