Perry Street Youth Football Club was founded in 1987. The original team started as a group of Under 12’s from a cub pack that met at Christ Church hall in Perry Street, Billericay – hence the name . Four “dads” formed a committee and affiliated the club to the Chelmsford Youth League and the County F.A. Two of those Dads, John Day and Terry Mathews, gave the club many years’ service as Chairman and Secretary respectively. They continued in these roles even after their sons had stopped playing for the club. As a tribute to their long service and unstinting effort John and Terry received the honorary titles of President and Vice President of Perry Street YFC.
Perhaps John and Terry’s most important contribution to the club was to establish the principle ethos for the running of the club. Giving boys and girls the opportunity to play football in a safe, structured and enjoyable environment.
This philosophy remains at the core of everything we do at Perry Street. The various successes in League and Cup competitions and different age groups have, therefore, been a bonus and all the more satisfying! As we enter our twenty fifth season, we take great pride in the achievements of our teams. Our U12’s and U16 have won their respective divisions whilst our U15 A Team were runners in their division in the 2010/11 season.
For the last 11 years the club has run over 15 teams – peaking at 23 one season. Under the guidance of our development coach, Ian Gray, the club runs training sessions for reception year players to enable them to develop their basic motor, awareness and ball skills. As U6 (year one) players they continue their development under their new managers and will play their first friendly matches in preparation for entry into The Chelmsford Youth League. Our boys and girls play Mini-Soccer from U/7 to U/10 before progressing to 11-a-side from U/11 to U/18. In 1996, a girls’ section was formed to accommodate the demand and interest of girls aged between 8 and 10.
They trained for 18 months before playing competitively, and by 2001 had three teams playing in the Essex County Girls’ Football League at U/14, U/13 and U/11 – with the same ethos and, again, with considerable success. The club has grown steadily over the last twenty five years with a subsequent increased demand for training areas and pitches. Originally, training was based at Hannikins Farm with two pitches. Then the club moved to Mayflower High School with 3 pitches, and then finally made the move to its current home at Barleylands, where they wetraining facilities for over 200 players. Currently the club supports, two Mini-Soccer and three 11-a-side pitches – junior, intermediate and full size. At its largest, the club had almost 300 registered players, making it the biggest in the area, and one of the biggest in the county.
The club received the FA Charter in 2005. The picture shows proud representatives of PSFC, Howard Knight, and Chris Barker-Moore receiving our Charter Standard award at Southend’s home game against Barnsley. Perry Street was awarded Charter Standard Development status which is higher than the basic standard. This was due to the size, type and ambition of our club.
Perry Street Youth Football Club has a proud heritage within the local community and is extremely proud of the opportunities it has offered youngsters over the last 18 years. During this time, the club have produced thousands of fine players; many have received personal recognition by way of playing Representative Football for the C.Y.F.L. or District. Two players in particular have gone on to make a name for themselves, both starting their careers as Perry Street players. Lee Barnard moved from Perry Street to Tottenham before moving to, Southend Utd. During the January 2010 transfer window he moved to Southampton and finished the season on 24 goals.
Sian Larkin moved from Perry Street to Charlton Athletic, before playing in Arsenal’s famous quadruple winning team. Since then she has played for Chelsea and is currently at Birmingham City. She has also represented England at several age groups and is currently a member of the England U/23squad.
The club continues to take strides to enhance its role in the local community and whilst it is fair to say many players come from Buttsbury Infant school when they start, many parents whose children are at other schools are attracted to the club because of its philosophy of inclusiveness. Each summer we have a “Fun Day” where children of different ages meet and play soccer together. In addition, the club hosts quiz nights and an annual golf day allowing parents to get together and raise money for the club. “Perry Street Dads” have been playing Monday and Thursday night soccer at Hannikins Farm for over ten years. Again, these players have raised valuable funds for the club and in 2008 bought “The Player Pavilion” which is used for summer events, such as award ceremonies. Each player receives recognition for his contribution to his team and the club. The club recognises that players need a rest from soccer, but continue to support teams that wish to play in local summer tournaments or travel abroad to compete.
Our club sponsors are all part of the local community and share our commitment to all inclusive football.
