Hayden Youth Association was founded in 1973. Hayden is one of the Christian names of one of the founders of the Club. These guys built changing rooms and a clubhouse, where the present clubhouse stands. You can still see the odd supporting railway sleeper around the grounds. When I joined the Club the entrance gates were rusty chain link type and I was never sure what kept them upright. This lead to our car park which consisted of part cinder, part mud and puddles. The original training area was mud with delicate tufts of grass here and there, with two half size goals and four intermittent floodlights (some things never change!!).

In the late 1980’s we were ordered by the League to upgrade the changing facilities. A portacabin was purchased which boasted 3 showers, 4 changing rooms, and a referees’ room (cost £17,000 plus drainage). The old changing rooms were demolished by one man with a shovel in 2 hours. This explains why they had to be renewed!!

In 1992, we decided to purchase our ground of some 4.2 acres. After a great deal of haggling with Kent County Council it was purchased for £28,000.

In 1994/5, we were blessed with several burglaries in the clubhouse; the final burglar thought it was cold and burnt the club to the ground. This was of much delight to some of the managers as further meetings were held in the Horse and Groom.

In 1995/6, a drainage system was installed across both pitches (£11,000). It is said that when there is torrential rain you can hear the water running through the underground piping. If you believe this I will sell you West Ham tickets for this Year’s cup final !! The ground has to be more porous for the system to have effect and the Club is working on this.

In 1997, we applied for a lottery grant. This was successful and the Club was awarded £107,000. However, to secure this grant we had to guarantee to contribute £40,000. All the money was spent on new changing rooms and clubhouse, front gates, car park and hard surface multisports area.

Since then the Club has purchased the “Hayden Belle” (tractor and three gang mower) for £4,000; ground aerator for £500, and, our latest acquisition, a fertilizer/seed spreader for £450.
Years ago, mini soccer, then known as the All Stars, consisted of about 30/40 youngsters chasing after a ball like a swarm of bees with several dads endeavouring to control activities. This has progressed significantly into a sophisticated set up.

This is a brief history of your Club.