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.