On Saturday July 21,  at 3pm, the Clapton CFC journey begins with an away game at Step 6 side Holland FC.

And it’s a double slice of history as it’s the curtain-raiser for our hosts at their brand spanking new £550,000 Eastcliff ground.

We have booked a coach to sunny Holland-on-Sea on a strictly first-come-first-served basis. £15/£10 (unwaged) will get you to the seaside and back. To book a seat email matchday@claptoncfc.co.uk.

Otherwise, it’s easy on the train too from Liverpool Street Station (or Stratford) to Clacton-on-Sea station, a short walk away from Eastcliff. Advanced tickets are still only around £10-£12 each way.

Holland FC also tell us they have plenty of car parking on site, including disabled parking. And of course there will be food and drink available.

Holland FC have given a sneak preview of their new facilities to their local paper – check out the gallery of pictures here.

There’s a Facebook event for the game. Here’s a full rundown of our pre-season schedule including a chance to lift some silverware.