We’ve done it. You’ve done it. What a relief.

After so many months of trying, Clapton CFC has completed the purchase of the land and warehouse building adjacent to our Old Spotted Dog Ground in Forest Gate.

The members of Clapton Community FC are now the proud owners. We’re picking up the keys on Tuesday.

The warehouse includes the old dressing rooms and the purchase means we can start planning for the full-time use of the ground.

We are already hosting women’s first team games at the OSD but this means we can start planning for men’s first team games too.

Before that can happen, though, we have the big task of refurbishing the dressing rooms to comply with the requirements of the FA and leagues.

This is momentous. It really is. The purchase of the warehouse has a history rooted in many years of hard work by many people.

Apart from the dressing rooms, the warehouse also has space which is up to us all to decide how it will be used. Most importantly it can become a space the local community can be proud of.

We’re going to need to collectively roll up our sleeves with the most urgent task to refurbish the dressing rooms so we can host all our matches at the OSD as soon as possible. 

We’ll need help with cleaning up the site and we’re inviting quotes for the work required. Members will also have the chance to take a look around soon.

We’ve also prepared a full report and financial breakdown for the next members’ newsletter with a version also going on the website.

Listen up for more soon. But before all that, enjoy the moment.