Football clubs

This section of the website you will find a list of local clubs discovered during research, some with a good amount of detail others not so much. The most senior clubs throughout history are listed first with links to individual pages. Any club based outside the Hastings borough boundary who currently play or have played senior level in recent years are listed after. The rest of this page you will find clubs who have compete at intermediate or junior level, again split into clubs from Hastings and those outside the borough boundary to hopefully help make this section easier to navigate.

You will find clubs who you may consider to be outside the general Hastings & Rother area, but they are probably included as they feature prominently in our local football history. For example, Wadhurst are based closer to Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough, and located in the Wealden district; Hawkhurst are based in a different county altogether, but both clubs have historically featured in local leagues and are members of the Hastings FA.

This is very much a work in progress so there a likely to be errors or lack of information. If you can help me correct or add to a clubs history, please do get in contact.

Last updated: 01 August 2021

  • Senior Clubs - Hastings
  • Senior Clubs - Rother
  • Intermediate & Junior - Hastings
  • Intermediate & Junior - Rother

Senior clubs from Hastings...

Hastings United (ex-Town)

Hastings United emblem

1893 - Present

The current most senior club in the area who currently play in the Ishtmian League South East Division. The club are often confused of the previous club of the same name who folded in 1985, however the current club were founded as Rock-a-Nore in 1893, and have since be known as Hastings Rock-a-Nore (1920), Hastings & St Leonards FC (1921) and Hastings Town (1976).

Hastings United

Hastings town coat of arms

1948 - 1985

Formed in 1948 to reintroduce professional football to Hastings and St Leonards. Partially named after Hastings & St Leonards United, the club spent their thirty-seven year history competing in the Southern League and went on some famous FA Cup runs. The club folded in 1985 due to long term financial trouble.

St Leonards (STAMCO)

St Leonards FC emblem

1971 - 2004

The club was formed in 1971 as a works team for the local firm STAMCO and initially played friendly matches. The club soon entered competitive football and rapidly progressed through the league pyramid, the Southern League Premier Division being the clubs peak. However the club struggled on and off the field following their relegation from the Southern Premier and eventually folded midway through the 2003-04 season.

Hastings & St Leonards (Hastings FC)

1890 - 1906

Formed in 1890 as the football branch of the Hastings & St Leonards Amateur Athletic Club who used the Central Recreation Ground as their home venue. The team changed name to Hastings & St Leonards FC in 1895 and became one of the strongest clubs in East Sussex. The club merged with local rivals St Leonards United in 1906 to become Hastings & St Leonards United.

For information about other clubs named or referred to as Hastings & St Leonards, see Hastings & St Leonards

St Leonards United

1898 - 1906

Founded in 1898 as St Leonards FC, the club were nicknamed the greenbacks due to their colours of green and white. The club were the first in the area to turn professional in 1905 when they joined the Southern League having also changed name to St Leonards United. In 1906 it was decided to merge with Hastings & St Leonards FC and combine resources with the objective to become a successful Southern League club.

Hastings & St Leonards United

1906 - 1910

Founded in 1906 through the amalgamation of Hastings & St Leonards FC and St Leonards United, the club spent its short history playing in the Southern League with the aim of winning promotion from Division Two. However, the club were unable to win promotion and lacked sufficient support to sustain professional status and so it was decided to fold the club following the 1909-10 season.

St Leonards Amateurs

1907 - 1914

Founded in 1907 as St Leonards Amateurs, the club went onto to field the strongest side in the area following the demise of Hastings & St Leonards United. They won the East Sussex League in 1912 and 1913 and the Sussex Senior Cup in 1912. The club changed name to Hastings & St Leonards Amatuers ahead of the 1913-14 season where they joined the Athenian League, however the club folded after the outbreak of World War One and never reformed.

1921 - 1923

In 1921 Christ Church Rovers took on the identity of St Leonards Amateurs following a name change, but folded in 1923.

For information on the club known as Hastings & St Leonards Amateurs between 1948 - 1976, read the history of Hastings United.

Senior clubs from Rother and surrounding area...

Bexhill United

Bexhill United emblem

2002 - Present

Bexhill United was formed in 2002 through the merger of Bexhill Town and Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club. The AAC faction split from the club ahead of the 2005-06 season, but the senior club retained the club name.

The early history of football in Bexhill is a complicated one, there are records of a Bexhill Football Club playing in the Hastings, Eastbourne & District League from 1897, joining the East Sussex League ahead of the 1905-06 season. Bexhill were competing in both the East Sussex and Hastings, Eastbourne & District Leagues for the 1921-22 season before disappearing and both Bexhill Town and Bexhill United enter the East Sussex League. It is unclear if the original Bexhill club are related to the two new names, whether they’re the result of a split or Bexhill added Town or United to their name?

The two Bexhill clubs competed in the East Sussex League for five seasons, each winning the title once. By 1927 the prospect of bringing County League football to the town saw the two clubs merge and become Bexhill. The club took the place of Brighton based team Allen West ahead of the 1927-28 season, which has led to some mistakenly believe that Allen West was the original name of Bexhill.

The club would go onto compete in the County League up until the outbreak of World War Two. A team named Bexhill Wanderers competed in the 1945-46 County League season, before Bexhill returned ahead of the 1946-47 season as Bexhill Town Athletic, with Bexhill Athletic Club as a sister club. The two clubs officially merged in 1950, a partnership that would last until 1969, after which the senior club dropped Athletic from their name to become Bexhill Town. During the nineteen year partnership the club won the County League on three occasions in 1956-57, 1965-66 and 1966-67.

The club competed in Division One of the County League for another twelve seasons before being relegated to Division Two in 1981-82. They were relegated once again in 1984-95 to Division Three before bouncing straight back up to Senior Football the following season. The club returned to the County Leagues top division after winning Division Two in 1989-90, but were relegated in 1994-95 and then suffered another relegation back to Intermediate Football in 1998-99.

The club merged with Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club for a second time ahead of the 2002-03 season to become Bexhill United. The side went onto win promotion back to Senior Football in 2004-05 after finishing in second place, but were immediately relegated after finishing the 2005-06 bottom of Division Two.

The Amateur Athletic Club split once more ahead of the 2006-07 season, which saw United win promotion after another second place finish and win the Sussex Intermediate Cup. However the club once again suffered relegation back to Division Three the following season and went onto finish runners up again in 2009-10 to win promotion back to senior football.

This time round the club were able to remain in senior football and won promotion to the Southern Counties Combination Premier on a points-per-game basis ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Little Common

Little Common FC emblem

1966 - Present

Founded in 1966 as Albion United fielding two youth teams, the club started playing adult football in the Hastings League before progressing onto the East Sussex League and then onto the Sussex County League in 1977. The club changed name to Little Common Albion in 1986 and left the County League in 1995. At some point the club dropped ‘Albion’ from their name and won the East Sussex League Premier Division in 2005, earning promotion back to the Sussex County League. The side were denied promotion, due to ground grounding, following the 2016-17 season where they finished second in the now named Southern Combination League Division One. However in 2017 Little Common entered a ground share agreement with Eastbourne United Association and were able to win promotion after winning Southern Combination League Division One.

At the time of writing in 2021, planning permission has been granted by Rother District Council to erect permanent fencing around the main pitch at Little Common Recreation Ground which would allow the club to return home. The side will start their 2021-22 campaign at The Oval and hope to return to Little Common during the season.

Rye United

Rye United emblem

1938 - 2014

Rye United was formed in 1938 through the merger of Rye FC and Rye Old Boys. Rye FC first entered league football in 1897-98 when they competed in the Hastings, Eastbourne & District League. The club joined the East Sussex League ahead of the 1904-05 season where they remained until the league folded after 1910-11 and they rejoined the Hastings, Eastbourne & District League. After the First World War the club rejoined the East Sussex League for the 1920-21 season, winning the league in 1921-22. The club won the league once more in 1934-35 but would go onto struggle to replicate their form, Rye Old Boys entered the league ahead of the 1935-36 season and the two teams merged in 1938.

The newly formed club won the East Sussex League at their first attempt in 1938-39 and went onto compete for the 1939-40 season, which saw the league split into Eastern and Western Sections. The club returned after the Second World War and won the league another five teams in the following six seasons, they became founder members of Division Two of the Sussex County League in 1952.

The side won Division Two in 1955-56 and thus promotion to Division One where they competed for eighteen seasons, finishing as runners up in 1959-60. The side were relegated in 1973-74 following a bottom place finish, but bounced straight back up after a second place finish the following season. The club ended the 1979-80 season in bottom place and returned to Division Two once more where they competed for three seasons before leaving the County League.

The club competed at junior level in the East Sussex League with the former reserve team becoming the first team, the side remained the League for four seasons before joining the Kent County League ahead of the 1987-88 season. The side were runners up in the Eastern Section Premier Division in their first season and were promoted to the Eastern Section Senior Division. Rye remained in this Division until 1992 when they were placed in Division One (East) following a restructure of the league; the side won the league in 1996-97 and were promoted to the Premier Division ahead of the 1997-98 season which saw them finish as runners up.

Rye rejoined the Sussex County League ahead of the 2000-01 season winning the Division Three in their first season back in Sussex football. The club merged with Iden ahead of the 2001-02 season to become Rye & Iden United and won Division Two, however ground grading prevented the side from being promoted. The team won Division Two once more the following season and were this time able to earn promotion to Division One. The side ended the 2003-04 season as runners up to Chichester City United and would go onto achieve another second place finish the following season, this time behind Horsham YMCA.

The team would go onto struggle with three consecutive nineteenth place finished, being relegated on third occasion in 2007-08. 2007 also Iden split from the club and join up with Peasmarsh to become Peasmarsh & Iden FC and the County League club reverted to Rye United. The side won Division Two in 2009-10 and then another Division One runners up finish in 2010-11, a season which saw them forced to play most fixtures away after an arson attack on their clubhouse and a run which saw them reach the quarter-finals of the FA Vase.

