Bedford Town Football Club Official Brochure 2023 / 2024

all photos by club photographers Jane Jones and tom h all

bedford town fc is situated on the eastern side of bedford

and conveniently located close to the A421, A6, M1 and A1 trunk roads, providing excellent routes for major towns and only 50 miles from London.

Nicknamed The Eagles, Bedford Town

FC was formed in 1908 and in the early 1980’s after a few ups and downs the club folded when the owners of the Old Eyrie ground in Queens Park, terminated the lease. The club was later reformed in 1989 to Meadow Lane where we still reside today.

With the help of the local council and a group of ‘true-blue’ loyal fans, the club had a new home at The New Eyrie. The club is steeped in glorious history including playing matches

against formidable professional teams like Arsenal, Everton and Newcastle, in the FA cup in the 1950’s & 60’s.

We are a charter standard club and the premier football club in the town of Bedford which has a population of 170,000 people and currently play in the Southern League Premier Central which is the 7th tier of English football, three steps below the football league. Bedford Town Football Club are committed to the football community and we strive to help, encourage and develop as many local players through our very wellrun progressive youth system. We are very proud to have brought players through the ranks, into the senior team and further, over the years. We encourage individuals to be proud to wear our club badge and be involved in their hometown football team.

Our superb facility is well known in non-league football for its light and airy function room, the Maxey Suite. On matchdays, the suite serves as the clubhouse for spectators but the facility is also regularly used for weddings, parties, seminars, courses and other events & gatherings. The club has been completely transformed over the last four years with a full time Commercial & Operations Manager who is responsible for the day-today running of the Club along with some invaluable volunteers who have surpassed the call of duty. While our pool of volunteers is only small, we are blessed to say that nothing is too much for these loyal fans who are very proud to be a part of this fantastic Football Club, which is only in one direction… on the up!

Read on to find out more about this wonderful football club and how to get involved in so many different ways.

message from the owner jon taylor, club director

I would like to sincerely thank all of our excellent sponsors, old and new, who have really excelled in helping the club over the last few seasons. We have some very loyal, long standing sponsors who have helped us through thick and thin and it is a real privilege having you all on board.

This part of running the Football Club is probably the hardest task and we have managed to engage a lot better with local companies and businesses to try and help us to become a profitable organisation. Currently we are working very hard behind the scenes to look to stabilise the club and be in a position to hopefully be more a sustainable proposition very soon. Without such help from the community it would be impossible for the Club to function on and off the pitch in this professional way and every pound and penny really helps to ensure that we strive on to bigger and better things, year on year. Unfortunately, last season didn’t go to plan and I must say the league was a real eye opener. I would go as far to say it was a culture shock. But mistakes were made and all I can say these will not be replicated again. I am sure the new management team will be

knocking on the door for at least a play off place come April 2024. The one thing that has stuck firmly in my mind was the fantastic support that the team received home and away from our brilliant supporters. No team at this level would have experienced this incredible loyalty from fans, even when not winning games.

All I can say is that the club will make positive strides forward with new investment that has come onboard in the last 12 months. We will do our utmost to ensure we bring back success this next season and beyond to The Eyrie. Our newly shaped team will knowingly produce the goods on the pitch in this next campaign at Step four.

It is very exciting times ahead and I know that we have secured a very good, highly experienced manager in Lee Bircham, whose new look team looks very encouraging. Onwards and upwards. COYE

formed in 1908, bedford town fc has had a mixed history,

that has seen it reach the higher levels of non-league football. In the early years, the Eagles played from their home in Queens Park, in the United Counties League and later the Northampton Alliance. At the end of the second world war, Bedford Town moved to The Southern League, and in February of 1951, a much-needed boost came in the form former Arsenal, Fulham, Crystal Palace & England forward Ronnie “Rookie” Rooke, as Eagles player/manager. In the 50’s and 60’s, Bedford Town earned national fame as ‘Giant Killers’, seeing off the likes of Watford, Norwich, Newcastle, Exeter, Brighton & Oxford in numerous FA Cup runs. But possibly the club’s greatest achievement was

to draw 2-2 with Arsenal at Highbury in front of 55,000 supporters in the 195556 season. The Eagles nearly caused a major shock in the replay, leading 1-0 with 4 minutes left on the clock, before having two goals disallowed for offside and eventually going down 1-2 after extra time.

