Hastings Football History

Senior clubs from Hastings...

Hastings United (formerly Hastings Town)

1893 - Present

Hastings United is currently the most senior club in the area, competing in the Isthmian League South East Division. The club is often mistaken for the previous Hastings United, which folded in 1985. However, the present club was originally founded as Rock-a-Nore in 1893. Over the years, it has undergone several name changes:- Hastings Rock-a-Nore (1920), Hastings & St Leonards FC (1921), Hastings Town (1976).

Hastings United original

1948 - 1985

The original Hastings United was formed in 1948 to reintroduce professional football to Hastings and St Leonards. Partially named after Hastings & St Leonards United, the club spent its 37-year history competing in the Southern League and enjoyed several memorable FA Cup runs. Unfortunately, long-term financial difficulties led to its closure in 1985.

St Leonards (STAMCO)

1971 - 2004

Established in 1971 as a works team for the local firm STAMCO, the club initially played friendly matches before entering competitive football. It quickly climbed the league pyramid, reaching the Southern League Premier Division at its peak. However, following relegation from the Southern Premier, the club faced ongoing struggles both on and off the pitch 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, the team played at the Central Recreation Ground. In 1895, it became Hastings & St Leonards FC, emerging as one of East Sussex’s strongest clubs. In 1906, it merged with local rivals St Leonards United to form Hastings & St Leonards United.

For details on other clubs named Hastings & St Leonards, see Hastings & St Leonards

St Leonards United

1898 - 1906

Originally founded as St Leonards FC in 1898, the club earned the nickname “Greenbacks” due to its green and white colours. In 1905, it became the first local club to turn professional by joining the Southern League and adopting the name St Leonards United. A year later, it merged with Hastings & St Leonards FC to pool resources and aim for Southern League success..

Hastings & St Leonards United

1906 - 1910

Created through the merger of Hastings & St Leonards FC and St Leonards United, the club competed in the Southern League Division Two. Despite ambitions for promotion, it failed to achieve this goal and lacked the support needed to maintain professional status. The club folded after the 1909–10 season.

St Leonards Amateurs

1907 - 1914

Formed in 1907, St Leonards Amateurs became the area’s strongest side following the demise of Hastings & St Leonards United. They won the East Sussex League in 1912 and 1913 and lifted the Sussex Senior Cup in 1912. Ahead of the 1913–14 season, they changed their name to Hastings & St Leonards Amateurs and joined the Athenian League. However, the outbreak of World War I led to the club folding, and it 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

2002 - Present

Bexhill United was formed in 2002 following the merger of Bexhill Town and Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club (AAC). Although the AAC faction split from the club ahead of the 2005–06 season, the senior side retained the name Bexhill United.

The history of football in Bexhill is complex. Records show a Bexhill Football Club competing in the Hastings, Eastbourne & District League from 1897 and joining the East Sussex League in 1905–06. By 1921–22, Bexhill were playing in both leagues before disappearing, with Bexhill Town and Bexhill United entering the East Sussex League. It remains unclear whether these new names were linked to the original club or resulted from a split, or if the original club simply adopted “Town” or “United” as part of its name.

The two Bexhill clubs competed in the East Sussex League for five seasons, each winning the title once. In 1927, plans to bring County League football to the town prompted a merger, creating Bexhill, who took the place of Brighton-based Allen West ahead of the 1927–28 season. This has led to the mistaken belief that Allen West was Bexhill’s original name.

The club competed in the County League until World War II. A team named Bexhill Wanderers appeared in the 1945–46 season, before Bexhill returned in 1946–47 as Bexhill Town Athletic, with Bexhill Athletic Club as a sister team. The two officially merged in 1950, a partnership that lasted until 1969, after which the senior club dropped “Athletic” to become Bexhill Town. During this 19-year partnership, the club won the County League three times in 1956–57, 1965–66 and 1966–67

Bexhill Town remained in Division One for 12 more seasons before relegation to Division Two in 1981–82. They dropped again to Division Three in 1984–85 but bounced back to senior football the following season. After winning Division Two in 1989–90, they returned to the top division, only to be relegated in 1994–95 and again in 1998–99, falling back to intermediate football.

Ahead of the 2002–03 season, the club merged once more with Bexhill AAC to form Bexhill United. They earned promotion back to senior football in 2004–05 after finishing second, but were relegated immediately after finishing bottom of Division Two in 2005–06.

The AAC split again before the 2006–07 season, but United bounced back with another second-place finish and a Sussex Intermediate Cup win. However, they were relegated the following season and returned to Division Three. In 2009–10, they finished runners-up and regained senior status.

This time, the club consolidated its position and, ahead of the 2021–22 season, won promotion to the Southern Combination Premier Division on a points-per-game basis.

Little Common

1966 - Present

The club was established in 1966 as Albion United, initially fielding two youth teams. They soon progressed to adult football in the Hastings League before moving up to the East Sussex League and, in 1977, joining the Sussex County League.

