MERSTHAM Football Club kicked off its new role at the heart of the community with its inaugural open day.
A weekend-long celebration began with 150 helium balloons being released after Saturday's victorious game against Sittingbourne FC, marking the 150th anniversary of the FA.
Then on Sunday, for the main event, the club opened up its Weldon Way ground to the community.
Local charities and groups set up stalls around the pitch while the youth team took on youngsters from Carshalton Athletic FC.
Daryl Sullivan, the club's youth director, said: "A lot of local people don't know the club is here.
"I thought 'let's get the name out there and welcome the community in'.
"Lots of stall holders got in touch with us which was great.
"We want to put the club at the heart of the community."
Though an early rain shower threatened to put a dampener on the event, the sun soon broke through and both residents and stall holders basked in the success of the day.
Mike Fortune, chairman of the supporters' club, said: "It is going wonderfully, everyone has put in so much effort and that makes it all the more special.
"It is all about bringing in the community and letting people know what we are about."
While the football match entertained regular fans, others enjoyed the bouncy castle and barbecue or chatted to stall holders.
Raffles and auctions on the day raised money for the Alzheimer's Society, but lots of local charities joined in with the event.
Soo Munnery was promoting the Merstham Live at Home centre which will open soon.
She told the Mirror: "It is very friendly. Everyone has been great and it is wonderful that lots of groups are here. It is great to have so many people here to support the club and the community."
The football club hopes to make the open day an annual event.
