Whilst football has remained the major
sporting focus at the Langney Sports Club, through the success
of Eastbourne Borough FC, the provision of amenities for
others in the area has remained part of the club ethos,
as it has gradually become the hub of the local community
and one of the most progressive organisations in the town.
In May 2001 the football club gained a new identity: changing
its name from Langney Sports FC to Eastbourne Borough FC,
thereby creating a closer link with the community of the
Sussex town. In 2004 this was recognised when the club was
voted Sussex County FA Community Club of the Year for Sussex;
and nominated for the FA South-East Regional award by the
SCFA. This feat was repeated in 2005 and 2006 completing
a remarkable hat-trick of awards, and in 2006 the club was
awarded the FA's Community Club of the Year South East Regional
award. This 2004 award was followed with a further recognition
from the Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce at the Eastbourne
Business Awards in October 2004, when the Club received
their award for Corporate and Social Responsibility.
The Priory Lane site now hosts archery,
and an impressive indoor bowls hall now attracts over 500
bowlers. The retired and over-60s in the local area are
provided with club facilities for an Afternoon Club on weekdays;
and there are also teams playing pool and darts. A well
supported weekly Bingo Evening is also important to local
residents. There has always been provision for junior and
youth football at the club, but a strong link with Langney
Point Youth Football Club in 2001 saw progression for players
from six years to senior level. With veteran sides and girls'/womens'
teams also introduced at Priory Lane, there is a community
involvement unsurpassed in the club's history and there
was rightly much satisfaction and a feeling of achievement
in 2002 when the club received FA Community Club status.
Whether enjoying a drink; watching sport
on the large screen; celebrating an event at the venue;
or cheering the team to success in league and cup action,
the Langney community has become an important aspect of
the Eastbourne scene. And never wanting to stand-still,
the club has gone from strength to strength in its efforts
to meet the needs of all persons. In 2003 the Priory Learning
Centre ('Owlets' Nursery School) opened in the Executive
Boxes of the Mick Green Stand: making full use of the excellent
facilities, and providing quality pre-school provision for
children from the local area. In June 2004 the Eastbourne
Borough Study Support Centre opened, with funding from the
Learning and Skills Council, providing basic skills and
computer education for over 20 year olds.
As a Community Club Eastbourne Borough FC
combines with Langney Sports Club to offer the best in social,
educational and sporting opportunities.
The popular restaurant, with an extensive
menu and snacks offers another facet of the club; and for
those organising special events there have been highly successful
cabaret evenings, sports dinners, Christmas parties, discos
and conferences. Weddings and funeral gatherings add to
the superb amenities of the club, boasting opportunities
for everyone from cradle to the grave!
In addition to its community involvement,
Eastbourne Borough FC (incorporating Langney Sports Club)
has established an impact on life in the town with its acceptance
as a member of the Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce.
The club maintains a close relationship
with business and industry in the district, with increasing
sponsorship for the Borough team confirming the club's importance
to a widening community. Officers at the club have established
links with local Rotary Clubs, and local schools, with tours
of the ground regularly provided for groups from within
the town.
There are plans for an extension to the
junior and youth amenities at the ground (with additional
dressing rooms and pitches) as the club seeks to enhance
facilities for players of all ages.
There are still many individuals who give
long hours of the service as the club maintains its place
at the centre of the Community. It is such devotion that
has made the club such a success.
