Amateur footballer Prince Obi explains why he decided to set up his own local team

Docklands Albion FC is a local, ambitious, and community-inspired football club based at Douglas Eyre Sports Centre in Walthamstow.

We set this team up just over a year ago to challenge other reputable clubs playing in the highest competitions in the country and to prove that the ‘magic’ still exists throughout all levels of football.

It was important for us to set the team up with the personnel we have; each member of the team has an incredible part to play in its development. Having played at various amateur clubs previously,

As the founder of Docklands Albion, my inspiration to set up the club came from the lack of ambition and opportunities that I felt other grassroots clubs were offering their players. The club is named after where we held our first player trials. Last season, we were competing in the Essex Corinthians Sunday League playing in the second division, and became league champions in our debut season; also reaching a cup semi-final. Both were wonderful achievements for everyone involved.

Albion were founded together with Maxwell Uzodinma and Bob Spinx, who collectively boast 27-plus years of grassroots football experience and working with young players. With growth of the club in mind and as a testament to our staff and players, we decided to make a step up and move into Saturday football for the forthcoming 2017/18 season. We will be plying our trade in the Essex Alliance League, a well-organised league that offers elevation into ‘step seven’ of the English football pyramid.

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Aside from recently applying FA Charter Standard Club status, another indication of our fast growth is us gaining a new partnership with StarBridge Sports Academy, which works with Rushcroft School and Colchester United FC in the development of young, aspiring footballers over at Peter May Sports Centre in Walthamstow.

Our new Docklands under-21 side will be made up of Starbridge Sports boys. Docklands will also be working as a ‘key partner club’ to a local secondary school offering coaching to their year-eight students.

Waltham Forest is our borough and we want to one day become the main name on everyone’s lips when football in the local area is mentioned. The aim of the club is to become an esteemed and unique semi-professional club.

To find out more and get involved:

Visit docklandsalbionfc.co.uk

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