They have had their fair share of success since being re-formed in 1989, and Bacton United are keen on welcoming as many present and former players to a 25th anniversary celebration on Sunday August 31, at Brickwall Meadow.

After the original team folded in 1971, a gentleman by the name of Terry Robinson contacted Harry Steed one January evening, having identified a group of young men, some of whom are still involved, who wanted to play football.

Twenty-five years on, the club is in rude health, the first-team having made its way from SIL Division Eight up to Division Two in that time, as well as winning the Suffolk Primary Cup in 1999 and the Suffolk Junior Cup in 2010.

The reserves have also done well, achieving six promotions as well as being runners-up in the Orwell Cup and Club Colours Cup.

On the day of celebration, the Junior Cup-winning squad of 2010 will face the current crop of first-teamers (2pm), before 30 to 35 former players will also pull on their boots again to roll back the years.

The games will be followed by a BBQ, bar and live music, with admission free.

Vice-chairman Paul Evans, said: “We are hopefully going to attract between 150-200 people. Over the 25 years, Bacton has become the success it has through the hard work of many people. This event offers the chance for anyone involved in the club over this time to attend.

“As expected some players have moved onto other clubs and some to higher divisions. However, the day is more targeted at getting anyone who has been connected with Bacton United back for this event.

As well as looking back in time, the event will also celebrate the present and members of the three senior teams, ladies side and nine youth teams are expected to attend and look towards the next 25 years.

“We want to continue developing and growing the football club, focusing on the development of the youth sides and progressing the senior sides through the SIL,” said Evans.

“Along with this, we want to continue to maintain what Bacton United has always offered, an enjoyable, family-focused environment for people to play and watch football.