1990s ups and downs

This era saw crowds flock to The Meadow (Chesham’s home ground), increasing to almost 1,000 for every home game and famously attracting a crowd of over 3,000 for their away match against title contenders St Albans City. Everything was rosy on the pitch and Chesham won the league. They were all set to challenge as one of the top sides in the Conference (this was before most sides in that league were professional, like they are now). However, for all the success on the pitch, it was not matched off the field and the club was denied promotion due to ground grading and compliance requirements not being met. It was heartbreak for supporters, and the beginning of the end of an era.

Building success on and off the field

It has taken until now for Chesham United to return to the level of football of the early 1990s. This time things are very different off the pitch with the club matching the on field success with the development of the club off the field. Most importantly, recognising the importance of making the club an integral part of the local community and not a silo operating on its own and playing by its own rules.

‘One Club’

Today when you talk about Chesham United Football Club you are not just talking about eleven men who kick a ball around on a Saturday afternoon. You are talking about over 900 girls and boys who proudly wear the club shirt for the youth sections, a Women’s team competing at step 3 of the ladies game (playing the likes of QPR and Norwich City in league matches) and supporters’ organisations who get involved in community activities, all under the club’s increasingly used banner: One Club.

As Chairman Peter Brown explains: ‘It is important to us that everyone involved feels a part of the club, earning equal respect and recognition for what they do, which enables us to work together as a much stronger unit to achieve all our collective goals. When I became Chairman this was not the case, all sections of the club were split away, doing their own thing with very little connection other than the badge they wore. We now have a One Club committee with representatives of all sections, that help us to create that bond and take ourselves into the community with a united message that helps to encourage further involvement. There is still a long way to go on this, but I am very happy with what has been achieved.’

Much more than just playing football

That is not the only change since Peter Brown became Chairman. The board of Directors has increased from just three men all committed to supporting the First Team, to a team of eight that now includes the Chairman of the Women’s section and creator of the hit television programme Taskmaster, Alex Horne, whose children have long been a part of the youth set-up at the club. With clear roles and structure at the top end, it has enabled the club to broaden deeper into the community attending events like the turning on of the Christmas lights. They also proactively put on events such as the sold-out Treorchy Choir concert at St Marys Church, and what has become an annual comedy charity football match at the club. This is all in addition to opening the club’s facilities to charity organisations and most recently becoming a hub for NHS blood donations. Today, Chesham United is about much more than just playing football.