Canvey Ultras
Words: Daniel Goody
Images: Daniel Goody
It’s 14:58 on a Saturday at Park Lane. The home of Canvey Island FC.
80s rock anthem, The Final Countdown blares out from the speakers of the stadium’s public address system.
Over in the shed, the Canvey Ultras are in full voice as a chorus of ‘Yellow Army’ belts out to the beat of Johnny’s drum.
The clacking of studs echoes out from the dressing rooms as the players appear out in the tunnel.
The smell of cheesy chips and burgers fill the air.
©Daniel Goody/ Terrace Edition. Billericay Town vs Canvey Island.
Shipping containers can be seen gliding along the Thames estuary over the sea wall.
The away fans, familiar faces, families and friends take up their positions.
Players are led out onto the pitch with the Canvey mascots by their sides.
In the Dick Marshall Press box my friend Chris fades out the music as club secretary Gary prepares to read out the team line ups.
We’ve waited all week for this. We’re back in our happy place.
©Daniel Goody/ Terrace Edition. Canvey Island vs Haringey Borough.
This is how I’ve chosen to spend many of my Saturdays for the last 14 months or so.
Back in September 2022 a friend of mine invited me to a Canvey Island game and I hadn’t been to a football match in years. I was excited to experience it again so decided to take my camera along to document the day. I was introduced to a group of fans in the shed, known as the Canvey Ultras. They soon got used to me pointing my camera in their faces and capturing the action.
Canvey went on to win, beating Corinthian Casuals 2-1 and the club used one of my images for their social media and match report. This re-ignited my passion for photography and football again but also sparked the idea for a long-term photography project.
I want to show the experience of non-league football from the fans point of view as well as to document some action and the club itself. I aim to photograph the Canvey Island fans home and away, exploring the relationship and experiences they have with the club.
The fans who devote their time and money to support the team every week are a credit to the club, and I've seen first-hand the 12th man effect that they give the team. The players seem to have a great relationship with the fans too with midfielder Charlie Edwards commenting on social media, "the best fans in non-league".
During my time with the Ultras, we’ve experienced highs and lows but, mostly highs. There’s always a party atmosphere in the shed and one thing you can always count on, win or lose, the drum is always banging.
They've danced the Conga on the terrace, done the Poznan and regularly see fit to take their shirts off in celebration. I’ve been soaked in beer and hurt my ribs trying to get shots during goal celebrations. I’ve just embraced it all, loved it and been rewarded with a few photographs that I hope people will enjoy.
© Daniel Goody/ Terrace Edition. Canvey Island vs Hastings United.
©Daniel Goody/ Terrace Edition. Canvey Island vs Billericay Town.
©Daniel Goody/ Terrace Edition. Billericay Town vs Canvey Island.
©Daniel Goody/ Terrace Edition. Canvey Island v Corinthian Casuals.
©Daniel Goody/ Terrace Edition. Canvey Island vs Haringey Borough.
©Daniel Goody/ Terrace Edition. Canvey Island vs Lewes FC.
©Daniel Goody/ Terrace Edition. Canvey Island vs Whitehawk.
© Daniel Goody/ Terrace Edition. Concorde Rangers vs Canvey Island.
You can find Dan on X: @dangoodyart
