The Clapton CFC Women/NB Development team will make their Old Spotted Dog Ground debut in a league game against our friends Queerspace next Saturday (February 24).

The team have managed to play just 1 game in the last 4 months due to endless postponements on Hackney Marshes, so everyone is thrilled to be able to switch this to the OSD.  The men’s first team have an away game that day and we’ll keep everyone posted with scores.

This will be the only game at the Old Spotted Dog Ground until March 16 so come on down and celebrate our community.

Admission

No tickets are needed, just turn up and pay at the turnstile. Entry by suggested donation £3/pay what you can. Cash and cards are accepted everywhere in the ground.

Spectator entry will be via the Disraeli Road turnstile from 2pm with kick off at 3pm.

The match has been organised by Clapton CFC Independent Fan Groups. All funds raised will go towards away travel so more volunteers and members can get to away games together.

Food and drink

The Clubhouse bar will open at 2pm and close at 7pm.

Please help the club by purchasing drinks from the bar. The premises are licensed so we ask you not to bring your own alcohol into the OSD. The profits from the bar are invested in maintaining the grounds.

We have a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on sale. We usually have two beers on tap – Pretty Decent Lager and Old Scaffold Daze, our own IPA.

We also have hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Bovril) and water and squash at the bar which are free, please help yourself. We have crisps, nuts, and Hackney Gelato on sale in the clubhouse.

Hygiene bank collection

The hygiene bank collection is back at all home games, with the collection box at the main entrance. Our charity partners Magpie Project support mums and young children in temporary accommodation. They need:

● Toothpaste ● Toothbrush ● Shower gel ● Shampoo ● Deodorant ● Sanitary towels

Merch

You can buy a shirt, beanie, scarf, badges and tea towels on the merch stall. The stall is open before the game, at half-time, and afterwards, only.

We will have a 4-page matchday programme available, pick one up for free, donations welcome to cover the printing costs.

Accessibility

There is an accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities next to the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse main entrance is also step-free.

Pitch access

The Grounds committee request all spectators keep off the pitch before games and at half-time. They need to carry out safety pitch inspections before play begins, which are voided if people have gone on the pitch.

Children welcome

Prams and pushchairs are always very welcome at the OSD, but please avoid blocking walkways.

Make sure all children are behind the perimeter fencing during games please.

Kids can play on the pitch (weather permitting) after games but not before or at half-time.

If/when Clapton CFC wins a game, children are invited to join the players in their post-match celebration on the pitch.

Dogs welcome

Spectators are welcome, in fact encouraged, to bring dogs to the OSD, but please keep on leads.

Bikes welcome

There’s space to leave your bikes inside the Old Spotted Dog Ground, next to the main stand. You can lock them to the fencing. Please don’t leave them locked to the pitch perimeter as it blocks the walkway.

We are currently working on plans for a better bike parking and locking system – watch this space.

Any questions?

If you have any further questions, look for anyone wearing a pink hi-viz vest or the bar staff who will be happy to answer.

Directions

The Old Spotted Dog Ground is at 212 Upton Lane in Forest Gate, London E7 9NP.

Forest Gate station (Elizabeth Line) and Wanstead Park (Overground) are 15 minutes’ walk away, Plaistow (District / Hammersmith & City) is 20 minutes’ walk, and Stratford (National Rail/Overground/Elizabeth/Jubilee/Central/DLR) is 25 minutes’ walk.

If you’ve not been to the OSD yet, here are some even more detailed directions.

Parking is free on the streets to the north and west of the ground (e.g. Disraeli Rd) on Saturdays and Sundays. On Saturdays, parking is restricted on streets to the east and south of the ground (e.g. St George’s Rd and Upton Lane), but there are no restrictions on Sundays. Always check local signage for any changes. And if possible come by public transport, bike or walk

Map of the Old Spotted Dog Ground