Clapton FC Membership

With the advent of the New Year, it has given me a chance to reflect on 2012 as regards Clapton FC and think about what difference, if any, the establishment of the Supporters Group has made on the football club.

Although, as yet, nothing has changed that is so substantive that one can rest easy about the future for Clapton, there have been a number of issues which, if pursued, can bring about change for the better.

The first is that of membership of the club itself.  There is no doubt that the club itself must exist. For example, the liquor licence is in the name of the club.  Also, there are life members of the club, some of whom are also members of the Friends, who are still around, although not involved with the running of Clapton FC.

So the question is :- How does one become a member of the Clapton Football Club?

Some time ago I wrote to the club's Chief Executive, Mr Vincent McBean, asking how I can join the club.  I received neither acknowledgement or reply but am aware that this was discussed at a club meeting.

Just before Xmas 2012 I wrote, as Secretary of the Friends of Clapton FC, to the club's Chairman, Mr John Murray-Smith informing him about the group and how we aim to help the club.  I also asked how one can join Clapton FC.  I am awaiting a reply, hopefully with an application form and will keep this thread going so as to let you, dear reader, know of any progress.

To be part of the club, one must join the club. I am hopeful of being given that opportunity.

A copy of the letter sent to Mr Murray-Smith can be found here

Unfortunately a subsequent attempt to contact the chairman via the email address on the club's official web site was unsuccessful.

  JohnMurray-Smith@claptonfc.com

    SMTP error from remote mail server after RCPT TO:<JohnMurray-Smith@claptonfc.com>:

    host mail.claptonfc.com [173.254.28.13]: 550 No Such User Here"

Happy New Year

A very happy New Year to all Clapton players, the team management, supporters, followers, sympathisers, the curious, their families and friends.

Keep the faith. I believe that 2013 will be a good year for the Clapton Football Club.

Why We Would Like You To Join.

Clapton FC are one of the most famous amateur clubs in English football history. They not only won the FA Amateur Cup on five occasions but are recognised by the Football Association as being the first English club to play on the continent and thus instrumental in the growth of the game.

In addition, Clapton players have represented England at full International level and numerous others have progressed to the professional ranks and performed with distinction.

However, as amateur football became semi-professional and beyond, Clapton's tenure as a prominent club declined. However, they continued to compete in the Isthmian League, a competition that Clapton members were instrumental in founding in 1905. In the 1990s Clapton were sadly demoted to the Essex Senior League, a competition in which they compete today.

Throughout this time Clapton have played at the The Old Spotted Dog Ground in Forest Gate, London and had done so since 1878. This small enclosure, buried among residential housing, had hosted both cricket and football before Clapton became tenants in 1888. Clapton are synonymous with the 'Spotted Dog' and it remains one of the last traditional bastions of football in the East End of London, an area that has lost great football clubs such as Walthamstow Avenue, Leytonstone and Leyton in recent years.

The Clapton players of today represent the club in the great tradition of their predecessors of the yesteryear. Those running the club do their best in difficult circumstances and are fighting to keep this great club alive.

The primary objectives of the Friends of Clapton FC is to help those who run, administer and play for the Tons. These objectives include it's continuance and well-being, the security of tenure at the Old Spotted Dog Ground and to promote Clapton FC's activities in an open and forthright manner so as to re-establish the club in the world of football as well as the local community. This will inlcude the careful consideration of where the club is going and to offer advice, help and support where necessary.

We believe that Clapton FC is a club deserving of support and who's survival is important, not only to the local area, but also to the sport of association football, the development of which, owes much to the Clapton players, officials and supporters of yesteryear.

Please join us by clicking here

Please forward any questions or enquiries to info@friendsofclaptonfc.org