From jumpers for goalposts to Non-League ambition: Maidenhead Town settle into new home

Maidenhead Town captain Mitchell Burley and manager Andy Rumble

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Maidenhead Town FC have taken a bold step forward in their bid to rise up the non-league football pyramid, relocating their first team to Burnham FC’s 1878 Stadium.

Town currently compete in the Step 7 Thames Valley Premier League, and they’ve got off to a decent start in their new home, defeating Woodcote 10-1 recently and comfortably beating Reading YMCA 4-2. Those victories, and a narrow, last-gasp 1-0 loss to second placed Westwood Wanderers, have manager Andy Rumble’s side third in the division after five matches.

The move is about embracing a new era in its 21st year with a venue that matches its ambition to become a more established non-league team. The ground has a 3G pitch, floodlights, a covered stand and match-day essentials like food and a licensed bar. It’s a far cry from the club’s humble beginnings when in 2004, they used ‘jumpers for goalposts’ during their first training session at Oaken Grove Park.

The move signals a serious push to secure promotion into the National League System with the club now fully equipped to meet FA ground grading requirements for promotion to step 6.

Chairman Jeff Beck said: “It is amazing watching the team run out here at the 1878 to think back to that first training session in 2004 where we had just a group of local friends, no equipment and no goalkeeper.”

On the pitch, Andy Rumble’s squad have started the season well and Beck is confident the new facilities will help them realise their promotion ambition in the coming seasons.

He said: “We had been playing at the amazing Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre and last season finished runners-up in a position to be promoted. However, the FA requires the type of facilities that the 1878 offers to achieve the promotion.

“I’d like to thank Glenn, Paul, Michelle and Michele at Burnham FC for making us feel at home.”

The club is also focused on improving the footballing pathway for local juniors and with three men’s teams to potentially play for - and a strong link with Maidenhead Boys & Girls FC - there’s a real pathway for young players to transition into adults’ football.

“We want to provide a pathway into adult football, as the progression of young, local players is the key part of our ethos,” said Beck.

“We’ve had 23 players play for our First team that have come through our development side, and with four currently playing, we’re proud to see that pathway proven.”

Manager Rumble is thrilled with their new playing facilities at Burnham FC.

“The team couldn’t ask for a better venue and I’ve been delighted with the way the players have taken to the 1878,” he said. “The facilities also are much better for the supporters, but the boys would love to see even more here.”

Those sentiments are echoed by captain Mitchell Burley, who said: “The club have made a massive commitment to move us to Burnham so now it is down to the players and coaching staff to make the same progress on the pitch.”

Rumble added: “It really does make for a great match-day experience alongside the high-quality football to watch on the pitch.”

Town’s home matches kick off at 2pm on Saturdays and 7.45pm on Wednesday evenings. Food and drink is available from an hour before kick-off and the Blues Bar is also open after matches for fans and players to socialise together.

Town’s next home game is a TVPL Super Cup tie against Hype Train on Saturday, October 11 (2pm ko).

As part of its commitment to giving back, the club is also donating 10 per cent of this season’s gate receipts to the Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

The club has raised more than £45,000 for local causes since 2017 through charity events.

The club is also on the lookout for sponsors to support its growing ambitions.

Interested parties can email maidenheadtown04@gmail.com or reach out via the club’s social media platforms.

Meanwhile, the Reserves and Development sides will continue to play at Bisham Abbey, maintaining a link to Town’s roots while the first team sets its sights on new heights.