YEOFORD village has a history of football teams; the first played in the late forties and early fifties.

It began again in 1956 with the formation of Yeoford United and our photograph shows the team in 1961. Several of those players still live locally.

In those days matches were played in a local farmer's field and changing facilities apparently left something to be desired.

In 1992, thanks to monies raised by the Yeoford Fun Days which will be remembered by many, land was bought for a recreation ground at the end of Yeo View and work began to turn a previously wooded area into a decent recreation field.

Initially only basic drainage was installed and for some time it was possible to play friendly matches from late spring to early autumn, at other times it was just too wet.

In early 2014, after many years' deliberation and hard work by numerous local volunteers, the village had a brand new Community Hall on the site, thanks mainly to The Big Lottery Fund. Included in the building were excellent changing facilities.

Shortly afterwards a major drainage project was carried out, thanks to funding from Mid Devon District Council's Section 106 funding.

The icing on the cake has been a grant from Sport England for various new goal posts and nets.

It is expected that a team will play in the Exeter and District Sunday League from September 2015 with a core of local players and it is hoped that Murray Smith (01363 85045) will lead the team.

Secretary of the club is David Lucking (01363 84988). Anyone with an interest is welcome to telephone either person.

Sue Read