During the 2013-14 season it looked certain the club were to be relegated due to ground grading and at an EGM held in March 2014 Rye United folded, where they announced their immediate withdrawal from the Sussex County League.

Football made a return to Rye in 2016 following the formation of Rye Town who entered Division One of the East Sussex League ahead of the 2016-17 season. The new club played in the old club colours of red and black and used the Salts as their home pitch, though they have since moved to Rye Rugby Club.

See also: An article about Rye Town by David Bauckham on his website.

Sidley United

Sidley United emblem

1902 - Present

Founded in 1902 as Sidley FC, the club first played competitive football after entering the Carlisle Cup ahead of the 1905-06 season. The team carried on competing in Hastings FA competitions, winning the Hillier Cup in 1911-12 and competed in the Hastings, Eastbourne & District League for three seasons. The club entered the East Sussex League ahead of the 1920-21 season, finishing as champions in 1925-26 and 1932-33.

Sidley joined the newly formed Sussex County League Division Two in 1952, winning promotion to Division One in 1958-59 after winning the league. The side were relegated back to Division Two in 1974-75 before finishing 1977-78 in second place and promoted back to Division One, but a bottom place finish the following season saw them relegated once more.

The club remained in Division Two for eight seasons before a bottom place finish in 1986-87 saw them relegated to Division Three and out of senior football for the first time since in 1952. The side struggled in 1987-88 coming second-bottom, but were able to rebuild and finished the 1989-90 season as runners up and were promoted back into senior football.

All of the 1990s was spent competing in Division Two before ending the 1998-99 seasons as champions and thus promoted back to Division One, which the side won in 2000-01 for the only time in the clubs history. The following seasons saw the side finish mostly in mid-table, before being relegated in 2007-08 after finising bottom. However the team returned to the County League top flight in 2009-10 after a third place finish.

Sidley would remain in Division One until 2013, after it was announced they were to withdraw from the league following the collapse of Sidley Sports & Social Club who ran their home ground at the Gullivers.

The club reformed ahead of the 2014-15 season and entered Division One of the East Sussex League, playing their home fixtures at Hooe Recreation Ground. The side won Division One in 2015-16 and were promoted to the Premier Division, which they won in 2018-19. Following their success in the East Sussex League, the club joined the Mid Sussex League ahead of the 2019-20 season, but were unable to join the Premier Division due to Hooe Rec not meeting ground grading requirements. The team were crowned champions after the final positions were awarded on points per game and were promoted to the Premier Division. The 2020-21 season saw the first team playing their home fixtures at Little Common Rec, whilst the reserves remain at Hooe. It is hoped that the club can return to the Gullivers in the future.

Westfield

Westfield FC emblem

1927 - Present

Westfield were founded in 1927, though there are records of Westfield clubs being in existence prior to this date. The club initially entered the Sedlescombe & District League, where they competed for three seasons before joining the Hastings League, finishing as Division One runners up on three occasions during the 1930s.

The club reformed after the Second World War and achieved another Division One second place finish in 1946-47, though the first team appear to have folded after the 1950-51 season and only one team went onto compete in Division Three East. The side won promotion for two consecutive seasons and Westfield were back in Division One for the 1954-55 season, winning the league in 1956-57.

The club joined the East Sussex League in 1971 and would go onto win the Premier Division in 1977-78. They remained in the league until 1996-97 after they finished runners up to Polegate and joined Division Three of the Sussex County League, earning promotion in their second season following another second place finish.

Ground grading has since then hampered the clubs ambitions; the 2006-07 season saw the team finish in third place but were unable to win promotion to Division One due to the lack of floodlights at the Parish Field. Rules and regulations once again hit the club which saw them relegated from senior football to the newly named Southern Combination League Division Two. The side remained in the Division until 2019 where they transferred to the Mid Sussex League Premier Division.

Plans have been in place for years to build a new football and cricket facility, named the Westfield Downs Project, which will be located on the opposite side of the A28 to the Parish Field. In April 2021 it was finally announced that the project has been given the go ahead.

Read an article about Westfield by David Bauckham on his website.

Intermediate & Junior clubs from Hastings...

230th Sussex Battery RA

1923 - 1929

This team was formed from the 230th (Sussex) Field Battery of the 58th (H.C.) Field Brigade of the Royal Artillery, who occupied the Hatherly Road Drill Hall. The side entered Division Two of the Hastings League ahead of the 1923-24 season and would remain in the league until 1929-30 (missing the 1928-29 season). Blacklands Terrace and a pitch located at Harley Shute were used for home games.

See also: Engineer Volunteers, Hastings Rifles and St Leonards Artillery Volunteers.

AFC Hollington

2017 - Present

AFC Hollington emblem

AFC Hollington currently field two teams in the East Sussex League and play at Helenswood Lower School, having previously played at William Parker.

Alexandra

1898

There are records of an Alexandra FC in 1898, who played at Bopeep.

1907 - 1910

A club named Alexandra was formed in 1907 and competed for the Hillier Cup for three seasons; home games were played at the East Hill.

All Saints

1898 - 1924

All Saints were formed in 1898 and the East Hill was their home throughout their existence. The team progressed to become a prominent side in local football, winning the Carlisle Cup four times between 1904 and 1913.

Following the First World War, the Saints once again won the Carlisle Cup in 1920-21. This success saw the club invited to merge with Hastings & St Leonards, who had recently changed name from Rock-a-Nore; however the proposal never materialised due to the senior club refusing to incorporate All Saints into the club name and the Saints did not want to lose their identity. Despite this the lure of senior football saw a number of key players join the County League club, which led to All Saints disbanding the first team and fielding a single team in the newly created Hastings League Division Two. The team struggled in the league and the club folded completely following the 1923-24 season.

All Saints Rovers

1895 - 1897

For information about this team, see Hastings Rovers.

All Souls

1898

1921

A team named All Souls existed in 1921 but there are no known records of them entering any competition.

Baldslow

1921 - 1922

Baldslow spent one season competing in Division Two of the Hastings League; their home fixtures were played at Harrow Lane.

Blacklands

1898

There are records of a Blacklands FC in 1898, who played their games at Bopeep.

1924 - 1939

Blacklands were established in 1924 and entered the Hastings League ahead of the 1926-27 season. The club fielded a Saturday side, who bounced between Division One and Two until the 1934-35 season, after which they competed in the Wednesday competition. The team never reformed following World War Two.

Bohemia

1904 - 1905

Bohemia FC won the 1904-05 Hillier Cup, whilst also competing for the Brassey Cup, their home fixtures were played at Moon’s Field and Horntye.

1914 - 1925

Bohemia St Peters, who were often referred to simply as ‘St Peters’, was formed in 1913 and initially played at Horntye. Following the First World War the club entered the Hastings League ahead of the 1921-22 season, in which they competed for six seasons and home fixtures were played at the BOS.

1950 - 2004

Bohemia United was formed ahead of the 1950-51 season and competed in Division Three East of the Hastings League for five season. Despite never winning promotion for the league, the club made the step up to the East Sussex League ahead of the 1955-56 season, a stay that lasted three seasons. The club had returned to the league by the 1960s, where they remained until they folded in 2004.

Bopeep

1900

Bopeep Swifts were recorded playing at Bopeep in 1900.

1912 - 1925

Bopeep United competed for the Hillier Cup and Elca-Hillier Shield in 1912-13; home games were mostly played at Bopeep, whilst a pitch in Hollington was also brieflt used. The club reformed ahead of the 1923-24 season and spent two seasons playing in Division One of the Hastings League.

Boys Brigade

1890

No information known about the first named club.

c1900 - 1902 / 1908 - 1909

The team initially spent two seasons playing friendlies before disbanding. The side was reformed and won the 1908-09 Old Boys Cup, playing their home games at Ore Valley.

Boys Own Society (BOS)

1898 - 1914

The Boys Own Society was a youth club based at the Robertson Street Congregational Church and a football team was formed in 1898. The club name was nearly always shortened to BOS, which is most likely where the BOS field located down Elphinstone Road gets its name from. However there are no records of the BOS football team using the field, who are recorded to have used Ore Valley, West Hill and Bopeep for home fixtures.

The team initially played friendly games before competing in local competitions for three seasons from 1904, after which they returned to informal games. The team lasted until the outbreak of World War One, after which they never reformed.

Calvert

1898

Cave Austin

1905

Cave, Austin & Co was a grocers company who had shops located throughout the south east. A team was reported to be playing games in 1905, presumably made up of employees, but did not seem to last more than a year.

Central United

1930 - 1932

Central United spent four seasons competing in the Hastings Wednesday League, winning Division Two in 1931-32; home games were played at the East Hill.

Christ Church

c1900

For information about Christ Church FC c1900, read the history of St Leonards Swifts.

1903

For the club based in Ore in 1903, see Ore & Clive Vale.

c1900

Christ Church Boys Brigade were formed in 1900, possibly the same team as or merged with Boys Brigade.

1905 - 1923

Christ Church Rovers were formed in 1905, in 1907 it was reported that the team was made up entirely of the members of Rev. W. Asley Coopers’ Bible Class. The team initially played friendlies before competing for the 1906-07 Brassey Cup after which they disbanded.

The club reformed in 1920 and in third place in the 1920-21 Hillier Cup. The club changed name to St Leonards Amateurs in 1921, taking on the identity of the former club.

Civil Service

1938 - 1980s

The Hastings Civil Service formed a football club in 1938 and played their home games at Baldslow. The team competed in Division Two of the Hastings League for one season before the outbreak of World War Two. The club reformed after the war and rejoined the Hastings League, joining the East Sussex League ahead of the 1950-51 season and were using Bulverhythe as their base around this time. The club remained in the East Sussex League until at least the 1980s.

