Hamstreet FC’s return to the Ashford & District Sunday League after five-year absence capturing the imagination of locals
05:00, 26 November 2024
A true community effort has seen the village of Hamstreet get their men’s football team back up and running.
The team have rejoined the Ashford & District Sunday League after a gap of five years.
And that’s captured the imagination of locals, with crowds of more than 100 attending games at their Pound Lee ground.
Spectators have ranged from the age of six up to a former Wolves season ticket holder who is 83.
Two local girls, Kitty and Bella, are starting a tea hut and there’s also club merchandise, including hoodies, caps and coats.
Hamstreet folded due to a shortage of players but there’s no such issue now with up to 24 available each week.
Two ex-players make up the management team, in Huw Monkley and his assistant, Spencer Goddard.
“It’s a real feelgood story,” said Goddard, with the side third in Division 3.
“We’ve been inundated with players and the support we’ve had from the community and sponsors has been amazing.
“The community has really come together on this one.
“Everyone’s pulling together to make it a success.
“There’s a really good youth set-up in Hamstreet and we want there to be a men’s team for the kids coming through.
“We’re in it for the long run.”
Hamstreet would like to thank main kit sponsors Durable Contracts Roofing Limited and training kit sponsors the Duke’s Head pub in the village.
Meanwhile, Tull Printing and Embroidery are donating some of the proceeds from merchandise sales back to the club.