In 1982, 74 years at the Eyrie came to an end, as the club disbanded when the owners of the football ground in Queens Park exercised their right to terminate the lease, while simultaneously, new stadium plans on Barkers Lane fell through. On 5th May 1989, a group of Eagles supporters began a campaign to reform Bedford Town Football Club. The opening match of the New Eyrie Stadium was a friendly against Peterborough United, watched by over 3,000 supporters. In the years that followed, the

mighty Eagles achieved great success in the non-league football pyramid from steps 2-4 and currently play at step 4 in the Southern League Division One Central, a division they were recently crowned league champions of at the end of the 2021/22 season.

bedford town - a rsenal f. c . | 12th January 1956

record attendance(s)

community outreach and charity work

Here at Bedford Town Football Club, we take a lot of pride of our work within the community. We have generated links to various schools in the county, attending school events and promoting The Eagles and everything we do. The Players give up their time to visit schools and talk to the children, which means so much to both the children and players.

Our community work finds us being contacted for help with projects, fetes, presentations at school awards to name a few. Each football season we select a charity partner to assist with fundraising and provide a platform to raise awareness on matchdays. Over the last three years we are proud to

have raised in the region of £15,000 across three local charities. This is something we are extremely proud of.

Our Mascot Experience is something more than just watching a game from the stands. Whether it’s a birthday treat, or you’re just looking for an excuse to be involved, our DBS trained staff are on hand to make it extra special. Our very own club mascot, Eyrie the Eagle, is always up to his usual tricks and mischief, before he connects with the children and walk out with the players at the start of a game. You too can get involved.

too can get involved.

Nursing, Residential and Respite Care for the Elderly

Kimbolton Lodge offers a real home from home. An attractive 36 bedded Georgian property with a private walled garden, it is situated close to Beford town centre and all local amenities.

Kimbolton Lodge offers high quality care for the elderly through the provision of:

■ Experienced, highly trained, nursing and care staff teams

■ Excellent staffing ratios and staff retention

■ Regularly reviewed individually assessed person centred care

■ A supportive multidisciplinary holistic approach that ensures physical and emotional needs are addressed

■ An excellent range of activities and entertainment both in the home and in the local community

■ A truly homely environment with freshly prepared home cooked meals

For more information please call 01234 355918

1 Kim B o L ton Ro A d, B E dfo R d, m K40

Kim B o L tonLod GE

our community liaison officer jane had this to say:

jane jones, community liaison officer

“Raising the profile of the Football Club in a town as big as Bedford is no easy task, but I feel passionate about the work we do here.

We are proud of our facilities that are on offer. If you have never been to The Eyrie or not aware of our club, I challenge you to visit us and see for yourselves. You won’t be disappointed with what we have on offer, an authentic family atmosphere, the best tea hut around for all sorts of treats, a bustling club shop and friendly bar & kitchen staff. Don’t take my word for it, come and see for yourself“.

admission & season tickets

advanced tickets are contact free, paper free & hassle free!

Here at Bedford Town, we offer a range of affordable tickets for the whole family. since 2019 we have partnered with Kaizen Ticketing to bring the option for online advanced tickets to our supporters.

Booking in advance is the best way to guarantee entry, but also helps us as a club prepare efficiently while ensuring your matchday experience runs smoothly. Tickets are also available to buy on the turnstile by cash and card for a higher price for those lastminute decisions to attend!

For the best value for money, you can purchase a Bedford Town season card which includes admission to all 21 league matches at The Eyrie Stadium. Furthermore, all season card holders will receive the following benefits:

season tickets

ADuLT £170

ConCEssIons & unDER-21’s £110

■ Discounted purchases from the Eagles bar on a match day

■ Discounted tickets for matchday hospitality admission

■ Discounted hire of the Eagles bar for private functions

■ Free entry to any Bedford Town Youth matches scheduled at The Eyrie throughout the 22/23 season

All season cards admit the holder to home, league matches only (excluding play-off/cup matches).