Claremont Rovers

1893 - 1896

Claremont Rovers were a predecessor team to Observer Athletic, the side was formed in 1893 in connection with the employees of the Hastings & St Leonards Observer office. The club colours were dark blue and yellow and pitches at West Hill, Halton and the Green were used. The side competed in the Carlisle Cup in 1894-95 and 1895-96.

Clerks Athletic

1905 - 1912

See: Hastings & St Leonards Athletic.

Clifton Vale United

1924 - 1926

Clifton Vale United competed for two seasons in the Hastings League Minor Divisions and played their home games at the East Hill.

Clive Vale

1890 - 1893

For the club referred to as Clive Vale between 1890 - 1893 read the history of East Hastings FC.

1898

Clive Vale United were reported to be playing games in 1898, but no other information is known about the club.

1901

There are records of a Clive Vale FC in 1901, but no more information is known about the club.

1907 - 1909

Clive Vale Old Boys competed for the Brassey Cup and Old Boys Cup in 1908-09, the latter of which they won in 1907-08.

Clock House United

1936 - 1937

Clock House United spent two seasons competing in the Hastings Wednesday Division and played home games at the BOS.

Corbens Sports

1952 - ????

Corbens Sports was a team formed in connection to a local building firm who were competing in the Hastings League throughout the 1950s.

DMS

1935 - 1936

DMS spent one season competing in the Hastings League; no other information is known about this team.

East Hastings

1890 - 1893

Founded in 1890 as East End FC, the club was also referred to as Clive Vale FC. The team played their matches at the East Hill and were renamed East Hastings in 1892, before disbanding after the 1892-93 season.

Eldridge & Cruttenden

1936 - 1937

Eldridge & Cruttenden were a long established building firm who formed a team ahead of the 1936-37 season. The season was spent competing in Division Two of the Hastings League and home fixtures were played on a pitch located on the Ridge.

Emmanuel

1898 - 1900

Emmanuel were formed in 1898 and competed for the Carlisle Cup in 1899-1900; home games were played at Ore Valley, Ore and Bopeep.

See also: Hastings Orient.

1912 - 1922

Another Emmanuel team was formed in 1912, but there a no records of them playing competitive football.

Engineer Volunteers

1906 - 1907

Engineer Volunteers was a team formed possibly in connection with 2nd Cinque Ports Artillery Volunteers, they competed for the Hillier Cup in 1906-07.

See also: 230th Sussex Battery RA, Hastings Rifles and St Leonards Artillery Volunteers.

Gas Works

1908 - 1910

Gas Works were a team established in 1908 for workers of the Queens Road Gas Works, now the site of Morrisons supermarket. The side only play friendlies and used Ore Valley and Goddens Farm for matches.

1921 - 1922

Another gas works team was formed in 1921, but little is known about this side.

Griffins Athletic

1938 - 1939

Griffins Athletic in the 1938-39 Hastings Wednesday League, but no other information is known about the team.

Halton Athletic

1914

See Vale Orton.

Hastings Banks

See United Banks.

Hastings & St Leonards

1875 - 1891

The first known team called Hastings & St Leonards was formed in 1875 as the football section of the Hastings & St Leonards Amateur Athletic Club. The amateur was possibly formed in 1868 and the football club mostly stuck to the rugby code. The first game played under association rules was in 1879 against New College from Eastbourne, however association games were a rare occurrence and the club folded in 1891.

Following quotes are from Hastings & St Leonards Observer 24/04/1880…

"Mr Wright suggested that during the next season the club should play one or two assocation games."

"The chairman of the club seemed to be in favour of the rugby rules. They had arranged for four assocation matches, but three of these had to be put off because they could not get a team together."

The athletic club were based at the Central Ground, which is where the football club played the majority of their home games. The side also used the Green and pitch at Lower Glebe Meadow.

1890 - 1906

For information about the club named Hastings & St Leonards between 1890 - 1906 read the history of Hastings & St Leonards.

1913 - 1914

For information about the club referred to as Hastings & St Leonards between 1913 - 1914 read the history of St Leonards Amateurs.

1921 - 1976

For information about the club named Hastings & St Leonards between 1921 - 1976 read the history of Hastings United.

Hastings & St Leonards Amateurs

1906 - 1907

Hastings & St Leonards Amateurs were established in 1906 following the merger of Hastings & St Leonards and St Leonards United. The club took on the identity of the east end club, playing in red and blue and were given permission by the professional club to use the Central Ground. The side entered the East Sussex League ahead of the 1906-07 season but disbanded after one season.

1913 - 1914

For information about the club named Hastings & St Leonards Amateurs between 1913 - 1914 read the history of St Leonards Amateurs.

1921 - 1976

For information about the club referred to as Hastings & St Leonards Amateurs between 1921 - 1976 read the history of Hastings United.

Hastings & St Leonards Athletic

1890 - 1906

For information of the club named Hastings & St Leonards Athletic between 1890 - 1896 read the history of Hastings & St Leonards.

1908 - 1912

For information of the club named Hastings & St Leonards Athletic between 1908 - 1912 read the history of Hastings Athletic.

Hastings & St Leonards Postal

1902 - 1910

The third team in the borough to be formed for local postal workers, the team played mostly friendly fixtures but did spend the 1906-07 season competing for the Brassey Cup.

1980s? - 2000s

Hastings Postal competed in the Hastings & East Sussex Sunday League until the 2000s.

See also: Post Office.

Hastings & St Leonards Swifts

1889 - 1892

Hastings & St Leonards Swifts was the first club in the area to be formed exclusively as an association football club. The swifts were formed in 1889 and entered both the Sussex Senior and Junior Cups for the 1889-90 season, though their record is currently unknown. Their existence was short lived as they folded in 1892.

Hastings & West Marina Locomotive

1907

Hastings & West Marina Locomotive was a team established for local railway workers and played at Bopeep.

Hastings Albion

1934 - 1939

Hastings Albion was formed in 1934 as Hotels United, before changing name in 1937. The side spent five seasons competing in the Hastings Wednesday League.

Hastings Alliance

1889 - 1897

The football section of the Hastings & St Leonards Alliance Amateur Athletic club was first recorded playing matches in 1889. The athletic club was formed in 1887 and published its own monthly magazine, in which an 1892 edition lists games against Ashford Victoria, Highbury House, Eastbourne College, University School, Rye, Hastings Grammar School, St Leonards School, Battle and East Hastings.

The football team were reported to have played home fixtures at the Green, West Hill, East Hill and the Central Recreation Ground. By 1897 the Alliance club were defunct, possibly merged with Hastings Athletic Club and Hastings & St Leonards FC took over as the main football tenants at the Central Ground.

Hastings Athletic

1875 - 1891

For information about the club referred to as Hastings Athletic between 1875 - 1891 read the history of Hastings & St Leonards FC.

1905 - 1912

Hastings & St Leonards Athletic was formed in 1905 as Clerks Athletic, the team spent most of its existence using Moon’s Field and Drapers Field in Silverhill for home fixtures. The team changed name to Hastings Athletic in 1908 and spent a season playing at Horntye.

2010s

Hastings Athletic who currently field numerous youth teams, entered an adult side into the East Sussex League for one season in 2010s.

Hastings Banks

1914 - 1923

See United Banks.

Hastings Central

1923

There was a Hastings Central reported in 1923 but no information is known about this team. Possibly formed in connection to Hastings Central School?

Hastings Central Old Boys

1937 - 1939

Hastings Central Old Boys competed in the Hastings League for two seasons and used the BOS as their home pitch.

Another team formed in connection to the Hastings Central School were Old Centmodians.

Hastings Corporation

c1900

The first Hastings Corporation team was formed around 1900 but no information is known about this team.

1927 - 1930

The Hastings Corporation Sports Club established a team also referred to as Hastings Corporation Athletic. The sports club had already formed a cricket team and the football club spent the 1929-30 season competing in Division Two of the Hastings League; the shared a pitch with Rock-a-Nore at the East Hill.

1933 - 1937

The Hastings Corporation Electricity Department (HCED) entered a team into the Hastings League for three seasons. The East Hill was initially the teams home ground before moving onto the BOS.

1951 - ????

Hastings Electricity were formed ahead of the 1951-52 season, in which they competed in Division Three East of the Hastings League and played their home games at Harrow Lane.

Hastings Invicta

1905 - 1910

Hastings Invicta were formed in 1905 and competed for the Brassey and Hillier Cups. The team mostly played their home games at the East Hill, also using Moon’s Field at Silverhill for a brief period.

1920 - 1923

Another Hastings Invicta team was formed in 1920, competing for three seasons in local competions and used Goddens Field for home fixtures.

Hastings Juniors

1919 - 1925

Hastings Juniors competed for the Hillier and Old Boys (Wednesday) Cup and later entered the Hastings League. Home fixtures were played at Bopeep and then the East Hill.

Hastings Labour

1952 - ????

Hastings Labour joined the Hastings League in 1954 and home games were played at Bulverhythe.

See also: Junior Labour.

Hastings Locomotive

1922

Hastings Nomads

1900 - 1903

Hastings Nomads were formed in 1900 as Normanhurst Nomads and spent three seasons competing for the Hillier Cup. The team changed name in 1902 and played home fixtures firstly at Ore Valley and later the East Hill.

Hastings Orient

1908 - 1914

Hastings Orient were formed in 1908 and reported in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer to have “recently rose Phoenix-like from the ashes of the Emmanuel Athletic. The team spent two seasons competing for the Old Boys Cup and then the Hillier Cup; their home fixtures were played at Ore Valley.

Hastings Police

1896

A Hastings Police football team was first formed in 1896, the side played games at the West Hill and Central Ground, but they barely lasted one season.

1920 - ????

A police team was established in 1920 who played midweek games and used Hickmans Field for home fixtures. The team entered a police competition as well sporadically entering the Hastings Wednesday League. The club were able to use the Observer sports ground from 1929.

Hastings Post Office

1893 / 1895 - 1896

See Post Office

Also read about Hastings & St Leonards Postal.

