Salisbury Hall and Blades Playing Fields is a renowned football pitch located in London, specifically in East London near the old Walthamstow Dog Track. Established in 2015, it serves as the home ground for AFC Leyton, a fully independent girls-only football club that operates for girls aged 3 to 17, as well as women aged 18 and above.
One of the distinguishing features of Salisbury Hall and Blades Playing Fields is that it is not affiliated with any male football club. As a result, every penny that the club receives is reinvested into the training, matches, and overall experiences of the girls and young women involved. This commitment to reinvestment sets AFC Leyton apart from nearly all other girls and women's teams.
The club takes great pride in being one of the largest in the country, with hundreds of female members. This allows for a diverse and supportive community that promotes personal development and fosters a strong sense of team spirit. The talented and dedicated coaches at AFC Leyton all share the same values and work diligently to develop the girls and young women both as successful footballers and as good citizens and team players.
Salisbury Hall and Blades Playing Fields has gained recognition for its exceptional standards and commitment to child protection, quality coaching, and implementation of the Respect programme. It holds the prestigious designations of being both an FA Charter Standard Club and an Arsenal Sister Club, reflecting its well-run and sustainable operations.
The pitch itself is conveniently located behind Sainsburys Low Hall, just off the Billet Roundabout. It offers free car parking for up to three hours on the Sainsburys Car Park, ensuring ease of access for players and their families. With its central location in East London, Salisbury Hall and Blades Playing Fields is easily accessible for participants from a variety of nearby areas such as Waltham Forest, Chingford, Walthamstow, Leyton, Redbridge, Woodford, Fairlop, Essex, and even wider London.
In addition to regular training and matches, Salisbury Hall and Blades Playing Fields also hosts pay and play football sessions that are open to all ages and skill levels. Beginners are especially welcome to join these sessions, which provide a no-commitment opportunity to give football a try. The fees for these sessions vary depending on age group, ranging from free for early years participants aged 3 to 6, to 7 for primary and secondary school-aged players, and 5 for those aged 16 and above (FA Just Play).
Overall, Salisbury Hall and Blades Playing Fields offers a top-notch football facility for women and girls in East London. With its dedicated coaches, supportive community, and commitment to personal development, AFC Leyton provides a unique and transformative football experience for all its members.