Work has begun on preparing the site for a new concrete pathway along two sides of the Old Spotted Dog Ground.

As part of the Old Spotted Dog Ground Trust’s Accessibility Improvement Project, Clapton CFC members and the wider local community donated £10,000 to help create new paths and new fencing.

The plan is to create level, durable walkways along the southern side (Ham Park Road, where the seated stand is located) and eastern side (Walter Tull Way, in front of the clubhouse) of the pitch. 

In the first stage of the works in March 2026, volunteers installed new perimeter fencing in those areas of the ground. The fencing is made from recycled scaffolding poles and is nearer to the pitch to create more space for the paths.

It was not possible during the season to remove the old fencing meaning we ended the season with two fences. However, that has now been removed.

In June 2026. volunteers started the process of removing and relocating the existing soil and turf for the new pathway itself.

Using two three-tonne dumper trucks, the material was transported to the bank at the Margery Park Road end of the site (the other end to the clubhouse).

In addition, several tonnes of hardcore have been delivered and have now been laid to form the foundation for the new concrete path.

The next stage is the laying of the rebar and concrete which will happen in the next few weeks.

The aim is to have the project completed before the Clapton CFC Men’s First Team’s big friendly against New York International on Saturday, July 18.

Thanks to volunteers who have put in a huge shift so far to make the ground more accessible. Thanks again also to the generosity of everyone who donated to the appeal.