Hastings Rangers

1909 - 1911

Formed in 1909 as West Hill Athletic, this team are reported to have played games on both the West Hill and East Hill. The team changed name ahead of the 1910-11 season in which they competed for the Brassey Cup.

1919 - 2018

Hastings Rangers old emblem

Hastings Rangers were established in 1919, though there are records of a previous Hastings Rangers club, there are no records that indicate the two clubs are linked. The team played in the Hastings League, before joining the East Sussex League in 1926; around this period the team played their home fixtures at the East Hill, Pilot Field upper pitch and Branns Field located at Elphinstone Road.

A year after joining the East Sussex League the side become the first users of the newly laid out Bulverhythe ground and soon become permanent tenants. Rangers would go onto win the East Sussex League in 1936-37, 1937-38 and once more in 139-40 after beating Heathfield United in a play-off decider. The club rejoined the East Sussex League after the Second World War and went on to become founder members of the Sussex County League Division Two in 1952.

Rangers won Division Two in 1960-61, earning them promotion to Division One, where they played for four seasons. The team spent another eight seasons in the County League, before leaving in 1973 following the resignation of manager, John Brook and a mass exodus of players.

Following their resignation from the County League the side remained in the upper divisions of the East Sussex League throughout the 1970s and 80s. However the last few years of the teams existence saw them struggle to carry on, with the side disbanding after the 2012-13 season. They reformed in 2014 and competed for another four seasons before disbanding once more, unable to reach the clubs centenary. Hastings Rangers Youth are still running, though the link to the adult club was severed some years ago.

Hastings Rifles

1897 - 1898

Hastings Rifles were formed in 1897 for volunteers of the 2nd Cinque Ports Artillery Volunteers, possibly in connection with the Rock-a-Nore Drill hall which had opened in 1896. The team played games on the East Hill, however only lasted one season.

See also: 230th Sussex Battery RA, Engineer Volunteers and St Leonards Artillery Volunteers.

Hastings Rovers

1895 - 1902

Hastings Rovers was formed in 1895 as All Saints Rovers and spent seven seasons competing for the Carlisle Cup, which they went onto win twice. The club changed name in 1897 and played home games at the East Hill and West Hill.

1905

TThere are reports of a Hastings Rovers in 1905, but it is unknown is this team were a reformed club from the earlier side or completely unrelated.

1910 - 1913

Formed as Municipal Employes in 1910, this team changed name to Hastings Rovers in 1912 and spent three seasons competing for the Hillier Cup; home games were played at the East Hill.

Hastings Tramways

1905 - 1922

The Hastings & District Tramways company was established in 1905 and a football team was formed the same year. As well as competing in local competitions, the team also competed in a national competition against tramway teams from other towns. Home fixtures were played at Silverhill and Bopeep, plus pitches located at Harley Shute and Bulverhythe.

Hastings Trinity

1897 - 1898

Hastings Trinity were formed in 1897 as Holy Trinity and changed name the same year. The team competed for the 1897-98 Carlisle Cup, playing home fixtures on the West Hill and East Hill, before disbanding.

May possibly have changed name to Trinity United.

Hastings Wanderers

1914

See United Banks.

1935 - 1939

Hastings Wanderers were formed in 1935 and initially competed in the Hastings Wednesday League. The side went onto to compete in the Saturday League for four seasons, with Gilridge and later on Harrow Lane being used for home games.

Hastings Wednesday

1907 - 1918

Hastings Wednesday were often referred to as Wednesday Athletic and formed in 1907. The team initially played friendlies before entering the Brassey Cup in 1911-12 and 1912-13. The clubs used Silverhill and Ore Valley for home games, whilst it was reported in one edition of the Hastings & St Leonards Observer that a match was played at Laton Road.

Hastings YMCA

1910 - 1935

The Hastings YMCA established a football team in 1910, who played in local competitions and a regional YMCA cup. The team played home fixtures at Horntye, Hickmans Field, BOS, East Hill and Harrow Lane.

Havenhurst Swifts

1901 - 1906

Havenhurst Swifts were formed in 1901 and initially played friendly matches. The team then spent from seasons competing for the Hillier Cup for three seasons from 1904; home games were played at Bopeep and one reported to be at Bulverhythe in 1904.

Highbury House

1878 - 1907

Highbury House School was a boarding and day school for boys located at the top of Church Road. The school was founded in the 1860s by Rev Charles Duff and first fielded a football team in 1878. The school team played against other schools in the area, including the Lindens, University School, St Leonards School, Ancaster House and Mount Lodge.

The team played two seasons in local competitive football, competing for the Carlisle Cup in 1892-93 and 1893-94, before returning to friendlies. The team mostly played their game at Horntye, which the school rented off a private owner, whilst also using The Green and Silverhill.

The last record of a Highbury House team is in 1907 and the headmaster is no longer listed in the 1909 Kelly’s Directory, which suggests the school closed around this time.

Horntye Swifts

1898 - 1902

Horntye Swifts were formed in 1898 as Hornty Swifts (note the missing ‘e’) and spent one season playing at the venue they were named after. The team went onto use Silverhill, Ore Valley and Moon’s Field in Silverhill for home games before folding in 1902.

Hollington CCC

1895

No other information known about this team, who were the first recorded football team to represent Hollington.

Hollington Church Lads Brigade

1903

The Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade is a scout group established in 1891. The Hollington Church Lads Brigade was also referred to as Old Church Lads Brigade and was playing matches in 1903.

Hollington Old Church

1921 - 1939

Hollington Old Church FC was formed in 1921 and spent their first eight seasons playing home fixtures on a pitch known as Blacklands Terrace located off Old Church Road. The team joined the Hastings League and won promotion to Division One after their first season, where they would remain until the outbreak of World War Two.

The club went onto play at Harrow Lane and Wishing Tree Road, following the development of their Blacklands Terrace ground. The team never reformed following the war and the only branch of the Hollington Old Church club that still exists is the bowls club.

Hollington Scouts

1912

Hollington St Johns

1921 - 1925

Hollington St Johns were also known as Hollington Boys Club and the team was established by members of St Johns Hollington Boys Club; home games were played at Blacklands Terrace.

There was also a previous club connected to the church named St Johns Hollington United.

Hollington United

1901 - 1904

There are records of a Hollington United team playing in the area between 1901 – 1904, who the present day club are possibly named after, who have their founding year as 1899. But there are no records of this club playing after 1904.

1907 - 1914

See: St Johns Hollington United.

Hollington United emblem

1914 - Present

Details of the exact formation of Hollington United a little hazy, the club have their founding year as 1899, however there are reports to suggest the club were founded later on.

There are definite records of a Hollington United team competing for the Hillier Cup in 1902-03 and 1904-05, but then no longer reported on in the local press. St Johns Hollington United was formed in 1907 and played in interesting colours of “chocolate and amber with navy blue knickers”. The side, who carried on playing friendlies, played games at Drapers Field and Moon’s Field in Silverhill. In 1909 it was reported that the club owed money to Hastings Athletic for use of their Silverhill pitch (Drapers), months after playing their last game and then disbanding. The club made a brief return before the outbreak of World War One.

In 1914 a team named Silverdale were reported to be playing games, who following the First World War, competed for the 1920-21 Carlisle Cup. In August 1921, it was reported Silverdale United had changed name to Hollington United and the history of this club carries on uninterrupted. Hollington ended the 1923-24 season as Hastings League champions and joined the East Sussex League ahead of the 1924-25 season, which they went onto win four times throughout the 1920s and 30s.

The team played their home games at Old Roar Road up until 1930, going onto use pitches at Old Church Road, Blacklands Farm and Wishing Tree Road until the outbreak of World War Two. Following the war the team once again established themselves as prominent local team and spent a short spell away from the Gibbons Memorial Field. During this time the side played home games on a pitch accessed via Windmill Road, in a largely rural area and at Silverhill. The club returned to the Gibbons Field in the early 1950s and whilst their rivals, including Rye United and Hastings Rangers, joined the newly formed Sussex County League Division Two, Hollington remained in the East Sussex League.

Hollington remained an ever present name in the league with the Gibbons Field as their home; however, by the late 2000s work had started to replace their ageing changing facilities with a new building and the first and seconds teams were forced to play elsewhere, using Tile Kiln as their temporary home. The new clubhouse was opened in 2008, which alongside the fully railed off pitch gave Hollington the best facilities in the East Sussex League.

An extremely successful 2010s included the club ending the 2016-17 and 2017-18 season as East Sussex League champions and making the step up to the Mid Sussex League Premier Division ahead of the 2018-19 season. Their debut season in the Mi Sussex League was a successful one, finishing runners up to Cuckfield Rangers and Charlwood in the league and MSL Senior Charity Cup respectively and winning the Sussex Intermediate Cup. The following two seasons would go onto be interrupted by Covid 19 lockdown restrictions, however the club finished the 2020-21 season as Mid Sussex League champions after winning the Premier Division (Top) mini-league.

Read an article about Hollington United by David Bauckham on his website.

Hollington Wesleyan PSA

1907 - 1912

Hotels United

1934 - 1939

See Hastings Albion.

Incogs

1908 - 1911

Incogs were a team reported in the Observer as being “composed of boys picked from elementary schools of the borough”.

Junior Club Tackleway

1916 - Present

The Junior Club Tackleway was founded by the vicar of All Saints Church as a boys club in 1916, based in an old school hall in Tackleway initial activities were gymnastics and boxing. Football was introduced later on as well as table tennis, the only two surviving branches of the club. The football club used the East Hill pitches for home fixtures, before being forced to move by the mid-1980s. The club were based at Sandrock for a short while before eventually moving to the newly laid out Dave Brown Memorial Field, Barley Lane in 1997.

Junior Conservatives

1910 - 1913

The Junior Conservatives were initially formed as a cricket club before forming a football team in 1910. The team played home games at Ore Valley and competed for the Brassey and Hillier Cups.

