Hanworth Villa FC

Hanworth Villa FC

The re-opening of Rectory Meadow

19 September 2025

Hanworth Villa Celebrate Re-Opening of Rectory Meadow with Stunning New Facilities

On Saturday 12th September, after three months of hard work by our contractors, Blakedown Sport & Play, and our small but dedicated team of staff and volunteers, Rectory Meadow officially re-opened following a huge summer refit.

This project required immense effort, detailed planning, and real teamwork but Hanworth Villa have delivered something remarkable: a brand-new pitch, an upgraded Fans Zone, and significant improvements to the ground. To complete such a transformation between the end of last season and complete just a few weeks into the new one is a huge achievement not achieved by many clubs.

Opening Ceremony

As we hosted Hayes & Yeading United, the club was proud to welcome special guests, including former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy, who carried out the official ribbon-cutting before kick-off. McCarthy was joined by volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who have all played a role in helping the club reach this milestone.

Other guests included Cllr. Amy Croft (Mayor of Hounslow), local councillors, and representatives from our main sponsors Blakedown, Refresh Dental, Safe Drive Systems, and KS Teamwear as well as, of course, our loyal volunteers.

As a gesture of thanks, our contractor Blakedown were presented with a framed Hanworth Villa shirt, recognising the outstanding efforts they went to in delivering the project to such a high standard and at the speed it was delivered. 

The Pitch

The new artificial pitch is of the highest grade available and forms a cornerstone of our long-term “One Club, One Home” strategy. It features a FIFA-quality 3G high-performance shock pad and the latest PRO-gran infill, which, unlike traditional black rubber crumb, is green.

This modern surface design:

  • Greatly reduces splash and odour
  • Lowers surface temperature
  • Reduces skin abrasion risk by up to 25%
  • Meets and exceeds EU environmental standards, releasing no heavy metals or microplastics

Not only will this pitch reduce postponements for our first team and ground-share partners London Samurai, but it will also host more youth fixtures and community training sessions. Local clubs, football groups, and schools will also be able to hire the facility ensuring the next generation of players have access to first-class facilities.

Supporter Accommodation

Improvements have been made to all sides of Rectory Meadow. Fans can now watch the game from any of the four sides, with newly laid pathways creating a safer, smoother, and more comfortable experience.

Highlights include:

  • A newly improved covered terrace for up to 120 supporters
  • A brand-new 200-seat stand, dedicated to our chairman’s father and club founder, Jim Connor
  • Additional flat areas behind the goals and alongside the new stand, with scope for future expansion if required

Spectator Facilities

Our Fans Zone, sponsored by Safe Drive Systems, now boasts a brand-new pitch-side bar, improved catering outlets, and extra seating for fans to enjoy before, during, and after matches.

The football-themed bar offers draught lager, beer, cider, soft drinks, and snacks. Remarkably, the entire bar was built by a dedicated group of volunteers, whose commitment ensured it was ready in time for opening day. Pop in, and you may well be served by the very team who made it happen!

Food facilities have also been upgraded, with new equipment, refrigeration, and extraction systems. This means quicker service, a wider menu, and fresher food. Staples include burgers with a range of toppings (from salad to chilli), hot dogs, and chips with favourites like cheesy chips and chilli chips available.

Looking Ahead

We truly believe Rectory Meadow is now among the best community stadiums in non-league football, offering outstanding facilities for players and fans alike, and we are not finished yet there is lots more come over the next few years!

We can’t wait to welcome supporters both old friends and new visitors to come and experience it for themselves.

Hanworth Villa is ready for the future. One Club. One Home.