TerMS aND cONDiTiONS concessions are classed as OaP’s, students, people aged between 16 and 20, unemployed people and people with disabilities. Proof of benefit entitlement is required for unemployed & disabled persons and photographic iD for proof of age. Season ticket includes admission to all home league games only, excluding playoffs and cup games. all Season or VP tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable

10-15 YEAR oLDs £50 unDER-10’s FREE!

now accepting apple & google pay

club shop

In 2022 Bedford Town Football Club took full control of the selling of club merchandise from the former occupants, Bedford Town supporters Club.

The Supporters Club setup the fantastic club shop in the mid 2000’s, selling shirts, scarves, ties and various other types of merchandise to fans. As the club’s presence has increased in the area, so has the need for more merchandise. From the start of the 2022/23 season, Bedford Town FC will be bringing a brand-new selection of merchandise to the fans.

social media followers

sponsorship packages

With our impressive 3,000 capacity stadium, stunning facilities and a talented team competing one step below the national league system; there’s never been a better time to expose your brand or business with Bedford Town Football Club. We have a number of ways you can become a partner with Bedford Town football club, depending on your budget. We are proud to support local businesses. if there is a new level of sponsorship not listed that would interest you, please get in touch and discuss how we can meet your needs.

STADIUM NAMING RIGHTS PACKAGE £ P o A

Your company’s name will be incorporated into the traditional stadium name and be exposed with all football press & media outlets. full logo-branding on the exterior of the stadium on entry to the ground and four perimeter banners to be positioned pitchside in premium exposure spots. Stadium name & company logo will be featured on the club website, matchday programme, google search, maps search, social media banners, media interview backdrop and the eagles TV YouTube channel. You will receive four season tickets for each season to be used at all home league matches, plus four pitchside perimeter banners The ultimate package to enable a business from the local community to become part of the town’s footballing future.

PITCHSIDE ADVERTISING FRoM £425

We offer various types of pitchside advertising if your target audience is those attending matches or you want exposure in the local and national press. all prices are exclusive of vat and include design and manufacture costs.

■ Perimeter Advertising**

Get your brand pitchside and seen by thousands every week plus photos in the local and national press. Our perimeter banners surround The eyrie pitch

£425 p/annum £300 p/annum renewal

■ Elevated South Stand Advertising**

Our six metre elevated advertising boards offer the same benefits as perimeter boards, but with added exposure.

£1000 p/annum £800 p/annum renewal

■ North/East Stand Advertising**

have your company name and brand across the entire north or east stand. as well as exposure to spectators, these are seen by thousands of passing cars travelling on the a421 trunk road daily.

£3,500 p/annum £3,000 p/annum renewal

** p rice includes design and manufacture and you’re in full control of the aesthetics of the banners.

DUGOUT AND PLAYER FRoM TUNNEL SPONSORSHIP £1,375

have your brand printed across the interior and exterior of the team dugouts and/or player tunnel. Perfect as a pair for exposure at both sides of the pitch. also available separately too.

MATCH KIT FRoM SPONSORSHIP £1,000

Kit sponsorship is one of the most prominent forms of advertising. a tried and trusted method of increasing brand awareness, generating exposure and offering a huge amount of goodwill in return.

from as little as £1,000 per season, you can advertise your company or brand in the following areas of our adidas match kit worn by the team, home and away, plus spectators:

■ Main shirt sponsor available from 2024/25

■ Rear shirt sponsor (between shoulders)

■ Rear shirt sponsor (lower back)

■ Sleeve sponsor

■ Shorts sponsor

■ Training & travel kit sponsor

■ Kit and equipment sponsor

from £1,000 p/season

MARQUEE SPONSORSHIP £1,750

Our marquee is erected all year round and situated on the east part of the ground next to our clubhouse. Brand will be positioned on the front of the marquee, which is used not only on matchdays, but for a multitude of private functions every year, including but not limited to, comedy shows, parties and weddings.