In 1986, the club changed its name to Little Common Albion and remained in the County League until 1995. At some point, “Albion” was dropped from the name, and in 2005 the club won the East Sussex League Premier Division, earning promotion back to the Sussex County League

After finishing second in the Southern Combination League Division One in 2016–17, the club was denied promotion due to ground grading issues. However, in 2017, Little Common entered a ground-share agreement with Eastbourne United Association, enabling them to secure promotion after winning Division One.

Little Common relocated to The Oval, home of Eastbourne United, as part of this ground-share arrangement. They returned to their upgraded home at Little Common Recreation Ground in December 2021. The move back was made possible after the club installed new stands and fencing to meet ground grading requirements.

Rye United

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, competing in the Hastings, Eastbourne & District League. They joined the East Sussex League in 1904–05, remaining until the league folded after the 1910–11 season, before returning to the Hastings, Eastbourne & District League.

After the First World War, Rye FC rejoined the East Sussex League for the 1920–21 season, winning the title in 1921–22 and again in 1934–35. However, their form declined, and in 1935 Rye Old Boys entered the league. The two clubs merged in 1938 to form Rye United.

The newly formed Rye United won the East Sussex League at their first attempt in 1938–39 and competed in the 1939–40 season, which was split into Eastern and Western Sections.

After the Second World War, Rye United returned and dominated, winning the league five times in six seasons. In 1952, they became founder members of Division Two of the Sussex County League.

Rye United won Division Two in 1955–56, earning promotion to Division One, where they competed for 18 seasons, finishing runners-up in 1959–60. They were relegated in 1973–74 but bounced back immediately with a second-place finish.

The club endured another relegation in 1979–80, returning to Division Two for three seasons before leaving the County League altogether.

Rye competed at junior level in the East Sussex League before joining the Kent County League in 1987–88. They finished runners-up in the Eastern Section Premier Division in their first season and were promoted to the Senior Division.

In 1992, following a league restructure, Rye were placed in Division One (East), winning the title in 1996–97 and earning promotion to the Premier Division, where they finished runners-up in 1997–98.

The club returned to Sussex football in 2000–01, winning Division Three in their first season back. Ahead of 2001–02, they merged with Iden to become Rye & Iden United, winning Division Two but being denied promotion due to ground grading. They repeated the feat the following season and were promoted to Division One.

Rye & Iden United finished runners-up in Division One in 2003–04 and 2004–05 but later struggled, suffering three consecutive 19th-place finishes and relegation in 2007–08. That year, Iden split from the club, forming Peasmarsh & Iden FC, and the County League side reverted to Rye United.

Rye United won Division Two in 2009–10 and finished runners-up in Division One in 2010–11, despite playing most fixtures away following an arson attack on their clubhouse. That season also saw them reach the FA Vase quarter-finals.

By 2013–14, relegation due to ground grading seemed inevitable, and in March 2014, an EGM confirmed Rye United’s immediate withdrawal from the Sussex County League.

In 2016, football returned to the town with the formation of Rye Town, who entered Division One of the East Sussex League for the 2016–17 season. The new club adopted Rye United’s traditional red and black colours and initially played at The Salts before relocating to Rye Rugby Club.

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

Sidley United

1902 - Present

Founded in 1902 as Sidley FC, the club first entered competitive football in the Carlisle Cup ahead of the 1905–06 season. They continued to compete in Hastings FA tournaments, winning the Hillier Cup in 1911–12, and spent three seasons in the Hastings, Eastbourne & District League. Ahead of the 1920–21 season, Sidley joined the East Sussex League, claiming the championship in 1925–26 and again in 1932–33

In 1952, the club became part of the newly formed Sussex County League Division Two, earning promotion to Division One in 1958–59 after winning the league. Relegation followed in 1974–75, but a second-place finish in 1977–78 saw them return to Division One—only to finish bottom the following season and drop back down.

Sidley remained in Division Two for eight years before finishing bottom in 1986–87, which led to relegation to Division Three and their first absence from senior football since 1952. After a difficult 1987–88 season, where they finished second-bottom, the team rebuilt and ended 1989–90 as runners-up, regaining senior status.

The 1990s were spent in Division Two, culminating in a championship win in 1998–99 and promotion to Division One. The club achieved its greatest success in 2000–01, winning Division One for the only time in its history. Subsequent seasons saw mid-table finishes until relegation in 2007–08. However, Sidley returned to the top flight in 2009–10 after finishing third.

The club remained in Division One until 2013, when they withdrew following the collapse of Sidley Sports & Social Club, which managed their home ground at The Gullivers.

The club was reformed ahead of the 2014–15 season and entered Division One of the East Sussex League, playing home fixtures at Hooe Recreation Ground. They won Division One in 2015–16, earning promotion to the Premier Division, which they went on to win in 2018–19.

