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Non League Football Under The Microscope

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Eastbourne Borough fans celebrate - August Bank Holiday Monday 2003                                Photograph by Sam Hicks

Tiptree United FC

Chapel Road, Tiptree, Essex CO5 0RA
Telephone: 01621 815213
Nickname: The Jam Makers
Eastern Counties League
Website

Note Relatively little has been published about Tiptree’s Chapel Road ground, so I wasn’t expecting too much from my visit. Nevertheless, Peter Miles’ comment of ‘delightful’ is pretty accurate. Visiting for the first time was very much a pleasant surprise, with surrounding housing lending it a certain intimacy. Tiptree is famous for its strawberries and jam, hence the club’s nickname; and there is also a very nice windmill nearby. However, an early visit is strongly advised. During the 2006/07 season pitch-laying work began at the club’s Colchester Road training ground, where the Jam Makers hope to relocate as soon as possible, with Chapel Road having already been sold for housing

The club was formed in 1933 and appear to have always played at Chapel Road, although the ground has only really been developed since the club gained entry into the Eastern Counties League in 1979.

The smart brick stand that straddles the far touchline had its roof rebuit following storm damage and seats 150, with ivy protuding between the rear wall and the roof. The latter has the club name on a fascia board, whilst ‘TUFC’ is also picked out in white, on the front brickwork. Opposite are some smart dugouts, sheltering beneath the foliage that extends much of the the length of the touchline. The far end of the ground is open and has a tall hedge and strategically placed netting to catch stray balls. Further cover is provided by means of an extension to the rear wall of the rather unattractive stark rear brick wall of clubhouse behind the near goal. DB