£1,750 p/annum £1,500 p/annum renewal

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP

Sponsor a player or coach of your choice for £125 per season. Your name or brand will be written below the player profile on our club website and matchday programme You will also receive regular exposure on our website and social media accounts throughout the season as the players score or receive their own exposure, plus a 2022/23 squad photo signed by your sponsored individual.

£125 p/season

MATCHDAY SPONSOR £225

Your company name will be mentioned on the stadium Pa before and during the game. includes four complimentary ViP tickets to the match and a two-course meal in our hospitality suite before the match. a fullpage company advertisement will be printed in the matchday programme for that fixture, plus your company logo on the front cover. You’ll also get the privilege of choosing the man of the match and presenting them with their prize keg of Bedford B&K brewed beer. furthermore, your company logo will also be located on our social media matchday graphics. a photo with the presentation will also be published to our social media accounts. £225.00 plus vat per game.

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME SPONSORSHIP FRoM £150

have a colour advertisement in every copy of our home, matchday programmes throughout the season. Our matchday programmes are a5 sized and purchased by hundreds of fans each week. from as little as £150 per season, we can offer quarter, half, three-quarter and full page ad spaces. Or go to town and create a double page spread!

MAN OF THE MATCH SPONSOR £75

for just £75 you will receive two complimentary general admission tickets to a match where you will choose the man of the match and award the player with their MOM prize. a photo with the presentation will also be published to our social media accounts. Your company will also receive a half page advertisement in the match day programme for that fixture.

TURNSTILE ADVERTISING NOTICEBOARD

FRoM £900

Our noticeboards are located before the entrance to our turnstiles where around 1,000 fans walk past each week. They are around 1.2m x 0.7m in size. Prices for ad space here for the entire season start at £900 plus annum. This can be spread out over four quarterly payments if necessary.

SEASON CARD SPONSORSHIP

FRoM £225-475

The eagles Season cards are the easiest way for our fans to guarantee entry to every home league fixture. Your branding will be printed on the front or rear of every single season card, purchased and used by hundreds of fans every week.

EAGLES TV YOUTUBE CHANNEL SPONSORSHIP

FRoM £850-3,000

Our brand-new YouTube channel, eagles TV, publishes match highlights and interviews shared across our social media channels each week to an audience upwards of 16,000 followers. There are a number of ways you can advertise your brand, from lower third graphics on screen during the highlights, half-time/full-time video adverts or by sponsoring the entire YouTube channel.

a ll sponsors are included on our club website and included on the media backdrop to be seen in all post-match interviews.

matchday hospitality

whether you fancy something a little different or you’ve experienced pre-match in the david taylor suite before, head over to the bedford town fc box office to book!

If you’re up for something a little bit more special, matchday hospitality is the best way to enjoy your day out at The Eyrie.

Hospitality is available for everyone to enjoy, for all Saturday home matches (and some bank holidays). All guests will receive early access to the stadium, a complimentary matchday programme, team sheets and a twocourse meal in our new state of the art, David Taylor Suite.

The suite is equipped with its own bar, comfortable seating, live sports on the TV and every guest hosted by our incredible hospitality team with entertainment and a chance to meet the management team too!

Before kick-off all hospitality guests are given VIP access to the directors seating area, right on the half way line, so you won’t miss any of the action! Hospitality serves as a great opportunity to mix with club staff, directors and network with other businesses.

hospitality tickets are available to buy exclusively online and only remain on sale up to three days before each match, so make sure you book in early to avoid disappointment!

venue hire at the eyrie

standing event. Complete with its own fully staffed bar, The The Eagles Bar stocks a wide range of drinks and “the best bar staff in non-league football” are ready to keep the drinks flowing!

Here at Bedford Town Football Club, our events team have decades of experience in events and hospitality, turning celebrations into something truly special.

The Maxey Suite is the main function suite at The Eyrie and is perfect for large events including, but not limited to - weddings, wakes, birthday parties, anniversaries, and any other type of social gathering.

