Saturday 12th August 2023

Sean Devereux Park, Yateley GU46 7SZ

Yateley United U23 v. Raynes Park Vale U23 

I've known that YUFC have existed for a while; following their exploits on social media for some time.

I came to a match in March which was postponed in the 15 minutes it took me to drive from my house to the ground. I stayed and chatted with a mate who's son plays for United. I was impressed with the clubs outlook.

The team progressed and won the Thames Valley Premier with a perfect record, 20 games and 20 wins - target achieved. Promotion to Step 6 of the non league pyramid.

Season 23/24 will be a foray into Combined Counties Division One.

My first proper match day visit was to acclimatise myself with the stadium and the opportunity arose to watch the Yateley Under 23 side vs Raynes Park Vale U23.

My first view of the ground since that day in March was to notice there is now privacy fence screening along the approach, to stop you being able to just park in the road and watch for nothing. A good step forward.

Plenty of parking spaces for this level both outside the stadium and once you go through the main gate.

The environments of the ground also incorporate the Yateley Cricket Club, so being August it was a fairly busy afternoon.

Nice little entrance shed to pay your money, a quick tap and go and I'm officially "in".

The clubhouse is immaculate. Opened in October 2022, it's facilities outshine most clubs I've visited at step 5 and 6. The locals seem to like it here and if the club is going to survive and flourish, it will need the extra income from the clubhouse and events held not just match days.

A bargain coffee and a bag of chips for a total of £4,  fuelled my walk around the pitch pre-match.

Very much a one-sided stadium. A quick amble around the perimeter of the pitch , revealed a practice area behind one goal and a wide grass walkway behind the dugouts opposite the clubhouse.

At the time of writing this piece , foundation works were still underway for installation of six sets of flood lights. [I looked this up later and found deadline for installation of floodlights last season was the 30th of September]

I would imagine being newly promoted the club will be allowed time to complete the minimum requirements which I think also includes hard standing around all areas of the pitch.

Currently there is no traditional "stand" with seating. Only a few picnic and bench tables outside the clubhouse.

Hard standing is already in place behind one goal and as I walked around I see they have a small covered home terrace , I'm christening it the cow shed.

The playing surface itself is grass, looks pretty level (albeit with a slope from dugouts to the lower level of the clubhouse) and was in fine condition for my visit despite the large amounts of unseasonal weather we have experienced this summer.

Make no mistake. This is a place on the way up.

Masses of room for expansion.

I can see YUFC in a few years time competing at a much higher level (Step 2/3) with a terrace and a stand or two added.

Best view - relaxing on the verandah outside the clubhouse with a beverage of your choice.

I would recommend getting down there and trying out match day experience for yourself, there's a lovely family feeling about the place.

This is a club on the rise.

 

[Final Score: Yateley 3 RPV 0]