Pioneers of Bengali/Asian Football

During the late 1980's Newark decided to lead the way by taking Bengali/Asian football further thus becoming the first Bengali team from Tower Hamlets to play in an affiliated league. Newark joined the Abbey Gauge South Essex League in the 1989/90 season. The following season, Newark won the East London Floodlight League, First Division Cup in 1990/91 season.

This was a major step for a local team and paved the way for many other local teams to play league football. It was a learning experience because no other local team had played organised 11-aside football at that time. Players overcame many barriers particularly learning to play the 11-aside game and coping with racial abuse especially at away games. Some of the players from this team took the learning experience and later set up their own teams in the East London area.

During the 1990’s and 2000’s, Newark continued to move around and play in different leagues with the main aim of moving local football to the next level. Newark played in the Asian League, Inner London Amateur Football League, London Commercial League and now playing in the Essex Business Houses Football League. Today Newark is one of 2 local teams to play Saturday football, again leading the way.

Newark has been instrumental in the development of Sporting Bengal – one of two Bengali/Asian teams in the UK to play senior football. Newark has been releasing its players to play for Sporting Bengal since its establishment in 1996. Every year 5-6 Newark players make the Sporting first team.

Pioneers of Youth Football

In 1996 Newark Youth London took the initiative to set up a youth team to develop the next generation of players. This was a major step because no other local team had a youth team or youth development structure. Newark showed how important it was to develop new talents for the future.

Newark now has 3 youth teams playing in the Newham Youth League and is the sole Asian representative in the league. Newark is hoping to build on this and increase the number of teams. Newark youth teams have had lot of success playing in local leagues. The youth teams have won the SNC League 3 times and are currently playing in the Tower Hamlets Summer Youth League.

Football & Beyond

Newark has been successful on the football front for over two decades. It is now in the process of diversifying and moving into other areas of work with young people. It is using football to educate young people, providing advice and guidance and helping them to grow up and become better citizens.

Newark has always used football to educate young people, give them responsibility and improve self-esteem. We now have an after school club, a volunteering programme and regularly organise day trips and residentials. We are looking to expand into other areas and provide a comprehensive range of services for young people.

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