Events at North Greenford United Football Club and Club House, Greenford

About North Greenford United Football Club and Club House

North Greenford United FC, known locally as “The Blues,” is a grassroots football club in North Greenford (Greenford, Ealing) with a dedicated clubhouse. Founded in 1944 (www.northgreenfordutdfc.co.uk), it serves as one of Greenford’s two non-league teams (alongside London Tigers) (www.allhallowsnorthgreenford.org.uk). The club’s home ground is Berkeley Fields (Berkeley Avenue, Greenford, UB6 0NX (www.northgreenfordutdfc.co.uk)), an open-air football stadium with a capacity of about 2,000 spectators (www.northgreenfordutdfc.co.uk). It features the club’s social HQ, a bar and social area for members and fans. North Greenford is notable for its long community presence: it won the Combined Counties League title in 2009–10 and spent several seasons in the Southern League (www.northgreenfordutdfc.co.uk). Today it competes in the Combined Counties Premier Division North, wearing an all-blue home kit (hence “The Blues”) with white and red as its away colours. The venue is modest but cherished by local supporters – essentially a traditional non-league stadium with friendly local atmosphere. Floodlights were added in 2002 (www.northgreenfordutdfc.co.uk), enabling evening matches at the ground.

Events and Programming

Berkeley Fields hosts mainly football matches. The first team plays weekend fixtures in the Combined Counties League (Premier Division North) throughout the season, with kick-offs usually on Saturdays or midweek evenings, especially for cup games. Youth and development squads (such as an under-18s team) also play here, as the club develops local talent. In recent years North Greenford has had notable cup runs: for example, the club reached the quarter-final of the national FA Vase in 2023–24 (www.northgreenfordutdfc.co.uk). Beyond official matches, the club occasionally holds friendly and charity games, and the social club hosts events like the annual presentation evening. Programming is primarily football-oriented; there are no regular non-sporting concerts or performances at the venue. Fans turn up to see local league football action, and big derbies (such as local matches or senior-cup ties) can draw larger crowds. Ticket prices for first-team home games are very affordable (around £9 for adults, £4 for concessions (www.northgreenfordutdfc.co.uk)), reflecting the community-driven nature of the club. The schedule of fixtures and occasional events is posted on the club’s website and noticeboards at the ground.

Tickets and Booking

North Greenford United operates a simple ticketing system. Match tickets are usually sold on entry at the turnstile or clubhouse window on game days; there is no large box office or advanced online sales system. As of 2024, adult admission for a first-team game is £9, with concessions (students, OAPs, children) at £4 (www.northgreenfordutdfc.co.uk). Some fans purchase an annual membership card (when available) which provides a season pass and discounts on club merchandise – the club typically advertises membership in pre-season news. For important or popular matches (for instance, local derbies or cup games), it’s wise to arrive early to secure a good spot. There are generally no seat reservations – entry is first-come, first-served. If in doubt, check the club’s website or social media for any presale updates, but for most games you can simply pay at the gate on the day.

Seating and Layout

Berkeley Fields is a traditional non-league ground: the pitch is surrounded by simple stands and terraces rather than elaborate seating. On one side there is a small covered stand with plastic seats (a few dozen seats) for spectators. Outside the stand, most viewing is on uncovered terracing or flat areas around the pitch perimeter. Fans often stand along the touchlines or sit on low benches; there is no formal general-admission bench or bleacher seating beyond the main stand. The best views are typically from the covered stand or from ground level opposite the players’ benches. The far ends behind the goals offer a close-up view of goalmouth action (though these spots are fully unshaded). Because of this layout, on sunny or rainy days you’ll mostly be in the open, so plan accordingly. The near stand is also the place to sit if you prefer being covered by a roof, especially during rainy weather. Sightlines are straightforward – there are no visual obstructions – but remember that much of the ground is standing-room, so bringing a folding chair is not needed. Acoustically, the ground is simple: there is a public-address system for announcements, but no special amplification. A typical crowd noise carries around the field. Fans and players both report the ground as “tidy with a friendly bar” (www.footballgroundmap.com) – in other words, a no-frills layout that suits grassroots football.

Getting There and Parking

Address: Berkeley Fields, Berkeley Avenue, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 0NX (www.northgreenfordutdfc.co.uk). The venue lies just south of the A40 (Western Avenue) on Berkeley Avenue, near Greenford Green.

By Car: From the M25 (Junction 16) or A40, follow signs for Greenford. From the A40/A312, take the Greenford exit (A4127) and head north. After passing under the railway bridge, turn right into Berkeley Avenue. Drive down the avenue, through the public car park at the end, and you will arrive at the ground (www.northgreenfordutdfc.co.uk). By following local signs, the Berkeley Fields public car park is immediately adjacent to the ground (www.ealing.gov.uk). Parking here is generally free, as it is managed by the council, but spaces are limited (they tend to fill up on busy match days). Some on-street parking may be available in the surrounding residential streets in the evening, but watch for any parking restrictions or permit zones.