Junior Imperials

1924 - 1930

The Junior Imperials initially played at the East Hill before moving onto the BOS; the team competed in the Hastings League for seven seasons.

Junior Labour

1925 - 1930

For the team name referred to as Junior Labour between 1925 - 1929, see Young Labour.

See also: Hastings Labour.

Lunsford Athletic

1929

There are records of Lunsford Athletic playing at Harley Shute; the side never played competitive football and only lasted one season.

Maidstone Bus Company

1930 - 1931

The Maidstone Bus Company formed a team who competed in the 1930-31 Hastings Wednesday League.

MASBRO

1922

MASBRO was formed for the employees of Mastin Brothers, a large drapers and clothiers shop.

1930

Another team was established alongside a cricket team, but this side’s existence was also short lived.

Municipal Employes

1910 - 1913

See: Hastings Rovers.

National Old Boys (NOBS)

1898 - 1904

The National Old Boys team was established in 1898 in connection to the National School in St Leonards. The team are reported to have played on pitches at Bulverhythe, Hollington and Filsham Park, as well as the well established football venues at Drapers Field and the East Hill. In 1904 the club merged with St Leonards, with first and second teams becoming St Leonards A and B respectively.

Nil Desperandum

1891 - 1892

Nil Desperandum were based in St Leonards and played their games at the Green.

Normanhurst

1904 - 1905

Normanhurst Rovers are recorded to have spent one season competing for the Hillier Cup

1900 - 1903

See Hastings Nomads.

Observer Athletic

1903 - ????

The Observer Athletic Club was established for employees of FJ Parsons Ltd, publishers of the Hastings & St Leonards Observer. The football team was formed in 1903 and spent four seasons competing for the Carlisle Cup. The team spent its formative years using various pitches in the town, including Bopeep, Moon’s Field, Silverhill, Ore Valley, Harley Shute, East Hill, Summerfields and Wells Field. In 1921 it was reported that the side had not entered any competitions due to difficulties in finding a home ground. In 1927 a site located at Downs Road was aquired by the company and become home to the sports club, with cricket, stoolball, bowls and tennis being hosted here in addition to football.

The club are recorded to have entered teams in the Hastings League from 1930s through to at least the 1950s and mos likely joined the Eastbourne & Hastings League following their merger. The club also competed in Division Two of the East Sussex League in 1976-77 and 1977-78 before disbanding in the 1980s.

An earlier team formed for Observer employees who played between 1893 - 1896 was called Claremont Rovers.

Old Centmodians

1946 - 2008

Old Centmodians were founded in 1946 for former pupils of the Central Modern School and started life in the Hastings League. Old Cents joined the East Sussex League in 1960 and enjoyed a long spell in the league before folding in 2008.

See also: Hastings Central Old Boys.

Old Hastonians

Old Hastonians emblem

1894 - 1909 / 1933 - 2017

Old Hastonians were established in 1894 for former pupils of Hastings Grammar School, who themselves first fielded football teams in 1899. The club initially played local football and used the Grammar School field at Ore Valley as their home pitch, whilst also using the pitch at the Sports Ground for a brief stint before folding in 1909.

The club reformed in 1933 and won Division One of the Hastings League the second season after their return, earning promotion to the East Sussex League. The side remained in the league until the outbreak of World War Two. The club reformed following the year and spent many years in the East Sussex League. The club was inactive for a period during the 2000s, but the Stones were revived following a name change from Guestling FC in 2013. The side reached the East Sussex Premier before withdrawing from the league before the commencement of the 2017-18 season.

Ore & Clive Vale

1899 - 1900

There was a team named Ore & Clive Vale who competed for the Carlisle Cup in 1899-1900. The following season there are records of a Ore & Clive Vale Harriers who played at Ore, it is unknown if the two teams are related.

1903

There was another Ore & Clive Vale team also referred to as Christ Church, the team competed for the Hillier Cup in 1902-03.

1919 - 1920

There are records of an Ore & Clive Vale team playing in 1919-20, using the East Hill for home games.

Ore

1920 - 1923

For the club named Ore United see St Helens.

1923

Ore Juniors played for one season and used the East Hill for games.

1923

Ore Wednesday were another Ore based team who played for one season.

1926 - 1927

A second team named Ore United competed in the Hastings League in 1926-27 and 1927-28.

1937 - 1970s?

Ore United was the third known team to be named so and played home fixtures at Fairlight and Burgess Field. Following the Second World War the side returned to the Hastings League and were playing home games at the Pilot Field upper pitch for the 1946-47 season.

The club joined the East Sussex League ahead of the 1951-52 season, where they remained until at least the late 1970s.

Pain Brothers

1901 - 1902

The Pain Brothers were watch makers whose products are still sought after at antique auctions. The team formed were most likely connected to the company, who spent one season playing games.

Peche Hill Select

1991 - Present

Peche Hill Select emblem

Peche Hill Select were formed in 1991 and been members of the East Sussex League throughout their existence. The team quickly climbed the divisions to reach the Premier Division by 1998. The club remained in the leagues top division until 2016, where they withdrew after finishing the season as champions. However the club reformed and as of 2021 are fielding two teams in the East Sussex League.

Pelham Rangers

1923

Plummers

1937 - 1939

Plummers FC was established in connection to Plummer Roddis, the large department store taken over by Debenhams in 1968. The team competed for two seasons in the Hastings League and played home games at the Observer Sports Ground.

Post Office

1893 / 1895 - 1896

A team for postal workers was first formed in 1893 but barely lasted one season. Another postal team was formed two years later in 1895, but this clubs existence was also short lived. Both clubs used the East Hill for matches.

See also: Hastings & St Leonards Postal.

Radcliffes Athletic

1931 - 1936

Radcliffes Athletic competed in the Hastings League for five seasons, mostly playing their home fixtures at Ore Valley – Bulverhythe was also occasionally used.

Railway United

1931 - 1933

RRailway United was a team established for railway workers and competed in the Hastings League in 1923-33. Home fixtures were played at Bulverhythe.

Red Lake

1946 - 1949

Red Lake Rangers entered the Hastings League ahead of the 1946-47 season, playing their home fixtures at the BOS. The team moved to Hurst Court the following season and would play another three seasons in the League

There was a team named Red Lake playing in the 1960s, but it is unknown is this side are linked to the original club.

Regnal United

1937 - 1939

Regnal United competed in the Hastings League for two seasons and played home fixtures at Harrow Lane and the BOS.

Rock-a-Nore

1893 - 1921

For the history of Rock-a-Nore between 1893 - 1921 read the history of Hastings & St Leonards FC.

1921 - 1954 / 1979 - Present

The current club was founded in 1920 as Old Town Athletic, before changing name and taking on the identity of the previous club, who had just been renamed Hastings & St Leonards FC. Just like the old club, the home pitch was at the East Hill, though a season was spent playing at Hickmans Field and another at the Pilot Field upper pitch.

The Rocks competed in the East Sussex League, which they won three times, through to 1954 when they folded. The club reformed in 1979 and have played in the East Sussex League since, winning the Premier Division at least three times, plus numerous second place finishes, before being relegated following the 2016-17 season.

The team currently play at Tile Kiln and won promotion back to the Premier Division in 2020.

St Clements

1891 - 1939

St Clements were founded 1891 and the East Hill was their home. The club were reported to have had their own pitch at the Golf Links, Barley Lane in 1912 and were also reported to have used a pitch near Fairlight around this time. The club were reformed as St Clements United in 1926, before dropping United from their title around 1929. The club folded in 1939 due to the outbreak of World War Two and never made a return after the conflict had ended.

1892 - 1893

St Clements Rovers were separate club to St Clements FC who also played at the East Hill, but were only in existence for one season.

St Helens

1900 - 1905

The first St Helens team was formed in 1900 and competed for the Carlisle Cup for five seasons. The team played their home games at Ore and North Seat.

1920 - 1923

The second recorded St Helens team was formed in 1920 as Ore United, competing for four seasons in the Hastings League. The side played on pitches at Toll Meadow and later Wells Field, located near Mount Pleasant.

c2004 - 2014

The most recent team named St Helens was formed in the mid 2000s, playing their games at William Parker Sports College. The side competed in the East Sussex League until they disbanded in 2014.

St Johns Hollington United

1907 - 1914

TSee Hollington United.

There was a team who competed between 1921 - 1925 named Hollington St Johns.

St Leonards Albion

1912 - 1913

St Leonards Albion competed in 1912-13 for the Elca-Hillier Shield, playing games at Horntye and then at Fairlight.

St Leonards Artillery Volunteers

1901

St Leonards Artillery Volunteers were team formed for volunteers of the 2nd Cinque Ports Artillery Volunteers who were based in the Hatherly Road Drill Hall. However the side barely lasted one season.

See also: 230th Sussex Battery RA, Engineer Volunteers and Hastings Rifles.

St Leonards Athletic

1912 - 1921

TSt Leonards Athletic competed in 1912-13 and 1920-21 for the Elca-Hillier Shield, playing their home fixtures at the Green and Bopeep.

1937 - 1939

The team finished bottom of the Hastings Wednesday League for two successive seasons; home games were played at Bulverhythe.

St Leonards Social

???? - Present

St Leonards Social FC emblem

St Leonards Social was established by members of the St Leonards FC Social Club and have been an ever present name in the East Sussex Premier since 2003-04, winning the league on four occasions. The club currently field two teams and currently play at Tile Kiln, having also briefly used the Firs.

St Leonards Swifts

1900 - 1903

St Leonards Swifts were formed as Christ Church FC, but changed name after one season. Multiple grounds in St Leonards were used by the team, including the Green, Bopeep, Moon’s Field, Drapers Field and Horntye.

St Leonards United

1922

St Leonards United was formed in 1922 and bears no relation to the former professional club; the side barely lasted one season.

