Shenfield Football Club has made the step up to Intermediate Football and the forthcoming season will see the club's First and reserve teams playing in the Essex Intermediate League.

Formed in 1986 by a group of Shenfield School pupils, the club has always played in the Mid-Essex League.

After 11 years of steady progression, but no trophies, everything changed two seasons ago.

In that period, the club won the Mid Essex League's three top competitions, the Premier League, the Premier Division Cup and the League Knockout Cup.

Last season the club continued its winning ways retaining the Premier Division Cup and also, through its reserve team, winning the First Division Cup.

The addition of a third team further demonstrated the strength and depth of the club.

The Essex Intermediate League has put the club's first and reserve teams into the third divisions of their relevant sections. The club's third team will continue to play in division five of the Mid-Essex League.

"This club wants to go forward every year" says the Secretary, Simon Hearn, "We know that playing in the Intermediate League will provide better quality opposition for our players and improve the standard of football we play".

This season, thanks to Brentwood Borough Council, the club will be based at The Drive, Warley, and preparations are well advanced to make sure everything is ready for the start of the season.

The season kicks off on September 4, and the club is eagerly awaiting news of who it's first opponents in the Intermediate League will be.

With three teams to fill, the club is on the lookout for good quality players.

Pre-season training starts next Tuesday (July 27) at The Wash Road Playing Field, in Hutton, starting at 7.30pm.

Anyone who may be interested in joining the club is welcome. Just turn up or telephone the Club Secretary, Simon Hearn, on 01277 231639 for details.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.