GALLERY: Ferring FC is alive and kicking again

A new committee took over the running of the 55-year-old club at the turn of the year and will this season field a Saturday league team at the club's Glebelands home for the first time in three years.

The shooting, in which a balaclava-clad man fired two shots at the bar, narrowly missing a barmaid, resulted in the immediate surrender of the club's alcohol licence.

It marked the low point of the club's history, with matters on the pitch faring no better.

New faces

But the new faces at the club are promising a new start on and off the pitch.

The new chairman, Deane Culver, 42, a motor technician from Little Paddocks, Ferring, has a family connection to the club that drives his desire for success.

He said: "My father, among other people, physically built the stand and clubhouse.

"I've lived in this village all my life and I don't want this to be given away or destroyed."

The club regained its alcohol licence and months of work with local companies and wrangling of sponsorship deals has seen the clubhouse given a facelift, with new carpets and an alarm system among the improvements.

"It's about trying to win people over," said Mr Culver. "We are doing it the right way and we want it to be tidy."

Back on the map

The next initiative to get the club back on the map '” as a Ferring institution as much as a sporting one '” is an open day at the Greystoke Road ground.

The day will feature a reunion of former players and a match against a team of ex-professionals, selected by Herald columnist and stalwart of local sport, Ian Hart.

The Worthing Thunder basketball team will make an appearance and there will be a tug-of-war competiton, the winner being awarded a cup dating back to 1961 that was uncovered during renovation of the clubhouse.

There will also be face-painting, a bouncy castle and refreshments.

Mr Culver said: "We thought it would be a great idea to have this day and put something back into the village, regain people's trust and put some money into the club."

Mr Culver said any former players should contact him to get involved in the day on 07747 333380 or on 01903 242272.

Were you there?

The Herald would like to hear from former Ferring FC team members.

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