In a growing town it is critical that we maintain and develop the social hubs that bring people together. Leighton Town FC is, therefore, ‘more than a football club’: it is an important hub for the local community.

Established in 1885, the club now runs youth teams from U7, right through the age ranges to U18. This allows hundreds of young local players the opportunity to belong; to improve and develop both their football and social and personal skills and attributes. The club also offers the families of these players a hub in which to socialise and stage important events such as fundraisers and presentation evenings. We have built strong partnerships with many other youth football clubs in Leighton and the surrounding area and have formed a special partnership with Leighton Woodside within which we are building opportunities for girls, women, and children with disabilities to take part in the ‘beautiful game’.

We have been successful in accessing funding from the FA and Football Foundation to improve the match day experience for our supporters. This includes the refurbishment of the stadium and it’s facilities, whilst all these improvements clearly benefit the playing side of the club it has also encouraged an increase in the gates (500+) and engendered a feeling of local pride. All visitors comment on the excellent environment we have created and the “special feel” the club has on match days. What is very poignant is the mental health support that takes place on matchdays; much of this is intangible: but providing a supportive, safe environment within which many find a sense of belonging, is an important part of what we offer as a community football club.

The club is used by a range of social groups and organisations throughout the week that need a hub for their activities. For example:

• ‘The Friday Club’: This is a very successful community group of senior citizens who meet weekly at the club. It is very well attended and many depend on the Friday Club to give them a sense of belonging. There is a fantastic atmosphere, and a wide range of activities are offered.

• Men’s Mental Health Support Group

This group meets once a month and is well attended. Support is provided through regular guest speakers who provide specialist advice, sharing of issues amongst the group and the creation of a ‘buddy’ system. 

• Art Venturers: This is a group that provide fun and educational stimulation for young children. It runs 2 days a week and is well attended. It also offers an opportunity for young parents to make connections and receive advice on parenting and other social and health related matters. It is a great mutual support group that parents value hugely.

• Christian Church: On Sundays and Wednesday evenings the club becomes a place of worship for a growing congregation. Much pastoral work is carried out to support those that attend.

• Business Network Meetings and Training and Development Days

The club hosts monthly Business Network Meetings and we are key/partner sponsor of Collaborate MK in Leighton Buzzard. We hold training and development events for some local companies as our facilities are excellent, and we have ample car parking free of charge.

• Yoga and Fitness Clubs: The well-being of local people is supported by a range of clubs that focus on physical and mental health and well-being.

• Charity Events: The club is proud of its significant charity work, and we provide a hub for several charity events each year. Sometimes this is charity football matches but often it is fundraising social events in our function room, ‘The Venue’.

• A hub for Social Events: The club is an important venue for a range of social events including Weddings, Birthday Parties, Funerals and Christenings.

We are proud to host such a range of groups and play our part in supporting our community in Leighton Buzzard, Linslade and the surrounding area.