Henbury Football Club

In 1952 a boy’s football team was formed from young players from the new estates of Henbury and Brentry, they called themselves Passage Road Old Boy’s, and played in the federation of boy’s club league. In 1958-59 the club joined the Downs league and 4 years later Henbury Old Boy’s was formed from the reserve side of Passage Road Old Boys and played on the Down’s until the 1966-67 season when the club returned to its roots to play at Arnall Drive playing fields. During this time we continued to develop football at youth level. The backbone of the club were the hard-working committee of Ron Excell, Rocky Jones, Jack Fisk ( who was our local Councillor for over 40 year’s and Lord Mayor twice), Cliff Griffin (who at 93 still makes the tea and look’s after the referees), Charlie Spicer, Ron Braithwaite and Barry Hopkins.
The first team entered the Bristol and District league and progressed to the Premier Combination with the other team’s playing in the Church of England league. The committee selected each team until team managers took over this roll in the mid 70s. Early managers were Arnold Rogers, Billy Bond and Cyril Pritchard (who is now our President); they all made their mark with their own style of management and were all very successful.
We currently run 3 senior sides and have a strong youth set-up which was formed by Bob Terry and Ron Excell in 1995 and are running 11 sides from under 16’s, which involves over 160 youths and children, and this season for the first time we are running a girl’s team.
The youth team’s are very important to the communities of Henbury and Brentry. Just recently 2 members of Paul Elliott and Darren Sealy’s under 9’s have been invited to join Bristol City academy which is not only an indication of the hard work but also the dedication that goes into running these teams.
We believe Henbury Football club is a valuable asset to Henbury and Brentry as it is a place where all cross sections of our community can come together, and it is essential that Henbury Football Club continues to serve the community giving children of the area the opportunity to focus on a positive disciplined sport such as football.
We have no shortage of children that want to represent Henbury FC.
We have dedicated football coaches and managers who give their valuable time on a voluntary basis, training children the skills of football. The enthusiasm from the children is a credit to each and every child that turns up in all winds and weathers to play football. Sport steers children away from crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour whilst giving them a sense of purpose and worth.
Jean Sallabank, Rose Clarke and Gail Wright have been voted onto the committee in a fund raising capacity, and would welcome any advice on fundraising.
If anyone is interested in joining the club either as a player or social member, or would like to sponsor a set of shirts for any of the teams please contact the secretary, Bob Terry on 07973235455 / Jean Sallabank on 0117 3307172.

Henbury Football Club would like to thank Henbury and Brentry Community Council for the very generous donation of £1000.