By Public Transport: Greenford Station is closest – it serves both Great Western (Elizabeth Line) and London Underground (Central Line) trains. It’s about a 10-minute walk (roughly half a mile) south of the ground (www.northgreenfordutdfc.co.uk). Simply exit Greenford station onto Station Road, then walk a short distance to the junction with Oldfield Lane. From there, walk south along Berkeley Avenue to reach Berkeley Fields. Nearby tube stations include Greenford (Central line) and Sudbury Hill (Piccadilly line) – both require a slightly longer walk (Sudbury Hill is under a mile away). Several buses run on Greenford Road (A4127) just east of Berkeley Avenue – notable routes include the 95 and 92 – linking to South Harrow, Acton, Ealing and beyond. After the match, taxis and rideshares can pick up on Berkeley Avenue or Greenford Road. The venue is also not far from the A40 corridor, so it’s straightforward for buses or cars coming from central London or westbound out of London.

Inside the Venue

Visitors enter through a small gate area by the clubhouse. Expect a friendly, informal entry – there is usually a couple of stewards checking tickets and wearing club gear. There is no heavy security or bag search as you’d find at larger grounds, but fans are asked to behave responsibly. Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed and community-driven. You’ll find a small clubhouse building (the “social club” or bar) on site – this has a seating area with a few tables, a bar counter serving beer, spirits and soft drinks, and club memorabilia on the walls. The bar often stays open before, during breaks, and after matches, giving a “living room” feel to the ground. Beer is sold at reasonable non-commercial prices; you may find basic snacks or pre-packaged crisps at the bar, but there is typically no kitchen for hot food (some visit may bring a burger van on busy match days).

Toilets are located in the clubhouse building. If the clubhouse is busy, you may alternatively use facilities at a nearby pub (see nearby amenities). The clubhouse is dog-friendly, and local fans often bring their pets on a lead (whatpub.com). In fact, WhatPub notes “Disabled Access”, a garden, and even a smoking area as part of the club facilities (whatpub.com). Expect those features: many visitors note the ground as having disabled ramps and a pleasant enclosed garden often in fair weather. The club’s wifi or mobile signal is typical of suburban London – you can usually get mobile data on the main networks, but the ground itself doesn’t have a public Wi-Fi hotspot. Bring your phone for photos or social media (phone signal is fine on the site), but there’s no official app or scoreboard beyond the manual chalkboard or board near the clubhouse showing the scoreline. Merchandise is very limited; you may see scarves or jerseys available behind the bar, but it’s best to buy in advance or via the club if you want official team gear. Overall, inside the venue you’ll find a basic but homey environment – plenty of chatter, the clinking of pints, and the crack of the ball as players warm up. As one reviewer put it, it’s a “tidy ground with a friendly bar” (www.footballgroundmap.com).

Nearby Amenities

Although Berkeley Fields is somewhat suburban, a handful of food and drink options lie within walking distance. Across Berkeley Avenue and a short stroll west (about 5–10 minutes) is The Ballot Box pub (www.ealing.gov.uk) – a traditional local pub on Ballot Box Lane, which offers real ale, pub food, and even a bowling green. This pub also has public restrooms which match-goers sometimes use (www.ealing.gov.uk). On Greenford Road (a few minutes walk northeast) there are cafés and takeaway eateries: for example, a Starbucks and a café called Sitos serve hot drinks and snacks. Nearby are also a few restaurants – including an Indian restaurant and a bubble tea shop – for pre- or post-game meals. If visiting teams need refreshments, the club’s own bar should suffice; otherwise the adjacent pubs (such as Moloney’s Irish pub and The Railway Hotel, both about 5–10 minutes away on foot) provide additional options with full pub menus.

For travel onwards or accommodation, note that Greenford has no major hotels directly adjacent. The closest hotels are in the wider Ealing area (for instance, in Ealing Broadway or near the A40). Fans coming from further away often stay in Ealing (reachable by Central Line or local bus) or near Heathrow (via the A40) and take public transit to the ground on match day. After late games, tube and rail service from Greenford station usually runs until about midnight, making travel fairly easy. The immediate vicinity of the stadium is mostly residential and sports fields, so your best nearby spots for a nightcap or dinner are the pubs and cafés mentioned above before or after the match.

