Pitching In to the Isthmian League: Beckenham Town

1. Tell us how you became a fan? What attracted you to the club initially?

I became a fan when my family moved down the road on Merlin Grove in 2009 and then I also played for the junior team. And after that came down to watch every game I could.

2. And what is it about the club that has kept you there since?

Love for football, the community and connections with the club and fans. Going down on a Tuesday night or Saturday afternoon with my mates!

3. What does a typical home matchday look like for you?

Go down 15-30min early with my mates to make sure we get our typical seats on the opposite side of the pitch to the club house- which in our friend group we call the “Merlin Grove End” as it is closest to that road! Watch the first half, then at half time grab the greatest Saturday League burger I’ve ever had, and a Pepsi max, or pop down to the local Eden Park High Street and get some food from the local shops! Watch us hopefully win and stay behind for a bit to clap the team off the pitch.

4. Is there a moment in the history of your club that supporters always talk about? What would it be- and why is it important to you all?

The first promotion and title win for years and years last season (2021/22) was amazing, the 800+ people at the final game and the atmosphere after will be hard to top.

5. For the benefit of those who haven’t visited before, describe your ground.

Honestly one of the best grass pitches in non-league football I have ever seen, if not the best. More than enough room to watch the game around the whole pitch, well-kept stands or standing areas. Club house with toilets, pints, and everything you need. A good feel around the whole ground.

6. If an away fan was travelling to your ground for the first time, how would you recommend they got there? Tell us about parking and public transport.

The best bus stops to get off at are Eden Park Station and Eden Park- buses 356, 358, and 194 stop there, coming from Upper Sydenham or Shirley, Crystal Palace or Orpington Station, and Lower Sydenham or West Croydon, respectively. These stop at Eden Park which is at most a 2 min walk to the ground on Eden Park Avenue. You can also get the train to Eden Park Station or Beckenham Junction. Train from London Cannon Street or London Charing Cross to Hayes (Kent) and vice versa for Eden Park Station. Train line from Beckenham Junction to London Bridge and London Victoria to Orpington for Beckenham Junction Station. From Beckenham Junction you can get the 367 towards West Croydon from bus stop Bromley Road / St George’s Church towards Elmers End or Penge (F). Get off at Crease Park and walk down Eden Park Avenue.
I think there is some parking in the entrance to the ground but if not there are some spaces around the ground on the local roads; Eden Park Avenue, Upper Elmers End Road, Merlin Grove, Ernest Close, or Ernest Grove.

7. Are there any local sights or amenities you’d recommend they visit? Tourist attractions, pubs etc?
There are many churches, and the Beckenham War Memorial on the Beckenham High Street to visit. Also the new Eden Park Village sign and Eden Park painting under the bridge right next to the ground.

8. Finally, pie, burger or pint? What would you recommend, and why?

The best food from the ground is the cheeseburger! Perfect. Many options for a pint as well in the clubhouse.

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