Erith Town has announced an exciting new signing ahead of the 2025/26 season — a permanent home for its youth teams.
The Isthmian League South East Division club has signed a two-year deal to manage and use the Peabody-owned pitches at Crossway Park.
In previous seasons, coaches of each of the Dockers’ 20 youth teams struggled to book a variety of different grounds across Bexley for training and matches.
They now have a home ground conveniently located next to the first-team stadium at Sporting Club Thamesmead. Total Development Academy (TDA) football club will also continue to play on the Crossway Park pitches as it celebrates its tenth season.
“To have a facility like Crossway Park, where all our young players can enhance their football, is fantastic,” said the Erith Town’s Head of Youth and Community, Michael Avery. “It will see us build on our solid foundations in the borough over the last couple of years.
“We would like to thank TDA for supporting us with this important new arrangement, and Peabody for their continued support.”
Since relocating to Thamesmead in 2022, the club has enjoyed success on and off the pitch. The first team won promotion in its second season in the town. At the same time, the youth programme has expanded rapidly, providing more opportunities for local youngsters to develop their skills.
The club also offers free football sessions for young people with disabilities, walking sessions for older players, and dedicated mental health initiatives.
“Football is a great way to bring communities together,” said Peabody’s Head of Community Properties, Fiona Hamilton. “We know how important it is for Erith Town’s youth teams to have a permanent home, and we're so pleased to support them with this.
“Being right next to the first team at our community facility, Sporting Club Thamesmead, is an added bonus for the players. It's fantastic to see the club grow and to provide quality spaces for them to do this. I wish all the players the very best of luck for the new season.”
Find out more about Sporting Club Thamesmead