Hundreds of free tickets have been handed out ahead of Harrow Borough FC’s final pre-season friendly, as the South Harrow club looks to attract a new generation of local supporters.
Founded in 1933, Harrow Borough has played at Earlsmead since 1934 and is currently the highest-ranked football club in the London Borough of Harrow.
Despite its long history, the club has faced serious financial uncertainty in recent months, with a stark warning issued earlier this year that it could be forced to close.
Club issued closure warning in March
Back in March, Simon Grigor, secretary of the Harrow Borough FC Vice-Presidents’ Association, long-time supporter and match reporter, contacted Harrow Online to outline the scale of the situation facing the club.
He said: “In its 93rd year, Harrow Borough Football Club faces its biggest-ever challenge, with the serious likelihood of closure at the end of the season. The club faces the same issues as any small-to-medium size business, with ever-increasing energy costs, business rates and minimum wages to list but a few.
“At the same time, a massive change in the demographics of their home (South Harrow) area has seen a decline in those with a serious interest in football. Although not at the level they reached in the 1970s and 1980s, the football side still competes at the 8th tier of English football, in a purpose-built, floodlit stadium.
“Efforts to sell the ground to a property developer and thereby gain the funds to continue to play there for a couple more seasons, while exploring a ground-share elsewhere, have fallen through, with the public-facing wish by the local authority to build more affordable housing not matched, it seems, by any enthusiasm for this particular project.
“This appeal is to the wider community in Harrow and beyond: is there a person, or persons, out there, who’ve always wanted to have a major stake in a football club, and have the financial means to back that wish up? If so, the club would be delighted to talk to you.”
The latest ticket initiative is part of efforts to reconnect the club with the surrounding community and bring more people through the gates.
Free tickets available for final friendly
Hundreds of complimentary tickets have already been distributed, with a limited number still available to collect from Roxeth Library and The Star pub, subject to availability.
Harrow Borough will face Marlow FC on Saturday 1 August, with kick-off at 3pm at The Rogers Family Stadium, Earlsmead, South Harrow, HA2 8SS.
Families, schools, Scout and Guide groups, youth clubs, grassroots football teams and residents of all ages are being encouraged to attend.
James Clouting, Community Outreach at Harrow Borough FC, said: “My first Harrow Borough game was 15 years ago, with my connection and passion for the club growing quickly. That’s something not there any more for many people, with Premier League clubs continuing to increase prices and detach themselves from reality.
“We are trying hard to promote the club as ‘Football On Your Doorstep’ because that’s exactly what it is. It’s affordable for everyone and there is rarely a dull game. Under-12s are admitted free with an accompanying adult and the club offers a wide range of concessions.
“Saturday’s match is the perfect introduction to football on your doorstep before our first home league fixture on Saturday 8 August at 2.00pm. We’d love to welcome new supporters through the turnstiles and show local residents what Harrow Borough FC is all about. Clubs like Harrow Borough don’t just need to survive, they deserve to thrive with the backing of their community.”
‘One of our borough’s hidden gems’
Cllr Rashmi Kalu, ward councillor for Roxeth, said: “Harrow Borough FC is one of our borough’s hidden gems. For more than 90 years it has been bringing people together through football, yet many residents don’t realise they have a football stadium right on their doorstep in South Harrow.
“As the highest-ranked football club in the borough, Harrow Borough deserves to be celebrated and supported. Whether you’re a lifelong football fan or looking for a fun, free family day out during the summer holidays, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience live football, support a proud local club and enjoy a great community atmosphere. I’d love to see Earlsmead packed with local residents cheering on Harrow Borough.”
With the club’s long-term future still a concern, Saturday’s match offers residents the chance to enjoy an afternoon of live football while showing their support for a South Harrow institution that has been part of the borough for more than 90 years.
NOW READ:
Three Harrow swimmers qualify for national championships after standout season
Harrow Borough FC calls on community to help prepare ground for new season
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
