Hassocks FC was founded in 1902, spending the first eighty years competing in Mid Sussex Junior and Intermediate football. Ambitions for senior football were realised in 1982 when the club became members of Division Two of the Sussex County League, until a change in the County Rules saw Hassocks demoted to Division Three in 1988.

In 1991/92 the club returned to Division Two as champions, and relocated from the local recreation ground at Adastra Park to its own ground at The Beacon, which has since undergone considerable development by club members, including extensive work to the drainage.

Hassocks finished third in Division Two in 1993/94, but were promoted the following season as runners-up to Mile Oak. Since then, Hassocks have comfortably remained in the top Division of the County League and, Season 2005/06 was marked by an excellent run in the FA Cup, with the Robins eventually losing one-nil at home to Dulwich Hamlet in the 2nd Qualifying Round in front of a crowd of 320. In spite of what many considered to be a major loss when striker Pat Harding joined Eastbourne Borough at the beginning of 2006/07, Hassocks were instead led by long serving manager Dave John to their highest ever League placing.

Although the Robins lived for some time in the shadow of its more successful neighbours Burgess Hill Town, the club has in many ways shown itself to be a ‘model’ Non League club in the way it has progressed up the pyramid and developed its facilities, whilst retaining a strict amateur ethos. Certainly, having gone from strength to strength both on and off the pitch, it no longer be considered the 'poor relation' and is now arguably the more progressive of the two.

Description of ground
On a bright afternoon or summer’s evening, The Beacon - the home of Hassocks FC since 1992 - is undeniably one of the most picturesque grounds in the Sussex County League, located near the small village of Clayton and overlooked by two windmills - “Jack & Jill” - two well-known Sussex landmarks. “Jill” has been completely restored and is open to the public. On occasions, visibility for evening games can be affected by mist that has a tendency to develop.

The Beacon has undergone numerous improvements over the past few years. Floodlights were erected in 1995 as a consequence of fund-raising and the generosity of the late Matthew Harding, a resident of nearby Ditching and Vice-Chairman of Chelsea FC. Harding's son Joel is currently the club goalkeeper; whilst another son, Pat, was a prolific goal sorer before joining Eastbourne Borough in 2006.

In the summer of 2002 a new stand was erected on the far side of the pitch as part of the Club’s centenary celebrations, along with new dugouts on the near side. The rake of the seating is not great but thankfully the club resisted the temptation to install bright red seats and instead opted for dark green: far more in keeping with the surroundings (the floodlight pylons are also green). The white gates leading onto the pitch are a nice touch. There is shallow banking behind the near goal affording a good view, and there are further long term plans for redevelopment to the Railway End of the ground.

The end of the 2006/07 season saw an impressive new clubhouse almost complete on the near side of the pitch. From 2007/08 this will replace its rather elderly predecessor which afforded some protection from the elements beneath an overhanging roof. The downside of this development appears to have been a reduction in car parking facilities, although this may only prove to be a temporary problem. Improvements to the ground have seen it favoured for staging SCFL Cup Finals.

Directions
From the A23 , turn off onto the A273 (signposted Hassocks). Go up the hill and when you come down on the far side follow the road round to the left, across the railway bridge with the Jack and Jill pub on your left hand side. The entrance to the ground is about 300 metres past the pub on the right, just before the large entrance to the garden centre. There is a sign by the gate. If you reach the garden centre on your right you have gone too far.

Nearest railway station: Hassocks (approx. 20 mins walk).

Map (link to www.streetmap.co.uk)