Middlesex FA would like to congratulate Sandgate FC, who have been named as our England Football Accredited Club of the Month for October 2022. 

Sandgate is situated in Hayes and has celebrated over 50 year of youth football in the community. From its humble beginnings, as Sandgate Minors from the Hayes Working Men’s Club in 1969 to 18 teams, spanning U6s to U16s. Sandgate are members of the Surrey Youth League and the Thames Valley Football Development League. It is great credit to all those current and past players, managers, volunteers and committee members that the club has grown and now holds the status of an Accredited Club.

Sandgate is a Coerver Coaching partner Club with over 200 playing members, and this is backed up with an army of parents and passionate volunteers.

The club is based at Bourne Farm with additional facilities at Pinkwell Park, is very proud of its grounds and has carried out lots of improvements to its club house over the last few years, including some disabled toilet facilities.
 
The club is especially proud of the work it does in the community, including the annual PSD Primary Schools Girls football tournament, Pride Academy and Hillingdon Manor sports days and its work with the Domestic Abuse Survivors charity, supported by its Mayor.

During the Covid times the club stayed in touch with all its members, running weekly online training session, competitions and quizzes with prizes being delivered to door steps on a weekly basis. Sandgate’s return to football activities and videos were commended by local councillors and the police. Sandgate Chairman, Marc Upjohn, said: “These were dark times for everyone, but our weekly online get togethers kept everyone in touch. This was vital to the wellbeing of the Sandgate family.”

The club has always tried to think outside of the box, and this is demonstrated with its annual tournament. Over 240 team from all over, descended on Bourne Farm for two days of Youth Football. Sandgate’s online booking, results, QR codes, and videos have been an innovation, supported by what people have said on the club’s YouTube channel, Sandgate TV. 

Marc Upjohn, Sandgate Chairman, added: “This shows how far we have come has a club and is a credit to our wonderful volunteers who make such a difference to the children’s lives.” 

Marc also had a message to the coaches and volunteers: “Please don’t ever underestimate the work you do for these children, it is truly incredible.” 

For more on Sandgate FC, please see below.

Web: www.sandgatefc.co.uk

Twitter: @sandgatefc

Facebook: Sandgate FC

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