Nestled in the county of Hertfordshire, approximately eight miles north of London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, lies Cheshunt FC’s nondescript football training ground.
Money is tight for teams in the Isthmian League Premier Division, the seventh tier of the vast English football pyramid where Cheshunt plies his trade. One person must do the work of many, and its players are part-time athletes who need a day job to pay the bills.
Over the past week, the La Salle football team has introduced a different type of football – with pads and helmets – on the turf field as the Concord team prepares for its game Tuesday against the NFL Academy in London.
And with that, said Cheshunt FC chief executive Ria Hartley, an influx of cash that could mean the difference between promotion and relegation for the club founded in 1931 and which is currently 21st in a 22-team table with a record of 1-2. 4. .
“This opens up opportunities to improve our facilities, invest in the team and make the overall experience better for players and fans,” said Hicks, who did not say how much money the club received to host the American high school team. “It’s a win-win and adds to the excitement around the club.”
The game also sparked internal interest in the American game among members of a club nicknamed “The Ambers”.
“We would love to attend if we can get our hands on tickets,” Hartley said. “Hosting NFL teams has definitely built up the excitement, and now everyone at Cheshunt FC can’t wait to attend a game.”
Despite his team’s slow start to the season, the Cheshunt general manager said the club, which counts Jeremy Bisau and Vas Vasilou among its best players, still had high hopes for the season.
“With big ambitions for our stadium and one of the largest youth football programs, we have boys and girls teams from ages 4 all the way up to adults. We are a club at heart, and although we are small, our dreams and dedication are anything but!”