St Leonards Wanderers

1896 - 1898

St Leonards Wanderers competed for two seasons for the Carlisle Cup, home games were played at the Green, Bopeep and Horntye.

St Mary's

1892 - 1897

St Mary’s was formed in 1892 and the club played mostly at the East Hill, also occasionally playing at the West Hill. The team competed for the Carlisle Cup for three seasons from 1895.

1902

TAnother St Mary’s FC were recorded to be playing in 1902, but no other information is known about the team.

1905 - 1906

St Mary’s United competed for the 1905-06 Hillier Cup.

St Matthews

1900 - 1903

St Matthews United entered the inaugural Hillier Cup in 1902-03 and played home fixtures at Drapers Field, Moon’s Field and the Green.

1914 - 1927

St Matthews Sports were formed as St Matthews FC by members of the St Matthews Sports Club, who were based at St Matthews Mission Hall; the team competed for six seasons in the Hastings League.

St Michaels

1902 -1907

St Michaels were formed as part of the St Michaels Cricket and Football Club based at the Holy Trinity in Hastings Town Centre; the team played its home games at Horntye, Bopeep and Ore Valley and spent one season competing for the Hillier Cup.

St Peters

1914 - 1925

For the club referred to as St Peters, see Bohemia St Peters.

St Saviours

1927

St Saviours are recorded to have been playing in 1927, using Bulverhythe for home games.

Silverdale United

1914 - 1921

See Hollington United

Silverhill

1894

A club named Silverhill FC was formed in 1894 following a meeting held at the Welcome Stranger, but there are no reports of the club ever playing a game.

1922 - 1925

Silverhill Juniors competed in the Hastings Minor League in 1924-25 and played their home games at Harrow Lane.

1926 - 1927

Silverhill Presbyterians are recorded to be playing for one season, playing at Harrow Lane and Old Church Road.

1931

A team named Silverhill Rangers were formed in 1931, but no other information is known about the team.

1934 - 1939

Silverhill Old Boys competed for four seasons in the Hastings Wednesday League and home fixtures were played at Harrow Lane.

1980s - 1990s

Another team named Silverhill Rangers played throughout the 1980s and 90s, firstly competing in the Eastbourne & Hastings League before joining the East Sussex League.

Silverton

1936 - 1936

Silverton United competed for one season in the Hastings Wednesday League in 1935-36.

South Coast Wanderers

1894 - 1895

South Coast Wanderers were formed in 1894 and played home games at the Green, however the side only lasted on season.

South Saxons

1881 - 1939

The South Saxons club was an amateur athletic club based in St Leonards who were formed in 1877 at a gym located on the Marina. The club were early pioneers of football, but more practised playing the rugby code before playing the first association game in 1881 at the Green; the club would go onto to enter a team into the inaugural Sussex Senior Challenge Cup in 1882. The team reformed in 1892 and went onto win the Carlisle Cup in its first two seasons after being established.

The football team first started playing at Bopeep in 1898; two years after the Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club obtained the ground but would disband in the years leading up to the First World War. The club reformed in 1929 and played up until the outbreak of World War Two. The football club never reformed and the only remaining branch of the South Saxons are the hockey club, who were founded in 1895.

Stewarts Ltd

1936 - 1939

Stewarts Ltd competed for three seasons in the Hastings League, playing their home games at Harrow Lane.

Timpsons Athletic

1933 - 1934

TTimpsons was a coach company who had branches in Hastings, Woolwich and Lee Green. A team was established for local employees who competed in the Hastings League for one season; the home ground was reported to be situated at St Helens Road.

Trinity United

1898

Not confirmed but may possibly be the same club as Hastings Trinity following a name change?

1926

Another team with the same name are reported to be playing in 1926, but no other information is known.

United Banks

1914 - 1923

United Banks was formed as Hastings Banks and also referred to as Hastings Wanderers for a brief period; the team played at Ore Valley and then Bopeep.

United Clothiers

1910

United Trades

1923

Vale Orton

1914 - 1925

Vale Orton was founded in 1914 as Halton Athletic and the club changed name in 1919. The team initially played home games at Goddens Field, before moving onto the BOS in 1922.

Victoria Rangers

1945 - 1946

Victoria Rangers competed for one season following the reformation of the Hastings League after World War Two; the team used Wishing Tree Road for home games.

Wednesday Athletic

1907 - 1918

See Hastings Wednesday.

Wellington Square Baptist Church

1905

The church formed a team in 1905, but no other information is known about the team.

West End United

1921 - 1922

West End United competed for the Carlisle Cup in 1921-22, playing their home fixtures at Harley Shute.

West Hill

1898

West Hill Rovers were reported to be playing games on the West Hill in 1898, but no other information is known about the team.

1905 - 1907

West Hill Swifts were formed in 1905 as West Hill FC, but was playing home games at Silverhill in 1906. The team competed for the Brassey Cup for three seasons, winning it twice.

1909 - 1911

West Hill Athletic was formed in 1909 who then changed name to Hastings Rangers in 1910.

1923

West Hill United were reported to be playing in 1923 before disbanding after one season.

2009 - 2021

A more recent West Hill United were established in 2009, playing games at William Parker School before moving to Bulverhythe. The club appear to have folded before the 2021-22 season.

West Marina

1901

West Marina played for one season at Bopeep but did not enter any competitions.

Woodwards Sports

1938 - 1939

Woordwards Sports competed in the Hastings League in 1938-39; their home pitch was at Gilridge, located at north of the Hastings Grammar School grounds.

Young Labour

1925 - 1930

Young Labour were also referred to as Junior Labour, the club entered a team into the Hastings League in 1925-26 and 1929-30 and home games were played at the East Hill.

Intermediate and Junior clubs from Rother and surrounding area...

231st Sussex Battery RA

1923 - 1929

This team was formed from the 231st (Sussex) Field Battery of the 58th (H.C.) Field Brigade of the Royal Artillery from Bexhill. The team spent just the single season competing in Division Two of the Hastings League.

Battle Hill

1919

There are mentions of a team named Battle Hill in 1919, but little is known about the side and they seemingly never entered any local competitions.

Battle Baptists

Battle Baptists FC emblem

2004 - 2020

Club changed name to Battle Town in 2020.

Battle Rangers

1894 - 2012

Battle Rangers were initially formed in 1894 as Battle FC and reformed in 1904; there had also been another Battle club founded in 1890 who played for two seasons. The team played friendly matches at first before entering the Carlisle and Brassey cup competitions ahead of the 1905-06 season. In 1909 they became founder members of the Sedlescombe & District League, in which they were ever present and were league champions on four occasions.

In 1934 the club added Rangers to their name and joined the Battle & District League in which they remained until the outbreak of the Second World War. The club joined the Hastings League ahead of the 1935-36 season winning Division Two in their first season, the club then joined the East Sussex League in 1938 and would return to the league after the war ahead of the 1948-49 season.

The club won the East Sussex League in 1952-53 and 1954-55, joining the Sussex County League following their second league win. They spent twelve seasons playing Division Two where a third place finish was their best achievement in 1961-62. The club left the county league after the in 1966-67 season following two consecutive bottom place finishes.

The club remained members of the East Sussex League for the rest of their history before folding before the 2012-13 season, by which Battle Baptists had become the most senior club in the town.

Battle Town

Battle Town FC emblem

2004 - Present

Battle Town were established in 2004 as Battle Baptist, a team which grew from being informally set up on an annual basis to play against Beulah Baptist Church for the Neville Barnett Trophy. The club was formally founded ahead of the 2004-05 season where they entered the East Sussex League and have since expanded to field three teams in the league, with the firsts reaching the East Sussex Premier in 2014.

The club won the National Christian Cup in 2017 and 2019 and have their ambitions set on playing at a higher standard, though two covid-19 hit seasons have possibly seen them prevented from winning the East Sussex Premier. In 2020 the club changed name to Battle Town, but still remain closely linked to the church.

See also: An article about Battle Town by David Bauckham on his website. Plus another article from his first visit.

Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club

1946 - Present

The football team of the Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club were founded in 1946 as Bexhill Athletic and were a sister club to Bexhill Town Athletic. The club entered the East Sussex League where they competed for three seasons, before dropping out and competing in the Hastings League before officially merging with Bexhill Town Athletic in 1950.

The Amatuer Athletic Club was founded in 1919 and previously been known as Malet Hall Boys Club and an earlier football team had been fielded. Work on their current base at the Bexhill Downs had been started in 1937, but the outbreak of the Second World War saw construction work halted. However work was able to continue after it was agreed with the Government that the building be used as part of the war effort by the Civil Defence. The building was officially opened in May 1946, around the same time the football team was formed.

The combined Bexhill Town Athletic club were Sussex County League champions in 1956-57, 1965-66 and 1966-67 before AAC split in 1969. Bexhill Athletic carried competing in the East Sussex League, before joining the Eastbourne & Hastings League by the 1980s. The rejoined the East Sussex League in 1988 and would at some point changed name to Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club.

The 2001-02 season saw the side finish runners up to Hollington United in the East Sussex Premier and merged with Bexhill Town once more ahead of the 2002-03 season. However ‘Atha’ would split from the County League side once again in 2007 and would carry on competing in the East Sussex League. The first team finished runners up to Hawkhurst in 2014-15 and looked set to play the following season in the Premier Division before suddenly disbanding and the seconds became the clubs first team. The side managed to earn successive promotions into the Premier Division ahead of the 2018-19 season but a bottom place finish saw them immediately relegated back to Division One.

Bexhill Athletic

1921 - 1923 / 1929 - 1930

A team named Bexhill Athletic competed in the 1921-22 and 1922-23 Hastings League following a name change from Bexhill Malet. A team of the same name competed in the Hastings League in 1929-30.

For the club called Bexhill Athletic who played between 1946 and the 1990s, see Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club.

Bexhill Avondale

1906 / 1910 - 1911

The Hastings & St Leonards Observer reported in September 1906 that a team called Bexhill Avondale had merged with Bexhill FC to become their second XI.

