David Pleats opens Club - June 1992

Luton Town manager David Pleat with the inauguration plaque.

David Pleat raises his glass to the success of the Club watched by Chairman John Symonds.

The origins of the Club are well documented elsewhere on the site, but after much hunting through the archives, we have found an original newspaper cutting advertising the actual opening of the Club. (Herald & Post, Thursday, June 25th, 1992)

David Pleat, at the time Luton Town FC manager, was our guest of honour and officially opened the Club. Pictured with him is John Symonds, then Chairman of CGSSC.

According to the newspaper report we had 12 youth football teams operating out of the Club as well as two Saturday football clubs and five on a Sunday.

The report continues: "Secretary of the Crawley Green Road Sports and Social Club is Ian Freeman who is delighted to see the realisation of what once was just a dream.

"The attitude and dedication shown by everyone connected with the project has been fantastic." said Ian.

"And you've only got to look around our clubhouse, changing rooms and playgroup areas to see that commitment reflected in the quality of the work that has been carried out.
"Luton Sports Council, Wimpey Construction, borough councillors from all the major political parties - in fact, everyone involved gets a great big vote of thanks from the committee," he said.

The report indicates membership stood at 600 (it now stands at over 1,000 and is testament to the growing reputation of the Club).

It continues to inform readers that the Club's first 5-a-side Fun Day was to be held on the forthcoming Saturday, 27th June. (This shows the effort put into the Club when as the building was being completed other members were puttin all their efforts into organising this event. This competition has now become one of the most prestigious in the Luton area regularly attracting teams from south London to Northamptonshire).

Footnote: if anyone has a colour picture of the opening event the Club would be pleased to receive a copy.