Elmstead are embarking on a five-year ambitious development plan, says Fabio Rossi

FC ELMSTEAD manager Fabio Rossi says the club are embarking on an ambitious five-year plan.

The Chislehurst-based club are hoping to be accepted into the Haart of Kent County League by member clubs at the League AGM on 13 June.

The club have secured a groundsharing arrangement with Coney Hall to play at their Tiepigs Lane ground.

Rossi, 51, who left his role as Holmesdale manager in October 2012, said: “Elmstead are embarking on a five-year ambitious football development plan in conjunction with the London FA.  Part of the plan is to continue the growth of the club and aim towards senior status – an ambitious task.

“We have youth teams at virtually every level and we are currently working towards being a charter standard development club.  We run soccer schools for 3-7 year olds at two different sites in Bromley, which are run by KSA (Kent Soccer Academy) and MVD coaching.”

Jack White of MVD coaching will assist Rossi, who was Elmstead’s chairman and treasurer last season.

“We have a small but efficient committee that run the club which was formed in 1958,” said Rossi.

“Our home ground is in Chislehurst, a park run facility owned by Bromley council.  We have a lease on the ground, which has sixteen years left to run but is being renewed to 21 years.

“We have been at our present ground since our inauguration in 1958 and have sole use of the facilities.

“Work started a couple of days ago on the first part of two phases to improve the pitch and facilities at our small but basic ground.

“First phase is to level and drain our pitches. This has been made possible by securing £95,000 made up through various sponsors and a grant from The Football Association.

“The second phase is to rebuild our present clubhouse for what is expected to cost around £250,000.

“Next season, we will be groundsharing at Coney Hall FC, which has far superior facilities than our own and has a much more of a non-league ground feel to it.  Our thanks to them for taking us on.

“Our team for Saturday’s next season will be based around our two successful Sunday sides that compete in the Metropolitan Sunday League.  Between them in the last three seasons they have been promoted five times (twice as champions), reached three cup finals, winning one.

“We hope to be competitive and look forward (if voted in) to being part of the Kent County League.”

Visit FC Elmstead’s website: www.fcelmstead.co.uk