Clapton Community Football Club has reached the incredible milestone of 1,000 members, just four months after playing its first-ever match.
Their 1,000thmember, eight-year-old Arlo, will be presented with his owner’s certificate and member’s badge during half-time at Clapton’s home game against Eastfield FC this Saturday (December 1), which kicks off at 2:00pm.
Every single Clapton member – including eight-year-olds – can say they own a football club. Each member receives one share in Clapton Community FC, an equal vote and an equal opportunity to get involved by joining up to two of the club’s 11 departmental committees.
Clapton Community Football Club now has over 1,000 members!#WeAreTheClapton #WeAre1000 pic.twitter.com/Z2kaXsHx4r
— Clapton CFC (@ClaptonCFC) November 26, 2018
That one share is symbolic of the club’s egalitarian, DIY culture. Their strong stance against racism, sexism and homophobia has attracted members from around the world, particularly from Spain.
The club’s away kit is adorned with the colours and the three-point star of the International Brigades, who travelled from far and wide to fight against General Franco’s fascist regime.
The momentum generated by the kit’s international appeal helped grow the membership in a matter of a few months, but it was far from the only factor. The support the club receives every day from local and international supporters would not exist without a commitment to football that is owned, operated and played by and for the supporters.
Clapton Community FC was voted into existence in February 2018 after years of mismanagement at Clapton FC. The new club is a continuation of the old one, which was founded in 1878 as a member’s club. Membership at the other Clapton has been closed due to “restructuring” for years.
The supporters aim is return to the club’s historic home in Forest Gate, the Old Spotted Dog, and take full ownership of the land to safeguard the club’s past, present and future. The fight to save the Old Spotted Dog, which is under threat from liquidators, is an ongoing and crucial part of Clapton Community FC’s existence.
The fight has received backing from Lyn Brown, MP for West Ham; Rokhsana Fiaz, mayor of Newham; local councillors; and over 1,750 people who signed an online petition calling for the Dog to remain a community asset.
For now, Clapton Community FC plays in the Middlesex Counties Football League Division One, the 12thtier of English football, at The Stray Dog in Walthamstow. Despite the long journey across London for fans local to the Spotted Dog, CCFC home matches consistently draw over 400 spectators.
Want to know what the fuss is all about? Clapton take on Eastfield this Saturday at home.
Clapton matches in 2018:
December 1: Clapton CFC vs. Eastfield FC (Home, 2pm kick-off)
December 8: The Curve vs. Clapton CFC (Away, 2pm kick-off)
December 15: Clapton CFC vs. Ealing Town (Home, 2pm kick-off)
