Westwood Wanderers making plans for progress as Tilehurst side look up the Pyramid

Westwood Wanderers have launched several fundraising activities to improve the facilities at their home ground, which will ultimately enable them to play at a higher level.

The reigning Thames Valley Premier League champions are looking to build stands at their Denefield School base in Tilehurst.

“We are looking at the container-type stands, putting in three of them, though if it all goes well, a fourth one too,” player-manager Devonn Reid revealed.

“It appears they are a lot cheaper than everyone expected, and they can be put up in a quick time.”

It will mean moving the fences around the 3G pitch to accommodate the stands, but the club enjoys the support of the school in Long Lane, as pupils and parents will also benefit from the planned improvements.

Reid continued: “Hopefully, in a year or two’s time, we will be in a position to move up to a higher level of football, step six, and then hopefully go as high as we possibly can.

“Getting Westwood to the highest level possible is my main goal for the club,” added Reid. “It is not going to be easy, but I am going to do my best to achieve that dream.”

Westwood has been exploring ways to generate additional revenue and has identified ways that will not only interest club members but also the local community.

They have linked up with 12th Man, a national organisation that raises funds for grassroots football clubs, including an online version of the popular football scratch card game, which is easy to use on smartphones, tablets, and computers.

It will raise hundreds of pounds for the club whilst also offering a similar total in prize money to the individual game winners.

Replica shirts are also being sold, and they should prove popular as the club’s fan base grows, with locals happy to show their support for one of the most successful clubs at their level in the country.

They would also welcome sponsorship from local businesses.

WESTWOOD WONDERS

With around two months of the 2025-26 season remaining, the team that can rightly be described as the WESTWOOD WONDERS are well on their way to retaining the TVPL title.

Last September, they went 12 months without losing a Premier Division game, and now they are closing in on a full year of wins.

The last time they dropped points was on March 15th 2025, when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Wargrave at East Park Farm.

On March 11th, they will be looking to retain the Berks & Bucks FA’s Charles Twelftree Trophy when they take on Old Bradwell United at Arbour Park in Slough.

Wanderers will also be out to keep the Berkshire Trophy Centre Senior Cup, and this year they have their opportunity to go for even more glory.

Team boss Reid explained: “There is a new Thames Valley Premier League FA Cup, so we could complete a quadruple. There cannot be many clubs at our level that have won that many trophies in the same season.

“I understand the final could be played at the Madejski Stadium, like the Senior Cup is, and, as we already know, that is a great evening out for the players, officials and supporters.”

Devonn could personally lift an award for the second year in a row. Last June, he was named Manager of the Year at the annual Football in Berkshire awards, and the judging panel will have to search hard throughout the county to find a more deserving candidate than Reid this year.

The 33-year-old Westwood manager’s playing career took in Highmoor Ibis, Marlow and Reading City. He stopped playing regularly for a time before returning to the game with Westwood Development more than 7 years ago.

His professionalism and coaching expertise led to his appointment as first-team manager, and the club have not looked back since then.

“When I first stepped into the role, there was one thing I wanted to do, which was to help get the club promoted,” he said.

He made a good start as in his first season, the Wanderers were crowned league champions, finishing ahead of Wargrave and Windsor & Eton.

The Stag Meadow men, however, secured promotion to the Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League and are now pushing for promotion from Premier Division North.

Wargrave are again looking their main title rivals this season, with both sides starting March with unbeaten records, although Wargrave have been held to a draw on four occasions.

Reid, who recently returned to playing following an injury, commented: “We still have to play each other twice, and it looks as if the league are waiting until April to get the fixtures played.

“I have got a great set of lads in my team, and it would be brilliant if we can continue to bring more trophies to the club and make history.”