Hurstpierpoint FC was formed in 1888 and originally played on a pitch near ‘Danny’ House, an Elizabethan mansion with extensive grounds, until moving to its current premises at Fairfield Recreation Ground.

Hurst were amongst the founder members of Sussex County Division Three in 1983/84, where they have remained ever since. The club’s highest final league position has been fifth on two occasions: in 1987/88 and 1996/97. Prior to joining the County League, the majority of Hurst’s history was as a member of the Mid Sussex League, where they enjoyed considerable success in both league and cup competitions.

The club has always struggled to attract support, perhaps not helped by the relative success in recent times of neighbours Burgess Hill Town and Hassocks. Indeed, in 2003/04 Hurstpierpoint had the dubious distinction of being the worst supported in the entire County League, although 2006/07 saw a small increase in attendances. Paradoxically that season also marked the club's most disappointing finishing position for several years: just one place off the foot of the table, albeit 15 points clear of bottom club Bosham.

Description of ground
Hurstpierpoint has played its games at Fairfield Recreation ground for more than fifty years. The playing pitch is council-owned and maintained, but the pavilion (clubhouse), which is a short distance from the pitch, is under the joint ownership of the football and cricket clubs.

Fairfield is one of those delightful Division Three grounds that is transformed on Saturday afternoons from a public recreation ground. When I last visited in the autumn of 2005, the small dugouts were still being manhandled into position on matchdays: quite a trek from the Clubhouse, and on the far side of the pitch. In additon, Hurstpierpoint were probably the last remaining club in the County League to erect a rope barrier on match days, but erected a permanent barrier on three sides for the 2004/05 season. As then Chairman Dave Jeans commented at the time: “it should provide a professional feel to the club, and might even stop the dogs crapping on the pitch!”.

In the future there is a possibily that Fairfield Rec may be purchased for housing development. However, part of the sales agreement would ensure that new facilities are provided, possibly on the adjacent farm land, and no obvious progress appears to have been made of late.

Directions
From the A23, turn onto the B2116 towards Hurstpierpoint & Hassocks. At Hurstpierpoint crossroads (mini roundabout) shortly before entering the village, turn left into Cuckfield Road (B2117). The entrance to the ground (signposted) is on the right hand side, between house nos. 158 and 160. Car parking adjacent to the clubhouse.

Nearest railway station: Hassocks (2 miles)

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