The village of Balsall Common is home to approximately 7,000 people and is situated in the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull, 7 miles (11 km) west of Coventry and 13 miles (21 km) to the east of Birmingham.
Balsall and Berkswell Football Club, more usually referred to as the Hornets, was founded in 1949 and the club achieved FA Charter status in 2007. The club is a member of the local Sports Association which has built a new clubhouse complete with modern changing room facilities at The Lant, Meeting House Lane, Balsall Common.
The club has acquired a permanent home, the Triangle at Lavender Hall Lane, Balsall Common. This property is held on a 25-year lease and is approx. 24,723 m2 (6 acres or 2.4 hectares).
The Hornets has grown over recent seasons and now has 19 teams at every age group from Under 7s to adults with approximately 330 players participating.
The club is grateful for the support of Balsall Parish Council, Berkswell Parish Council, The Lions, and many other local sponsors.
The development aims of the club are as follows:
- Club identity – the club wishes to develop closer links with the community and to promote football for all ages and abilities. Already the club has acquired its own ground (The Triangle), featured in the local media, and established a presence at local community events.
- Player development – the club aims to provide a structured development plan for both player and coach development and to improve the technical skills of players and coaches. In 2010/11 the club partnered with Coerverin providing a structured programme of coaching for both players and coaches. Players have also attended “Just 4Keepers” weekly specialist goalkeeping coaching sessions.
- Finance – the club plans to balance the demands of the club’s development with available resources and remain positive. The membership fee structure covers operating costs whilst sponsors and community support have funded infrastructure investments at the Triangle.
- Facilities – the club wants to develop the Triangle, its home ground, into an excellent all-year-round football facility with well-drained pitches, good changing facilities, and a safe/secure environment. Significant work and investment went into improving the state of the pitches.