What Makes This Venue Special

North Greenford’s ground stands out for its authentic community atmosphere. It’s not a showroom stadium, but rather a beloved local sports ground where generations of families have gathered. The very modest size (capacity ~2,000) means fans are up close to the action and often know each other. Many supporters highlight the friendly vibe – the small clubhouse and bar create a family-like setting after the game, and as one visitor remarked, “it feels more like a friendly meeting of neighbours than a commercial stadium” (www.footballgroundmap.com). Historically, Berkeley Fields has witnessed some memorable moments: in 2010, North Greenford clinched the Combined Counties League championship (www.northgreenfordutdfc.co.uk) and earned promotion, a career highlight for the club. More recently, the 2023–24 season saw “the most club history in cup competitions” when the team reached the FA Vase quarter-finals for the first time (www.northgreenfordutdfc.co.uk) (only falling to Romford by a single goal). These cup runs and championship titles are part of the club lore, celebrated by banners at the ground and in conversation among locals.

The venue’s architecture is typical for a small club – no grand stands, just a blue-painted clubhouse and a simple metal floodlight structure – but that’s exactly its charm. The friendly gate stewards, the post-match pint at the bar, and the lack of corporate sponsor signage make it a genuine “grassroots” football experience. Off the pitch, the economic and cultural impact is felt in the local community: the club sponsors youth teams and events, providing a sporting outlet for young people in North Greenford. Local businesses (like the club sponsor Hazgreen) support the club, reflecting a tight community bond. While it may lack the pop stars or glitz of larger arenas, Berkeley Fields is special because it’s woven into Greenford’s everyday life. Both players and spectators remark on the home advantage of playing in familiar local surroundings and a strong crowd of local fans, and artists enjoy a boisterous, close-up crowd, even if the lighting and sound are basic. In short, North Greenford United and its clubhouse offer an unpretentious, loyal-football culture that fans of “proper” non-league football cherish.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: The ground is wheelchair-accessible. Ramps lead from the car park to the covered stand, and the clubhouse bar has step-free access (whatpub.com). The same source notes “Disabled Access” as a feature (whatpub.com). There are likely a few spaces for wheelchair users along the touchline with unobstructed views.

What to Bring: On matchdays, casual attire is fine – most fans stick to jeans, trainers or boots, and layers (the stands offer no heating). Because there’s minimal cover, bring waterproofs or an umbrella if rain is forecast, and sun protection in summer. Cash is recommended – while the club bar should accept card, smaller clubs sometimes prefer cash for food and drink. A camera or smartphone is welcomed; supporters often snap photos (no ban on photography for personal use). Feel free to wear North Greenford colours (blue) or even branded merch if you have it – though official shirts are mostly sold online or by special order.

Arrival Time: It’s wise to arrive at least 30 minutes before kick-off to get entry and a good spot, especially for big games. The clubhouse typically opens about an hour before kickoff, and the game officials (referee, linesmen) arrive about 15–20 minutes beforehand. The turnstile manned by club volunteers usually stands closed up until then, so plan accordingly.

Bar and Food: The club bar opens to supporters before and after the match. It’s primarily a members’ bar, but on matchdays away supporters and guests are normally allowed⁣. One reminder: WhatPub (a pub guide) notes this venue may be “members only” outside match times (whatpub.com), so if you plan a non-match visit you should verify hours. Inside, the bar sells alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at reasonable prices. Outside food (packed lunches, snacks) is generally allowed, though glass bottles or outside alcohol are not. Check with gate stewards if you have doubts. The Ballot Box pub next door often welcomes fans for a meal or pint too.

Rules and Etiquette: Basic ground rules apply – no smoking inside the clubhouse (there’s a smoking area outside) (whatpub.com); no swinging bats or sparklers on the terrace (for safety). Dogs are permitted around the ground (fans often bring pets on leads) since the club is dog-friendly (whatpub.com), but keep them controlled. There are no strict dress codes beyond weather-appropriate clothing. Mobile phones calls or selfies are fine, but avoid harsh photography or flash during the game. If you’re unsure about anything on arrival (where to queue, etc.), the friendly stewards and supporters will gladly help.

Weather Policies: The pitch is natural grass and relatively well-drained, but very heavy rain or frost can cause postponements. The club will announce match cancellations on its website or social media if the pitch is unplayable. If match conditions do change suddenly, any alternative arrangements will be communicated similarly. But normally matches go ahead even in light rain or cold – so dress accordingly.

Planning Your Visit: Pair your trip with local spots: Greenford Broadway (a short walk or bus ride away) offers shops and a market if arriving early. Late-night travel: Central Line trains from Greenford run until roughly midnight most nights. Finally, remember this is a community club – cheering respectfully with the home crowd and treating the volunteers well will make your visit smooth. Supporters often sing classic football chants if you join in. Above all, expect a warm welcome: North Greenford fans are passionate about their team and proud to showcase their “local” ground to visitors. Enjoy the genuine local-football experience.

Frequently Asked Questions