There are records of a team named Bexhill Avondale who competed for one season in the Hastings, Eastbourne & District League.

Bexhill Broncos

2016 - 2019

Bexhill Broncos FC emblem

Bexhill Broncos competed for three seasons in the East Sussex League before folding due to increased difficulties in fielding a side; home games were played at Gunters Lane.

Bexhill Malet

1920 - 1921

A predecessor to Bexhill AAC, Bexhill Malet competed for the Hillier Cup in 1920-21 before changing name to Bexhill Athletic. Presumably formed in connection to the Malet Hall Boys Club, who later became the Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club.

Bexhill Rovers

1905 - 1907

The earlier Bexhill Rovers team competed in the Hastings, Eastbourne & District League in 1905-06 and 1906-07.

2011 - Present

Bexhill Rovers FC emblem

The present day club was founded ahead of the 2011-12 season and compete in East Sussex League, having progressed from Division Seven to Division Two where the team currently play. The club play their home fixtures at Gunters Lane.

Bexhill Town

1920 - 1927 / 1946 - 1947

Read the history of Bexhill United and Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club.

2016 - Present

Bexhill Town FC emblem

The current Bexhill Town team was formed ahead of the 2016-17 season and initially played home fixtures at Bulverhythe. The side was mostly made up of the Bexhill AAC team who had finished in second place in Division One in 2014-15 before disbanding before the 2015-16 season, the team once again earned promotion with their new club to the Premier Division where they have remained since. The club started using the Polegrove for home fixtures circa 2018.

Bexhill Wanderers

Bexhill Wanderers competed in 1945-46, fielding teams in the Sussex County League and Hastings League. There are no more records of the club after Bexhill reformed as Bexhill Town Athletic and seemingly took Wanderers places in both leagues.

Burwash

1890 - Present

Burwash FC emblem

Burwash was founded in 1890 and joined the Ticehurst League ahead of the 1903-04 season, finishing the first three seasons as champions. There are records of a Burwash United competing in the league for a season, though it is unclear if this is the same club?

The side joined the East Sussex League ahead of the 1928-29 season, where they competed for three seasons before dropping out to join the Sedlescombe & District League. The club rejoined the East Sussex League ahead of the 1950-51 where played for six seasons before dropping out once more.

By the late 1960s the club had returned to the East Sussex League once more a stay which lasted well over forty years until they disbanded in 2019. However, the club have reformed ahead of the 2021-22 season and look set to play in East Sussex League once more.

Catsfield

1906 - Present

Catsfield FC emblem

Catsfield were formed in 1906 and joined the Sedlescombe & District League ahead of the 1928-29 season, where they competed for four seasons before spending one season competing in Division Two of the Hastings League. The club competed once more in the Hastings League before the outbreak of World War Two.

Following the war, the club are recorded have been competing in the Hailsham League and also spent another season playing in Division Three of the Hastings League. The side are recorded have joined the East Sussex League by the late 1960s in which they competed until they disbanded in 1997.

The club reformed ahead of the 2001-02 season and have remained members of the East Sussex League since.

Christ Church Wanderers

1921 - 1927

Christ Church Wanderers were a team from Bexhill who competed in the Hastings League for six seasons.

Crowhurst

1923 - Present

Crowhurst FC emblem

Crowhurst were founded in 1923 and some early reports refer to the club as Crowhurst Hotspurs. The club joined the Hastings League ahead of the 1923-24 season, of which they remained members of until at least the 1950s. The side currently play in the East Sussex Premier Division.

Crowhurst United

1898

There are records of a Crowhurst United playing in 1898 but no other information is known about the club.

East Guldeford

1921 - ????

The first record of a club from East Guldeford are a side who competed in the Hastings League in 1921-22. A team then joined Division Three of the Hastings League ahead of the 1938-39 season and remained members throughout the 1950s.

Following the 1955-56 season the club were either replaced by or changed name to East Guldeford Old Boys. East Guldeford, without the Old Boys suffix, were members of the East Sussex League in the 1980s and playing their games at the Freda Gardham School in Rye.

Guestling

1927 / 1951 - ????

There was a team from Guestling who competed in Division Two of the Hastings League in 1927-28, but they appear to have disbanded after the season.

Another Guestling team was formed ahead of the 1951-52 season and competed for three seasons in the Division Three East of the Hastings League.

Guestling Rangers

???? - 2013

Guestling Rangers was established as a youth football club and the oldest age group entered adult football ahead of the 2007-08 season. Two years later another age group moved into adult football to form a second team in the East Sussex League and ‘Rangers’ was dropped from the name around the same time.

By 2012-13 the club was fielding one adult team and relations with the youth club and parish council seemed to be somewhat strained as they were using Bulverhythe for home games. Most of the former youth team players had know moved on and the team decided to rename themselves Old Hastonians, with most of the squad having previously played for the old club.

Guldeford Old Boys

1956 - 1958

See: East Guldeford FC.

Hawkhurst United

1891 - Present

Hawkhurst United FC emblem

Hawkhurst United were founded in 1891 as Hawkhurst and are first known to be playing competitive football in 1903-04 after they entered the Ticehurst League. The club remained members of the league until the 1930s, winning the at leats three times; the side also entered the Weald of Kent Cup during this era.

In the years following the Second World War, the club were reported to have been competing in the Tunbridge Wells League, joining the East Sussex League in 1969. The clubs stay in the league lasted for fifteen seasons, before the before they made a return to Kent league football when they joined the Kent County League West Section Premier ahead of the 1984-85 season. The club won the West Section Premier in 1985-86 and spent another season competing in the league, before making a return to the East Sussex League the following season.

The 2000s saw Hawkhurst climb the divisions back to the East Sussex Premier, which they went onto win in 2005-06 and 2006-07. After their second successful ESFL season it was decided to rejoin the Kent County League, albeit a move that seemed to relegate the team rather than promote as the club had hoped for, being entered into Division Two West. The team come runners up to Farnborough Old Boys in their first season, but struggled the following season in Division One West. The team left the league at the end of the season, with the reserve team still in the East Sussex League becoming the sole team.

The club once again climbed the divisions, winning Division One in 2014-15 in a season that also saw them defeat Mountfield United to win the Robertsbridge Junior Cup. The side have since remained in the Premier Division, whilst also fielding a second team and briefly a Sunday team.

Herstmonceux

1900 - Present

Herstmonceux FC emblem

Herstmonceux were founded in 1900 and first entered the Sedlescombe & District League ahead of the 1910-11 season. The club won the league in 1919-20, 1920-21 and 1921-22, with a reserve team taking their place between 1922 and 1925, with the first team presumably competing in a stronger league. The first team made a return for 1925-26 - whilst the club also fielded a team in the Hailsham League; before joining the East Sussex League ahead of the 1926-27 season, a stay that would last two seasons.

By 1954 the club appear to have been playing in Hailsham League, joining the East Sussex League once more ahead of the 1957-58 season, a membership that remains to this day.

The club currently play their home games at Lime Cross, known for the long walk between the changing facilities and pitch. The changing rooms are located at Herstmonceux Recreation Ground, where the club used to play.

Hooe

1907 - Present

Hooe FC emblem

Hooe were formed in 1907 and went onto spend one season in the Sedlescombe & District League in 1909-10. The club spent most of the 1920s competing in the league, which they won once, before entering the Hastings League ahead of the 1929-30 season. The team would sporadically enter the league throughout the 1930s, ending the decade in Division One.

In the years following the Second World War the club were competing in the Hailsham League, before joining the East Sussex League in 1967. In 1989 the club had reached the East Sussex Premier having just changed name to Hooe Sports, competing in the league until 2013 when they disbanded. The club competed in Division Three of the East Sussex League in 2014-15 and 2015-16 before disbanding once more.

Hooe FC was reformed once again in 2018 and look set to start the 2021-22 East Sussex League season in Division Three.

Hutchinson Brothers

1927

Hutchinson Brothers were a team from Battle, presumably in connection to a firm of the same name. The team competed in Division Two of the Hastings League for the 1927-28 season and played their home games at Crowhurst.

Icklesham Casuals

Icklesham Casuals emblem

1937 - Present

Icklesham Casuals were founded in 1937 by William Dunlop, who remained an important ever present figure until he passed away in 1988. Since their formation the club have played at Icklesham Recreation Ground, having also made use of grounds at Pannel Lane in Pett and at Guestling when their home pitch has been unavailable or fielding a third team. The club initially played in the Hastings League and then the Eastbourne and Hastings League following a merger of the two leagues. In 1987 they joined the East Sussex League where they still compete.

The club has seen a number of players make over 500 appearances for the club, some even reaching 600, 700 and 800 appearances. A remarkable 1000 appearances has been achieved by Martin Tytherleigh who joined the club in the late 1980s.

See also: Icklesham have a good history section on their website, where you can also view their collection of photos from throughout their history. Also read an article about Icklesham Casuals by David Bauckham on his website.

Iden

???? - 1960s

There are records of an earlier Iden club who played until the early 1960s.

1966 - 2015

Iden were formed in 1966 by Bernard Say, proprietor of the village store, winning Division Four of the Hastings League in their first season. The team rose through the leagues and by the early 1980s were playing in the East Sussex League Premier Division. The club joined the Kent County League ahead of the 1995-96 season, finishing in second place in Division Two East. The team competed in Division One East for five seasons before merging with Rye United in 2001.

As Rye & Iden United, the first and reserve teams played at the salts, with the third team playing at Iden. However in 2006 Iden split from the club and joined forces with Peasmarsh to become Peasmarsh & Iden FC. The first team competed for five seasons in the East Sussex Premier, before the two clubs split and Iden went onto spend another four seasons in the Premier Division before disbanding in 2015.

Little Common

???? - 1956

This club bears no relation to the current County League side; they competed in the Hastings League from the 1920s through to 1955-56 after which they appear to have disbanded.

