Cray Wanderers volunteers helping club settle into new home

By Harry Crichton

As Cray Wanderers settle into their new home at Flamingo Park, a dedicated team of passionate volunteers have helped transform the space into a community hub. 

For many, it’s been a journey of decades with the club, and each of them have played a unique role in Cray’s new chapter.

Terry Smith, Cray’s volunteer entertainment manager, has been instrumental in bringing live music to the pavilion. His connection to Flamingo Park in Chislehurst goes way back, and he remembers it as a dockers’ ground in the 1960s. 

When he began following Cray Wanderers a few years ago, he saw potential beyond just football in their new home.

“I knew the pavilion had potential for an amazing music venue,” he said. “Myself and some of the volunteers here, we built a stage, we built a room for the band, sorted out the acoustics. 

“It’s all about raising funds for the club, the youth sections, and the main teams. We try to keep prices low, but it helps put funds back into the club.”

For Mr Smith, the importance of a true home for Cray Wanderers cannot be overstated. 

After years of sharing grounds with Bromley, the club now has a place to call their own, giving them a solid foundation to grow both their fanbase and community presence.

He added: “The good thing about this is having a home as a fanbase. We used to play at Bromley, but now we have a season ticket holders, we can advertise here, we can promote better, and we have our fingers crossed about the future.”

Mr Smith isn’t alone in his commitment. He’s joined by volunteers like Gary Dufresne, Alan Richardson and Phil Babbs, who each bring their own history and passion to Cray. 

Mr Richardson has been a Cray supporter since his father introduced him to the team over 60 years ago and Mr Babbs, the programme editor, has been cheering on the Wands since a 1966 FA Cup match against Barnet.

There’s a sense of family among the volunteers, who help the club to thrive. The pavilion’s music events are a perfect example of the club’s community focus. 

These events attract fans and newcomers alike, creating a lively atmosphere while contributing crucial funds.

For these volunteers, Cray’s success is their success, and Flamingo Park represents a place for fans and players to connect. 

“It’s important at this level, there isn’t a lot of money around, and we all want to be part of the club’s pursuit of doing better,” Mr Dufresne said.

Mr Babbs echoed this sentiment, describing Cray Wanderers as more than just a club. 

He said: “I wanted to help wherever I could, and it becomes a part of your life.  There’s something about this club, it’s a family. I know it sounds cliché, but it is.

“I like the people here, the supporters, and there’s some good football, so that helps!”

It is now easier than ever to get involved and volunteer at your local non-league club thanks to Pitching In’s Volunteer Hub, which allows clubs to advertise roles online.

Sam Wright, Cray Wanderers’ chief executive officer, sees the impact of the volunteers every day. 

“The dedicated volunteers we have here at Cray Wanderers,  frankly, we would be lost without them,” he explained.

“They are invaluable to the club, but Terry, Alan and Gary are like the three musketeers who have done some amazing work for us at our new ground. We literally wouldn’t have achieved half of what we have without them.”

Find volunteering opportunities at your local club by visiting https://pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk/

Pictured top: Terry Smith (Picture: Harry Crichton)