Soccer Zone, the renowned football facility located in Halesowen, has become a true pillar of the community. Nigel Quashie, alongside his partner Kerry Clarke, their talented son Brayden (who is already making waves at just 15 years old), and Kerry's father Ian, have worked tirelessly to save and revamp the former Powerleague site, turning it into a haven for football enthusiasts.
Nigel's IPDA football academy, housed within Soccer Zone, boasts an impressive roster of over 200 budding players, aged between 5 and 14 years old, who benefit from his expert coaching on a weekly basis. The facility's top-notch amenities not only benefit the academy but also the wider community and local football teams, providing an excellent space for honing football skills and simply enjoying the beautiful game.
But Soccer Zone offers more than just pitch-perfect facilities. It is also the ideal spot for hosting unforgettable birthday parties, offering the fantastic opportunity to celebrate amidst the thrill of football. With pitches and rooms available for hire, the possibilities for creating memorable experiences are endless.
The history of football in Halesowen runs deep, with the prominent Halesowen Harriers F.C. taking centre stage. Established in 1961 by the visionary Derek Beasley, the club initially began as a Sunday league team, forced to play away games due to local regulations. However, their dedication and talent soon propelled them to join the esteemed Festival League in 1962, where they clinched several championship titles.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1980 when Halesowen Harriers F.C. reached the semi-final stage of the FA Sunday Cup, marking a defining milestone for the club. In 1984, they made the notable switch to Saturday football, becoming proud members of the illustrious West Midlands (Regional) League. Their inaugural season in the league witnessed an astounding triumph, as they clinched the championship title. Furthermore, the Harriers achieved back-to-back championships in the 1985-86 season, securing them a well-deserved place in the prestigious Premier Division.
For eight seasons, the Harriers thrived in the Premier Division, even achieving a commendable third-place finish in the 1988-89 season. During this period, they also embarked on an impressive run in the FA Vase, reaching the third round. In 1994, they became one of the founding members of the esteemed Midland Football Alliance, further solidifying their place in football history.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. The Halesowen Harriers played their final match against Causeway United on the 28th of April, 2003. Throughout their existence, the club experienced various grounds as their home, starting with park pitches in Bartley Green and Kingstanding. In 1969, they initiated a ground-sharing agreement with Halesowen Town. The Harriers eventually laid down roots in 1984 with their very own ground at Park Road in Halesowen, boasting a capacity of 4,000 and 350 seats. It was during a friendly match against Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1988 that the highest attendance of 672 was recorded.
In 2003, Powerleague stepped in, acquiring the ground and transforming it into a thriving 5-a-side complex. Fast-forward to 2019, and Soccer Ltd took over, resulting in a complete renovation which gave birth to the state-of-the-art Soccer Zone complex that we know and love today.
So, whether you're a seasoned football player, an aspiring talent, or simply someone who appreciates the game, Soccer Zone in Halesowen is the go-to destination for all your football-related needs. Come join us and experience the true spirit of the beautiful game in this outstanding facility created with a passion for football and a commitment to the community.