Mountfield United

1909 - Present

Mountfield United were formed in 1909 as Mountfield FC and are recorded to have entered the Sedlescombe & District League ahead of the 1921-22 season, where they competed for three seasons. 1929-30 saw the club compete in the Hastings League, before making a return to the Sedlescombe League and the following seasons the club alternated between the Ticehurst, Sedlescombe, Battle and Hastings leagues.

The club rejoined the Hastings League ahead of the 1951-52 season and presumably joined the Eastbourne & Hastings League following the merger of the two. After the leagues split, Mountfield joined the East Sussex League in 1988 where they have remained since. The club have reached the Premier Division on two occasions and look set to compete in Division Three in 2021-22.

The clubs original home pitch was located at Johns Cross, accessed opposite the Johns Cross Inn on the Mountfield Court estate. The ground was Mountfields home for roughly seventy years until they moved to their current home pitch located at Riverhall. The club has also briefly used pitches at Claverham School and Netherfield Recreation Ground.

Northiam

c1901 - 1973

The original village team are reported to be in existence in 1901 and appear to be playing throughout the first decade of the 20th century. The club joined the Sedlescombe & District League ahead of the 1910-11 season, winning the league at least once in 1912-13 and finishing runners up numerous times.

The team entered the Hastings League in 1932 and would also enter teams in the Battle and Ticehurst Leagues throughout the rest of the 1930s. The club entered the Weald of Kent League following the Second World War, later rejoining the Hastings League ahead of the 1948-49 season.

The club remained in the Hastings League throughout the 1950s, excluding 1953-54 and 1958-59, whilst also entering a team in the Ticehurst League. The club entered the East Sussex League in 1966 following the demise of the Ticehurst League, where the club rose to the Premier Division in 1971. However the club had amassed debts that had become unmanageable and the club folded in 1973.

The club originally played home games on a pitch located off Higham Lane, before moving to Northiam Playing Fields in 1927 following its acquisition by the Parish Council.

Northiam 75

1975 - Present

Northiam 75 FC emblem

Northiam 75 were named so to avoid any liability for the debts amassed by the previous club. The club entered two teams into the Eastbourne & Hastings League, with the firsts moving to the East Sussex League in 1981.

The firsts have since reached the Premier Division on three occasions, the most recent being ahead of the 2018-19 season after a runners up finish to Bexhill AAC.

Neil Ruddock made a cameo appearance for the second team in 2006; Razors wife Leah is the grand-daughter of one the clubs founders Fred Francis, who has the Fred Francis Memorial Trophy named after him which is competed for annually by the first and second teams.

See also: An article by David Bauckham on his website covering the history of both Northiam clubs.

Old Town Lions

2019 - 2021

Old Town Lions FC emblem

Old Town Lions spent two seasons competing in the East Sussex League, playing their home fixtures at the Bexhill College 3g.

Orington

2004 - Present

Orington FC emblem

Orington was established in 2004 and entered the East Sussex League ahead of the 2006-07 season. The team quickly climbed the divisions reaching Division One in 2012, the first team spent two seasons playing in the division before dropping out following the 2013-14 season. The old second team carried on and the team now compete in Division Four.

The club played their home fixtures at Hillcrest School during their early years before moving to Netherfield Recreation Ground circa 2011. The club then moved onto Bexhill Road and currently play at the Bexhill College 3g.

Peasmarsh

???? - 2016

Peasmarsh first entered the Hastings League ahead of the 1931-32 season, spending two seasons competing in Division Two. The team spent another two seasons competing in 1937-38 and 1938-39. The club rejoined following the Second World War before leaving once more after the 1950-51 season. Peasmarsh rejoined once again ahead of the 1955-56 season and appeared to be quickly climbing the divisions.

Peasmarsh later joined forces with Iden in 2007, but it is unknown if this club is linked to the earlier village club?

Peasmarsh United competed for four seasons in the East Sussex League until they disbanded in 2016.

Peasmarsh & Iden

2007 - 2011

Peasmarsh & Iden were formed following the merger of the two village clubs in 2007, following Idens split from Rye United. The first team spent five seasons competing in the Premier Division of the East Sussex League before the two clubs separated in 2011.

Robertsbridge United

1896 - Present

Robertsbridge United emblem

Robertsbridge United were founded in 1896 by two brothers, J.L. and Isaac Mannington. The club were possibly reformed in 1905 and joined the Ticehurst League ahead of the 1906-07 season. The club would also go onto join the Sedlescombe and Battle leagues throughout the 1920s and 30s.

Following the Second World War, the club entered the Hastings League Division Two and were promoted to Division One in 1949. The team were consistently one of the strongest in the league, ending the 1955-56 as champions and had joined the East Sussex League by 1960.

The club disbanded following the flooding that heavily affected the village in 2000, which wiped out their home at Robertsbridge Recreation Ground. However the club reformed in 2002 and worked their way to the East Sussex Premier Division by 2011, where the first team have remained since.

Rye Old Boys

1930? - 1938

Rye Old Boys was established by popular school master, Sidney Allnutt. Allnutt formed a team to give young school leavers a chance to carry on playing into adulthood. The team entered the Hastings League ahead of the 1930-31 season, winning promotion to Division One in 1932 and then fielding a second team in Division Two. The first team would go onto finish in third, then second place twice before making the step up to the East Sussex League ahead of the 1935-36 season.

The team finished in third place in their debut season in the East Sussex League, going onto finish in tenth and fifth respectively. In 1938 it was decided to have one team representing Rye and so the club merged with Rye FC to form Rye United, who went onto become a dominant force in East Sussex football.

SC Pass + Move

2017 - Present

SC Pass + Move FC emblem

Pass + Move was founded in 2007 by Duncan Jones and Tony Harris and the club has grown to field more than thirty sides. An adult team called SC Pass + Move was formed in 2017 and entered Division Two of the East Sussex League ahead of the 2019-20 season. The team who currently call Netherfield Recreation Ground, added ‘Arrows’ to their name ahead of the 2020-21 season and have set up a veterans team.

Sedlescombe

???? - 2010

The founding date of the original village team is currently unknown, but the side was formed by at least 1909 when they became founder members of the Sedlescombe & District League. The club remained members of the league until 1932, when they joined the Hastings League.

The club remained members of the Hastings League throughout the 1950s and presumably joined the Eastbourne & Hastings League after their merger, being members of the league in 1970s and 80s. The club joined the East Sussex League in 1988 where they remained since. By 2008-09 Sedlescombe had reached the Premier Division and in 2010 merged with Sedlescombe Rangers Youth to officially gain a youth section.

Sedlescombe Rangers

1981 - Present

Sedlescombe Rangers FC emblem

Sedlescombe Rangers were formed in 1981 as a single youth team and has since grown to become one of the largest youth football clubs in the area. The club merged with Sedlescombe in 2010 to form one large village club and give children a route into adult football. The first team was folded following the 2011-12 season, but the club made a return to the Premier Division in 2015. The team competed in the East Sussex Premier for before making the jump to the Mid Sussex League Premier Division ahead of the 2020-21 season.

South Coast Athletico

2017 - Present

South Coast Athletico FC emblem

South Coast Athletico were formed in 2017 and have quickly climbed the East Sussex League Divisions, currently playing in Division One. The team play their home games at Bexhill College 3g.

Three Oaks

1927 - 1931

Three Oaks had a team who competed in the Hastings League Division Two in 1929-30 and 1930-31.

Ticehurst

1895 - Present

Ticehurst FC emblem

Ticehurst were established in 1895 and spent their formative years competing in the Ticehurst League and Tunbridge Wells League. There are reports that suggest the club first played at the village recreation ground, before quickly moving to the Bell Field, where they have remained ever since.

The club joined the Hastings League ahead of the 1951-52 season, where they competed throughout the 1950s and appear to have joined the East Sussex League by the late 1960s.

Wadhurst Toc H

???? - 1973

Toc H, abbreviated from Talbot House, is an international Christian movement founded during World War One by Neville Talbot, a senior Church of England chaplain in the British Army.

The origins of Wadhurst Toc H are currently unclear; they had entered two teams into the East Sussex League by 1963-64 and continued to do so throughout the 1960s. The club merged with Wadhurst in 1972 to become Wadhurst United and went onto enjoy considerable success throughout the 1970s. However, Toc H appears to have split from the club by 1988-89 where they fielded two teams in the East Sussex League and remained members of the league into the 1990s.

Wadhurst United

1973 - Present

Wadhurst Unted was formed in 1973 by the amalgamation of Wadhurst FC and Wadhurst Toc H, the former being founded in 1890. Wadhurst FC competed in the Ticehurst and Tunbridge Wells leagues throughout the first half of the 20th century, before joining the Hastings League ahead of the 1946-47 season.

The club remained members of the league throughout the 1950s, whilst also fielding teams in the Ticehurst and Tunbridge Wells leagues. The club joined the East Sussex League ahead of the 1958-59 season, which they went onto win in 1963-64 and were invited to join Division Two of the Sussex County League.

The team won Division Two in 1966-67 and went onto spend three seasons competing in Division One before being relegated back to Division Two. The side spent another two seasons before not winning election back into the league due to the sloping nature of their home pitch at Washwell Lane.

After leaving the Sussex County League in 1972, Wadhurst joined the Southern Counties Combination, which became a stepping stone for clubs playing park football wishing to progress to the County League. The two Wadhurst clubs merged in 1973 and would go onto win the league twice and the Sussex Intermediate Cup in 1976.

Following the demise of the Southern Counties Combination, the club joined the East Sussex League ahead of the 1988-89 season and won the Premier Division in 1992-93. The club went onto win the Premier Division another three times and after their 2002-03 success rejoined the Sussex County League. The side more than held their own during the three seasons in Division Three of the County League, where they had relocated to Sparrows Green, but dropped out after the 2005-06 season, making a return to Washwell Lane where the club are still located.