"Football is a universal language. It brings people together, irrespective of their nationalities, cultures or beliefs.”

A quote by the great George Weah that sums up how powerful football can be. I relate to this quote because I feel football is more than just results.

I appreciate that it is very easy to say when (at time of writing) we are just 2 points from winning the Isthmian North division but that is why I have decided to take the time to write this short piece.

For those who don’t know me I was a former West Ham season ticket holder and non league ground hopper. I used to really enjoy ‘ticking off’ new grounds every week enjoy and silently judge facilities and refreshments along the way without the “stress” of the result.

Then in early October I had a mate from Newcastle down for the NFL in London and wanted to take in a game. I noticed that Brentwood Town were at home in the FA Trophy against Cray Wanderers. We got there early and the welcome from the bar staff and the home supporters have created a unique atmosphere that left its mark. Before I realised it I looked up the fixture list and committed to future games while my mate joined all the social media accounts (he's even coming back down to be on the supporters coach at Wroxham Friday!)

As the weeks passed by, the same faces of the regulars became friends as well as the players who also made the time and effort to create a community atmosphere which was something I was clearly lacking when hopping. The WhatsApp group chats and the away day coaches has very quickly made me apart of the Brentwood family which has converted this ground hopper into a club 24 silver member (If the club do the full membership again next season I will be buying).

Brentwood Town has given all the football fix that I need. Of course winning has helped and I know there are many brilliant communities across non league football but the fact the attendances have grown so much since October has shown I am not alone and I have found my home.

I hope our family continues to grow in the 2025/2026 season.

Come on you Blues!

Drew Osborn

Photo: Nick Gunn Photography