East Grinstead Town F.C. facts for kids
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| Full name | East Grinstead Town Football Club | |
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| Nickname(s) | The Wasps | |
| Founded | 8 May 1890 | |
| Ground | East Court, East Grinstead | |
| Capacity | 3,000 | |
| Chairman | Richard Tramontin | |
| Manager | Drew Cooney | |
| League | Isthmian League South East Division | |
| 2018–19 | Isthmian League South East Division, 13th of 19 | |
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East Grinstead Town Football Club is a football team from East Grinstead, a town in West Sussex, England. They are often called 'The Wasps'. The club plays its home games at East Court. They are currently part of the Isthmian League South East Division league.
Contents
The Wasps: A Football Journey
East Grinstead Town Football Club has a long and interesting history. It started way back in 1890.
How It All Began (1890-1920s)
The club was formed on May 8, 1890. But they didn't play their first official game until 1900. That year, they became one of the first teams in the Mid-Sussex Football League.
- In the 1901–02 season, they won the Mid-Sussex League.
- They also shared the Sussex Junior Cup in 1908–09 with another team, Arundel.
- In 1920, the club helped start the Sussex County League.
- They played in this league for a few years, but then left and joined the Brighton, Hove & District Football League.
Climbing the Leagues (1930s-1990s)
The team kept working hard and moving between different leagues.
- In 1931–32, they won Division Three of the Southern Amateur Football League. This meant they moved up to Division Two.
- After a few ups and downs, they returned to the Mid-Sussex League. They won it again in 1936–37.
- After World War II, they rejoined the Sussex County League.
- In 1951–52, they won the league's Baldwin Cup.
- The club stayed in Division One of the Sussex County League until 1979.
- In 1988–89, they moved down to Division Three.
- But they quickly bounced back! By 1993, they were promoted back to Division One.
Modern Era and Promotions (1997-Today)
In 1997, the club changed its name to East Grinstead Town.
- They were promoted to Division One again in 2002–03.
- In 2003–04, they won the Sussex RUR Cup. They beat Three Bridges 4–0 in the final!
- In 2007–08, they won Division Two and moved up to Division One.
- A big moment came in 2013–14 when they finished second in Division One. This earned them a promotion to the Isthmian League, Division One South. This was a higher level of football for the club.
- In the 2019–20 season, the team was struggling. But the season was stopped early because of the coronavirus pandemic. This meant no teams were moved up or down, which helped East Grinstead Town stay in their league.
Home Ground: East Court
The club has had a few homes over the years.
- Until 1962, they played at a place called West Street. They shared this ground with a local cricket team.
- After leaving West Street, they played at King George's Field for a short time.
- In 1967, they moved to their current home, East Court.
East Court Features
Over the years, East Court has been improved for players and fans.
- A large bank was built on one side of the pitch. This gives fans a good view.
- There is also a covered area for fans to stand under.
- In 1997, bright floodlights were put in. This allows games to be played at night.
- Two new stands were built in 2008, offering more seating for supporters.
Club Achievements (Honours)
East Grinstead Town has won several trophies and leagues throughout its history.
- Sussex County League
- Division Two champions: 2007–08
- Baldwin Cup winners: 1951–52
- Mid-Sussex League
- Champions: 1901–02, 1936–37
- Montgomery Cup winners: 1911–12, 1912–13
- Southern Amateur League
- Division Three champions: 1931–32
- Sussex RUR Cup
- Winners: 2003–04
Club Records
Here are some of the club's best achievements and records:
- Best FA Cup performance: Second qualifying round (reached this stage multiple times, including 1947–48, 1950–51, 1952–53, 1971–72, 2018–19, 2020–21)
- Best FA Trophy performance: First qualifying round (2015–16, 2016–17, 2018–19)
- Best FA Vase performance: Third round (1974–75)
- Record attendance: 2,006 fans watched them play Lancing in the FA Amateur Cup in November 1947.
- Most appearances: Guy Hill (he played the most games for the club).
See also
- East Grinstead Town F.C. players
- East Grinstead Town F.C. managers
