Eclipse Youth History
02 Jul 2009

Eclipse was initially formed in 1995 in the London borough of Redbridge, by Craig Edwards. Although the club grew quite rapidly (under legends such as Stas and Barney) to have age groups at most ages. During this time Eclipse were winners of the Chelmsford League Cup (a county wide cup) on various occasions. 

In 2004 the club came close to folding when for various reasons the majority of age groups either left to affiliate to other clubs or folded.

Two age groups remained though and under a new chairman and secretary the club continued, joining a new league, the East London and Essex, based on Wanstead Flats in East London.

After a period of consolidation the club has now begn to grow again and this season will have representation at age groups U7,U8, U9, U10 and U12.

Although Eclipse's early years have been difficult it has already spawned professional footballers, currently playing at Gillingham, Barnet, Leyton Orient, West Ham and Luton and has other younger players selected by teams such as Spurs, Fulham, Chelsea, Leyton, Reading, Arsenal and Southend for either trials or places within the Acadamy or Centre of Excellence system.

In 2009 the Eclipse Under 17s formed the major part of the Leyton FC Under 18s and played in the Ryemans League  

In fact players have gone on to trials for the England Under 18s team and offered scholarships to the states.