Harrow Borough FC offers free tickets as closure threat looms

Harrow Borough FC has distributed hundreds of free tickets for its final pre-season friendly as the South Harrow club battles financial uncertainty that could force its closure by the end of the 2026-27 season. The match against Marlow FC will take place at The Rogers Family Stadium, Earlsmead, on 1 August at 3pm.

The club, founded in 1933 and based at Earlsmead since 1934, is the highest-ranked football team in the London Borough of Harrow. It currently competes in the eighth tier of English football. Despite its long-standing presence in the community, Harrow Borough FC faces severe financial challenges, including rising energy costs, business rates and minimum wage increases.

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Closure warning issued in March

In March, Simon Grigor, secretary of the Harrow Borough FC Vice-Presidents’ Association, warned that the club could cease operations by the end of the season. Grigor told Harrow Online that efforts to sell the ground to a property developer had failed, despite the local authority’s stated commitment to affordable housing.

Grigor said the club had explored a ground-share arrangement to secure short-term funding but described the situation as its "biggest-ever challenge". He appealed to potential investors, stating: "Is there a person, or persons, out there, who’ve always wanted to have a major stake in a football club, and have the financial means to back that wish up? If so, the club would be delighted to talk to you."

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Free tickets aim to reconnect with community

As part of its efforts to engage the local community, Harrow Borough FC has made hundreds of complimentary tickets available for the match against Marlow FC. A limited number of free tickets remain and can be collected from Roxeth Library and The Star pub in South Harrow.

James Clouting, Community Outreach at Harrow Borough FC, said the club is promoting itself as "Football On Your Doorstep". He added: "It’s affordable for everyone and there is rarely a dull game. Under-12s are admitted free with an accompanying adult and the club offers a wide range of concessions."

Harrow Borough FC is one of our borough’s hidden gems. For more than 90 years it has been bringing people together through football, yet many residents don’t realise they have a football stadium right on their doorstep in South Harrow.

Cllr Rashmi Kalu, ward councillor for Roxeth

Cllr Rashmi Kalu, ward councillor for Roxeth, praised the club’s role in the community. She said: "As the highest-ranked football club in the borough, Harrow Borough deserves to be celebrated and supported. Whether you’re a lifelong football fan or looking for a fun, free family day out during the summer holidays, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience live football."

What happens next

The match against Marlow FC on 1 August will serve as a community event to rally support for the club. Harrow Borough FC’s first home league fixture of the season is scheduled for 8 August at 2pm, also at The Rogers Family Stadium.

The club’s long-term future remains uncertain. It is unclear whether potential investors have come forward since Grigor’s appeal in March. Harrow Council has not publicly commented on the club’s financial situation or the failed ground sale negotiations.