This Saturday, as we play our first home league game of the season against Leek Town, we’ll be marking a special milestone: ten years since FC United moved into Broadhurst Park — a football ground built not by billionaires or developers, but by fans, volunteers, and a community that refused to be priced out of the game.
Whilst we opened the ground on that famous evening against Benfica in May 2015, Monday 11th August will mark the 10th anniversary of the first competitive game played at the stadium - the club's first ever match in the National League North, against Stockport County. It was the culmination of years of determination - fundraising, campaigning, planning and building - by people who believed football could be different. People who believed a club should belong to its supporters and its community.
Broadhurst Park is more than just a place to watch football. It’s a monument to what can be achieved when people come together around a shared purpose. It stands for fan ownership, for football with principles, and for the idea that another way is possible.
As part of Saturday’s matchday, both teams will be led out by Lynette Cawthra and Chris Boulderstone, representing the thousands of people who made this ground a reality. From the early campaigners and fundraisers to the diggers, organisers, and dreamers, every person who gave their time, skills, money or belief helped build something truly special.
To everyone who played a part: thank you. This ground, and this club, is yours - and so is its future.
Before kick-off, we’ll come together for a few moments of applause and celebration for everyone who helped make Broadhurst Park possible, including those who are no longer with us but who would be proud to stand here today.
Join us this Saturday to celebrate ten years of our home, and the start of another season doing football the FC United way.