We can cater for up to 150 people at a sit-down dinner or up to 200 for a

don’t take our word for it, here’s what some of our clients had to say on google

siobhan

“We have had two children’s parties in the family at this venue in the last few weeks and they are amazing. The staff cannot do enough for you. Great space for our bouncy castle and soft play, and also held 150 people. Highly recommended for all functions”

mariska

“Absolutely fantastic staff and facilities. Excellent facilities and professional staff. Great experience for both players and their families”

maria

“Great venue to hire for parties with a bar too!”

for enquiries please contact our events manager or scan the code to visit our website

meet the volunteers

at bedford town football club, we are honoured to be supported by fans who are able to take their passion for the club to the next step.

ian

chandler,

volunteer kit manager

“Without volunteers, non-league football doesn’t exist” The one phrase that is universally agreed. I am a volunteer at Bedford Town. My job description - Anything, everything and a lot more besides. The benefits - Friendships, inclusion, job satisfaction, a lot of laughs! If you are thinking about volunteering, don’t think. Just do it. I guarantee you won’t regret it.”

james smiles, football & fixtures secretary

“I started watching the Eagles in 1994, when as a five-year-old my family took me down to festive & Easter games to get out the house. I have many memories of my childhood, growing up watching my hometown side rocket through the lower levels of non-league, as the town restored a football side it could be proud of. Having been involved with the supporter’s club since 2004, I was asked to cover the former club secretary while he was on sick leave in 2012. I agreed to do the role for a month to see the club through a difficult situation, and here we are a decade later with me still in the same role.

100% of my role is voluntary, and a lot of people question why I do the amount I do for our club. The reason for this is my love to provide something back to the local community which we can all be proud of. Sport brings a group of the population together once or twice a week, in a common activity and has this power to unite people together with the same aim. In non-league football this collection of people is small, and like a family. However, in the last few years I have seen this Eagles family grow at the same rate as the interest in the club within the community.

My role involves liaising with players, clubs, officials and the league, to ensure that we are compliant with regulations.

Come and join us while we’re riding this wave. I look forward to seeing you all for a pint in the Eagles bar, en route!”

sport brings a group of the population together

now carol and i look after the hospitality suite in memory of former director david taylor

mike & carol john, hospitality volunteers

“Our time with Bedford Town goes back to The Old Eyrie Stadium helping with machinery for the pitch and ground. Then joining up at Allen Park on matchdays, assisting with prematch preparations such as roping off the pitch, selling matchday programmes and anything to help raise money to help club. Then fighting the council for a ground for several years with David Donnelly and finally we flew into the old tree plantation council area, now known as The New Eyrie. During that opening season in the 90s, the club had the best group of volunteers which

enabled us to get the ground open in a very short time.

Now Carol and I look after the hospitality suite in memory of former director David Taylor, plus any midweek meetings should this be required. Now to the local community and supporters old and new… the close season is the time when your help is most valued, helping operations and maintenance, etc. THIS IS YOUR CLUB and now playing at step three where we belong!”

charity work & community outreach

our new community outreach programme sees the Eagles joining forces with local organisations, raising awareness for important aspects of the community and giving back to the borough. We have built strong links with schools and charities in and around Bedfordshire, which has made visits to the Eyrie a great day out for all the family. our community partners are extremely important to not only the staff at Bedford Town, but the players too.

shazam mahmood, assistant head teacher – marston vale middle school

“At Marston Vale Middle School we wanted to reach out to local organisations and start developing our community links. From the first contact with Bedford Town Football Club, we found a partnership with a Community Football Club who were passionately committed to working with young people in the locality, giving up their time and offering opportunities for our pupils to get involved with the football club. From whole school assemblies to our pupils representing the club as mascots during games. Every single member of the club community, from the director, to the players and manager to the fans have all made our pupils welcome and a real part of the Eagles family. We are extremely proud to be a part of this wonderful partnership that has inspired and empowered our pupils.”

the engagement and development team for children’s services, bedford borough council

“Bedford Town Football Club and those who work or play there are committed to the community in and around Bedford. Working with the club is always a pleasure, and they have helped to bring so much joy to the children, young people and families of the town and beyond.Bedford Town FC are so important in bringing people together, raising awareness of local causes and companies, and providing excellent facilities and support.”

