How it all began - then and now!

THEN

In November, 1988, the old council-owned building was virtually burnt to the ground in an arson attack. The three local football clubs of the area, Stopsley Harriers, Wyvern Members and Ramridge Rangers put up in the region of £15,000 to secure from the council a 99-year lease on the building.

The changing rooms after the fire and just as work is about to commence.

The first visible improvements to the area were to the changing facilities and this enabled football, cricket and netball to the played at the ground for the first time in several years.

A mortgage was arranged and after planning permission was granted the new social area was built and opened on 19th June, 1992. All this has only been possible with the help, both in terms of finance and labour, from the residents of the area. Brand new changing rooms have since been built to further enhance our sporting facilities. The Council have helped to rebuild what was an eyesore by installing a new play area for children, resurfacing the netball/tennis courts, and the driveway, installing security cameras all around the club, providing a new pathway and helping with landscaping. For our part, not only have we provided a solid base for the continuance of the football clubs involved, but have also been able to offer improved facilities for the cricket sections.

NOW

The Clubhouse entrance - 10 years on.

The Club is in the process of making further improvements inside the social club as well as having built a new front entrance. Other recent improvements include a new large screen, air conditioning, new windows and security doors to the front and rear of the building, new furniture and carpet, new lighting and stage lighting and improvements to the changing facilities.

We are a successful sports and social club with a very strong footballing foundation. We currently have four adult football teams, two in the South Midlands Football League (Saturdays) and two in the top two divisions of the North Home Counties Sunday League. In addition we run approximately 20 youth teams - including a girls team. Funds are currently being raised to create a nursery section (5-8 year olds) and these youngsters meet every Wednesday evening at 6.30pm.

The youth section have just been awarded the prestigious FA Charter Mark Development Club after several years of hard work and planning (see separate article).

The club colours are maroon and white.

We have our own changing room facilities with showers, officials' changing rooms, kitchen and a superb air-conditioned clubhouse with large screen facilities for those big matches!

Over the years we have had terrific support both from Luton Borough Council and the Football Association (through the Beds FA). We are grateful for their continued support.

Persons interested in joining the Club whether as players, managers or helpers should contact this site.

The Club celebrated its 10th anniversary on June 19th 2002 and the social side now boasts in excess of 1,000 members.

Our annual 5-a-side & Fun Weekend takes place on the first weekend in July and registered football clubs are invited to take part.

Cricket also thrives at CGSSC with three teams, Luton Nomads, Luton Exiles and the Hospital XI.