History of Loughton FC

Loughton FC was founded by Keith Campen Who is still the club's Secretary and the manager of the Senior team.

LOUGHTON was founded as a junior football club in 1965 with one team of U11’s playing friendly matches. Loughton was initially registered as LOUHTON BOYS the first fixture was away to Dr Barnardos the result was 3-3 draw the teams strip for that first match were black & white stripes they were purchased for 15 shillings second hand.

Loughton were then playing on Roding Valley playing fields. The number of teams gradually grew and by 1971/72 had increased to six ultimately progressing to teams at all ages from U10-U18.

Iin the 70/80's Loughton used to have Easter tours. We had a policy of taking away teams as odds & evens, travelling to different locations, the under 11/13/15's to one and the under 12/14/16's to another location. These tours were very successfu, the teams would stay at holiday camps, or small boarding houses, with each team having a mini bus for travelling. A considerable number of parents also accompanied. Teams would play three matches while on tour. Unfortunately this policy had to end due to cost. The U18 team at that time would travel abroad.

In 1988 Loughton moved into senior football by entering a team into the Ilford & Distict League then moving to the Essex Intermediate League and eventually progressing to the London Spartan League. It was then that Loughton dispensed with the name Loughton Boys.

In 1990 Loughton obtained its own enclosed ground in Avondale Close Loughton, which has two football pitches. It has a club house with four individual dressing rooms (two having shower facilities), an independent changing room for referees (also with shower), plus a club room which provides drinks and snacks on match days.

Through the winter period of the league programme teams now train in mid week under floodlights on an Astro Turf pitch.

Over the years Loughton have competed in a great number of football Leagues some no longer with us. The first League that was entered was the South West Essex Junior League in 1965. The second being the Walthamstow Sunday league (now finished).

Other Leagues

Hornchurch & Upminister Echo League now the Echo League

South Essex

Enfield & district (finished)

Waltham Forest .

Barking

Belhus (finished)

Harlow District Recreational League

East London Youth Clubs Saturday morning (finished)

Harold Hill & District (finished)