History

Raiders U11 GirlsBerkhamsted Raiders was established in 1996 from a collection of individual teams run by enthusiastic dads who wanted their kids to enjoy football. They played their football on the outfield at Berkhamsted Cricket Club on a Sunday morning.

Under the Chairmanship of Paul Beard, the Club progressed rapidly, achieving Charter Standard and then Charity status. Tragically, Paul died suddenly at work on January 15th, 2008 at the early age of 43. His drive, enthusiasm and effort was the stimulus for the future success of the Club.

By 2008, the Club had grown to 30 teams. In 2015, the Club had doubled to 60 teams. And in 2023/24, we will be running 98 youth teams from U7 to U18 plus sections for Seniors, Veterans, Ladies, Futsal, and Inclusive Football.

The Club has become a true community sports club, providing sport for around 1,350 children in Berkhamsted and the surrounding villages.

Charitable status

In 2007, the Club achieved charitable status with the following charitable objectives:

  1. To promote community participation in healthy recreation by providing facilities for playing football (“facilities ” meaning land buildings, equipment and organising football activities)
  2. To advance the education of children and young people whether or not undergoing formal education.

The Club is guided by eleven Trustees who oversee the strategic direction of the Club. The day to day running of the Club is organised by a team of over 200 volunteers who take on the roles of Committee Members, Age Group Coordinators, Parent Managers, Assistant Managers and Match Day Delegates.

You can view the Raiders 5 year Strategic Plan on Raiders KnowHow.

Charter Standard Status

In 2004, the Club became an FA Charter Standard Club.

In 2007, our status was upgraded to FA Charter Standard Community Club. The Club regular attends and contributes to the Community Club meetings run by the Hertfordshire FA.

Facility Development

BerkoAstro

BerkoAstro from the airIn 2010, Raiders and Ashlyns School raised a combined sum of around £750,000 through a Football Foundation grant and our own fundraising efforts to deliver the BerkoAstro 3G pitch.

BerkoAstro is a community facility. It is not just for the benefit of Raiders and Ashlyns. It can be used by any school in Berkhamsted and is open to other sports clubs in the area, and for use, in general, by Raiders parents and the local community.

In 2016, the venue was further  enhanced by removing the high fencing and installing a seated viewing area.

With the opening of the Ashlyns Sports Hall in 2017, we are also able to offer full changing facilities., adjacent to the 3G pitch.

Paul Beard Centre

Paul Beard CentreIn 2012, the partnership between Raiders and Ashlyns School raised over £175,000 in funding to create the Paul Beard Centre, adjacent to BerkoAstro. The  facility provides catering facilities, a club room and toilets.  Hot drinks and snacks are available from the vending machines and the kitchen operates during training sessions and at weekends.   The Centre is used by both the School, the Club and the Herts FA for meetings and educational purposes. The BerkoAstro 3G pitch and Paul Beard Centre provides a perfect setting for children’s birthday parties on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon during the football season and Saturday and Sunday mornings during the close season. 

Improving football facilities in Berkhamsted

The Club is very aware of the shortage of football facilities in Berkhamsted. We need more grass pitches and a second 3G pitch in the town to accommodate the growth of the sport, and, in particular, girls’ football. We also want to establish a Raiders Clubhouse to provide a focal point for club members. The recently published  Dacorum BC Local Football Facilities Plan highlights the priorities for investment. The Club is working hard to turn these plans into reality.