Dockers Delight!

Thank you to our supporters, thank you to the Tilbury Community, thank you to the Non-league football community, thank you to the Thurrock planning committee. The club would also like to express thanks to our youth players – Joe, Ray, Harry, Alfie, Tyler, Max and Albie who in their own words wrote to the planning committee to show what the football club meant to them. Also thanks must be given to Ben Pearce and the team at Apex for getting these plans passed.

This is such an exciting and amazing time for everyone at the club, as well as slightly emotional given we are finally fulfilling the dream and vision held by long term chairman of the club Robin Nash. Rob always wanted to build a legacy for Tilbury town; a brand-new stadium the whole town could be proud of, a stadium that was available for the community to use and enjoy and a stadium to allow the club to continue for many years to come. Unfortunately, Rob passed before he managed to complete his dream but luckily, he had 3 children to deliver what he always wanted. Today the club led by Chairman Daniel Nash will hold its head high, smile to the sky, and say Rob- ‘’This is for you’’.

Moving forward is now the desire of all at Tilbury FC. Our aim now is to create a stadium and a community hub that the whole town will want to be part of. We are pleased that we will soon be able to give TMA their forever home and welcome all their members to the club. The new stadium will also enable the club to continue to grow the Youth football section, increasing the number of teams and allowing more opportunities to the youth of Thurrock, providing a place to learn, enjoy football and socialise at a family driven club.

The huge support we received on social media was overwhelming, with so many messages and excitement at the prospect of something new coming to Tilbury. Long time club supporter John Heath wanted to comment; ‘’ On behalf of the fans we would like to thank all at Tilbury FC for their hard work behind the scenes, it has been a long wait that hopefully will be well worth it. It will be a shame moving on but Chadfields has seen better days, hopefully a new ground will bring success to our wonderful football club and the community of Tilbury.’’

Committee member Jack Edwards also wanted to share his excitement. ‘’ This is such a fantastic moment for everyone at the football club. I am looking forward to welcoming more of the local young people to our youth section and seeing them work hard to be the best they can. My nephew alone has now been at Tilbury Youth for 3 years and the change in the lad’s confidence and social aspects has been brilliant for a boy that has Autism. I could not have asked more of the club than what they have done. I hope now we can make a difference for a lot more local children.’’

Youth Secretary Lee Upton echoed that of Jack Edwards emphasising how the club can now continue to grow its youth section. ‘’When I joined the club 9 years ago, we had 4 youth teams. That has now grown to 10 and we are pretty much at capacity. The new facilities will provide such a great foundation for our youth section and also enable the Tilbury FC to continue to grow throughout the youth part of the club. As youth secretary my aim to offer football to anyone that wishes to play regardless of age or gender. This is the first step towards that, a truly amazing time for Tilbury FC.’’

First Team Manager Marc Harrison spoke of his delight at approval being granted. ‘’ I am delighted for the club and all involved. It has been a tough time lately for all during this pandemic and I hope the positivity of this news can bring excitement for our bright future together. I am looking forward to being together in our new community home.’’