A tour of football grounds in South Devon starts at Wall Park

Welcome to our new winter feature in The Torbay Weekly, as we take a tour of the magnificent local football grounds that have brought so many memories to the grassroots game in South Devon.

We start at Wall Park, home of Brixham AFC, a ground that has grown from the humble beginning of hosting South Devon League football, through to the Peninsula League, the Western League and now the Southern League.

Driving toward Wall Park, you are given an early sporting flavour with Brixham Rugby Club based at the top of the road, but the entrance to Wall Park is almost disguised, turning right on to a narrow track.

The greeting at Wall Park is always full or warmth, and the superb Fishermen’s Tales programme is a fine read to take into the friendly clubhouse, which used to boast a pool table below the big screen, although this was not in place for my last visit, probably to clear space for the record crowd of over 900 who attended the incredible Devon Bowl victory over Torquay United.

After a refreshing cold pint in the homely bar and a tray of warm chips, fans have two choices, turn left and take a seat in the wooden terrace, or turn right and take a seat on the opposite benches.

The clubhouse is situated one side of the centre circle, so the sandwiching terraces offer either a view from the middle of the pitch or to the far right, a perfect vista of the goal Brixham tend to attack in the second half.

While the seating areas are lovely, Wall Park has that grassroots charm of being able to walk around three quarters of the pitch to enjoy a variety of views. Behind the goal is protected by netting, mirrored at the other end, in an attempt to prevent flying footballs crashing into back gardens and windows.

That view from the clubhouse takes in the rolling hills of South Devon in the distance, but my favourite spot was on that opposite side, looking back at the clubhouse.

From here, fans can lean against the railings and be close to the dug-outs, a spot of pure entertainment during calmer spells on the pitch. Hearing every ooh, aah and grumble at the ref is perfect, the passion from the benches is what makes football so special.

Wall Park is a South Devon gem and the endless enthusiasm and optimism of Fishermen fans are a major factor in Brixham’s phenomenal rise up the leagues.