It has taken close to 10 years, but Hersham FC have finally made good on its amibitions.

Chairman Peter Baker and mayor of Elmbridge Councillor Jan Fuller offically opened five new pitches on Sunday to finish a project that effectively started when the 39-year-old club moved to its Desborough Island home in 2006.

Since then Hersham FC has grown from fielding just two men’s teams and a small youth section to a club that caters for footballers aged five years old right through to senior levels.

Baker and his team have recently negotiated a new 25 year lease for the ground with Elmbridge Council and upgraded facilities with the help of a £47,000 grant from Sport England.

Where people once camped, lit fires and often vandalised the small clubhouse, there now stands a vast club providing football facilities for its members and the wider community.

“It was the club's ambition to provide affordable football for all and the highest quality facilities and coaching,” said Baker.

Job done.