sarah cunningham, community fundraiser – the east anglian air ambulance

“‘Bedford Town Football Club kindly chose to support the East Anglian Air Ambulance during their 21/22 Season. This partnership has been just incredible. Their many fundraising events over the season has gone on to raise over £6,100. Their continuous support and commitment has helped us to be there for our patients in their darkest hour and give the very best chance of survival. 2021 was an incredibly eventful year for EAAA where – with the support of people like you – we were able to push our service forward and make sure that we are continually providing the very best care, whenever we are needed - 24/7, 365 days a year. In June 2021 we were very proud to start flying 24/7 for the first time and will continue to provide a 24/7 service, by air and by road. On behalf of everyone at East Anglian Air Ambulance we would like to thank Bedford Town Football Club, Dan, James, and all the incredible supporters for keeping us flying.”

paul riches skips – shirt & pitchside sponsor

“We would encourage local business to support Bedford Town Football Club. The Eyre has Fantastic Facilities great atmosphere for all the Family, great facilities for both corporate events and Special Occasions. Good luck to the Team.”

mascot experience days

sometimes watching from the stands just isn’t enough!

jane.jones@bedfordeagles.net

Each week, we have hundreds of junior Eagles fans attend matches at The Eyrie. Their passion and excitement is inspiring and gives the team that push they need to succeed. From as little as £40, you can bring your little loved ones behind the scenes to meet the team, interact with the players, receive a matchday programme signed by the squad, warm up with the team and walk out

with them before kick-off. In addition, you’ll see their face light up when they interact with our club mascot, Eyrie the Eagle! Our mascot staff are experienced in youth football from grassroots level, all the way through to the football league. They all hold DBS certification and are fully compliant with safeguarding and emergency first aid to ensure that your little ones’ day at The Eyrie is fun and safe.

whether it’s for a special birthday treat or just an excuse to get involved with the action book a mascot experience day today

bedford town fc youth development

Bedford Town FC Youth Development

(BTFC YD) has been a longestablished club within the local community.

players to win in style and take the ups and downs of sport in their stride and recognise it as a valuable learning experience as well as a fun thing to do. We have two fantastic facilities, Kingsfield and Fiona Way to play out of and call our home. The youth players are coached by FA qualified coaches from Level 1 up to UEFA B, all of whom hold experience and knowledge from playing careers themselves in local and regional football. All coaches are fully compliant and have DBS checks along with Emergency First Aid and Safeguarding to ensure a safe but fun environment to be in to develop and enjoy the game. As with all grassroots football our coaches are volunteers who put everything into their role to make a change and ensure a positive impact on the youth players and local community.

The youth section of the club was first established back in 1989 and then re-established themselves in 2017 under the current club’s name. We are associated to the Beds FA and we hold the FA Charted Standard Club accreditation. BTFC YD has a strong and growing youth set up with over 26 youth teams ranging from u7s to u23s for the 2022/23 season, offering opportunities for the local youth players to come and enjoy their football in an environment that is built on fun and a no-fear football philosophy designed to bring out the best in our youngsters. Improved individual and collective performance are at the heart of everything we do. Yes, we want to win but not at all costs. We want and aim to develop our btfc yd is the place where all young players should aspire to join and be part of which offers fantastic opportunities to play at the highest levels of youth football and offers a pathway to senior football.

how to find & contact us

The Eyrie stadium

Meadow Lane | Cardington

Bedfordshire | MK44 3LW

(01234) 831558 | 831165

WWW.BEDFORDEAGLES.NET

social media

bedfordtown

BedfordTown

bedfordtownfc

youtube.com/eaglesTVBTfc

bedford-town-football-club

JON TAYLOR

DIRECToR

director@bedfordeagles.net

RALPH ALLEN

CHAIRMAn

ralph.allen@bedfordeagles.net

DAN COULTHARD

CoMMERCIAL MAnAgER

commercial@bedfordeagles.net

JAMES SMILES

FooTBALL sECRETARY

james.smiles@bedfordeagles.net