Earlier this year Southall Football Club secured promotion to the South Central Division of
the Isthmian League; along the way the team enjoyed some memorable cup moments, and
they now await the next challenge on their journey.

During the year, the Club was also happy to bring everyone some exciting news on the
possible return of the Club back into the community of Southall, and there is now further
good news.

Last week, the Ealing Council Cabinet discussed their Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facility
Strategy and Action Plan for 2022 –2031. The Plan considers all sports provision
requirements for Ealing. The Club’s particular interest in the Plan is the possibility of future
facility improvements in Southall. The strategy includes a comprehensive evidence base for
indoor and outdoor sports facilities and assesses the current and future need for the most
popular indoor and outdoor sports facilities across Ealing, which will be used to inform
future Local Plans.

The strategy highlights several issues, including the lack of facilities in Southall and the “lack
of a suitable stadium pitch in the Borough to accommodate Southall FC”.

Warren Farm Sports Ground has been a possible site for rejuvenation at the existing, but
now derelict sports facility. The strategy notes “the ongoing work with community, sports,
and nature groups to develop a plan for the redevelopment of the Warren Farm Sports
Ground to be brought to Cabinet for future decision”.

Ealing Council’s report acknowledges a “particular issue of the longstanding lack of a
suitable stadium pitch in the Southall area to bring Southall FC back within the Borough”.
This is welcome news for everyone at the Club and the supporters who have spent the best
part of thirty years ‘on the road’. With a generation of Southallians missing out on a
potential career pathway and access to facilities to encourage a healthier and active lifestyle
for all, the Club is encouraged by the Council’s findings.

The report came to several conclusions including the fact that “there is insufficient secure
capacity for youth/junior football on Sundays and for midweek training”.

In relation to Warren Farm Sports Ground, it was summarised in the report that “bringing
Warren Farm Sports Ground in Southall, back into use as an outdoor sports facility and
informal recreation area, presents a key opportunity to also address the identified need for
additional capacity for cricket pitches in this part of the Borough and sub region and
possibly for youth football too”.

For the last thirty years Southall FC has been one of several nomadic clubs in the country
and celebrated their 150th Anniversary season during a historic 2021/2022 season. Now the
Club is looking forward to playing at the next level of the non-League football pyramid, the
need

for a home that can provide the base for all in the community to flourish and develop their
skills is vitally needed.

Following Sky Sports TV coverage of Southall FC in April, we are pleased to see the wider
public share our ambition to serve the community whilst breaking barriers in the world of
sport in one of the most diverse communities in the UK.

We look forward to working with the Council and the local community on reaching a
balanced solution for the future use of Warren Farm Sports Ground and for it to become a
part of a community sanctuary for sports and nature. The Club is grateful for the support it
has received not only from the football family throughout the UK but also for the many
messages of support received from around the world.

Southall has been an area that has been calling out for help, particularly for the youth who
lack the access to vital facilities, there is an opportunity to ensure all do not miss out and
have an equal opportunity to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle through sports.
We shall be providing further updates in the coming months on the future of Southall FC
and the Club’s return home.

We hope we will have your support throughout this season, and you are all welcome to
attend our “home” games at Ashford Town FC (Robert Parker Stadium, Short Lane, Stanwell,
TW19 7BH). We kick off the season in the FA Cup on August 6th, 2022, against Redhill FC,
followed by the first League game away to Merstham.

For all updates visit our website: www.southallfc.com

More announcements to follow.

For the Community.

Social Media:
Twitter – @FCSouthall
Instagram – @SouthallFC
Facebook - @OfficialSouthallFC