Following their success in the East Sussex League, the club joined the Mid Sussex League for the 2019–20 season. However, they were unable to enter the Premier Division as Hooe Recreation Ground did not meet the required ground grading standards. Despite this, the team were crowned champions after final positions were determined on a points-per-game basis and secured promotion to the Premier Division.

During the 2020–21 season, the first team played home fixtures at Little Common Recreation Ground, while the reserves remained at Hooe. After one season away, the club returned to Hooe Recreation Ground, and it is hoped they can eventually make a permanent move back to the Gullivers.

Westfield

1927 - Present

Westfield were officially founded in 1927, although records suggest that clubs bearing the Westfield name existed prior to this date. The team initially competed in the Sedlescombe & District League for three seasons before joining the Hastings League, where they finished as Division One runners-up on three occasions during the 1930s.

The club reformed after the Second World War and secured another Division One second-place finish in 1946–47. However, the first team appears to have folded after the 1950–51 season, leaving only one side to compete in Division Three East. Success soon followed, with back-to-back promotions returning Westfield to Division One for the 1954–55 season, culminating in a league title in 1956–57.

In 1971, the club joined the East Sussex League and went on to win the Premier Division in 1977–78. They remained in the league until 1996–97, finishing runners-up to Polegate before moving to Division Three of the Sussex County League. Promotion came in their second season after another second-place finish.

Ground grading requirements have since hampered the club’s ambitions. In 2006–07, Westfield finished third but were denied promotion to Division One due to the absence of floodlights at the Parish Field. Further regulations later saw the club relegated from senior football to the newly named Southern Combination League Division Two. They remained in that division until 2019, when they transferred to the Mid Sussex League Premier Division.

In 2024, Westfield moved to their new home ground, The Knight & Davey Community Stadium, located at Westfield Downs opposite the Parish Field. The modern facility now boasts two stands and floodlights, marking a significant step forward for the club’s future.

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, based at the Hatherly Road Drill Hall. They entered Division Two of the Hastings League ahead of the 1923–24 season and remained in the competition until 1929–30, missing only the 1928–29 season. Home fixtures were played at Blacklands Terrace and on a pitch located at Harley Shute.

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

AFC Hollington

2017 - 2022

Founded in 2017, AFC Hollington fielded two teams in the East Sussex League and played their home matches at Helenswood Lower School, having previously been based at William Parker. The club folded in 2022.

Alexandra

1898

Records show that a club named Alexandra FC existed in 1898, playing their home matches at Bopeep.

1907 - 1910

Another incarnation of Alexandra was formed in 1907 and competed for the Hillier Cup for three seasons, with home games played at 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

Records indicate the existence of a team named All Souls in 1898.

1921

A team under the same name was active in 1921, although there are no known records of them entering any formal competition.

Baldslow

1921 - 1922

Baldslow competed for one season in Division Two of the Hastings League, playing their home fixtures at Harrow Lane.

Blacklands

1898

Records show that a team named Blacklands FC existed in 1898, playing their matches at Bopeep.

1924 - 1939

Blacklands were re-established in 1924 and entered the Hastings League ahead of the 1926–27 season. The club fielded a Saturday side that alternated between Division One and Division Two until the 1934–35 season, after which they competed in the Wednesday competition. The team did not reform following the Second World War.

Bohemia

1904 - 1905

Bohemia FC enjoyed success during their short existence, winning the Hillier Cup in the 1904–05 season while also competing for the Brassey Cup. The team played their home fixtures at Moon’s Field and Horntye.

1914 - 1925

Bohemia St Peters, often referred to simply as St Peters, was formed in 1913 and initially played at Horntye. After the First World War, the club entered the Hastings League ahead of the 1921–22 season, competing for six seasons with home matches staged at the BOS.

1950 - 2004

Bohemia United was established ahead of the 1950–51 season and began in Division Three East of the Hastings League, where they competed for five seasons. Although they never achieved promotion within the league, the club stepped up to the East Sussex League for the 1955–56 season, remaining for three years before returning to the Hastings League in the 1960s. They continued in local football until folding 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 the 1912–13 season, with home games mostly played at Bopeep, although a pitch in Hollington was briefly used. The club reformed ahead of the 1923–24 season and spent two years in Division One of the Hastings League.

Boys Brigade

1890

A club named Boys Brigade was recorded in 1890, although no further information is known about this first incarnation.

c1900 - 1902 / 1908 - 1909

The team initially spent two seasons playing friendlies before disbanding. They later reformed and achieved success by winning the 1908–09 Old Boys Cup, with home games played at Ore Valley.

Boys Own Society (BOS)

1898 - 1914

The Boys Own Society was a youth organisation based at the Robertson Street Congregational Church, and a football team was formed in 1898. The club name was almost always shortened to BOS, which is likely the origin of the BOS Field located on Elphinstone Road. However, there are no records of the BOS football team ever using that field; instead, they are recorded as playing home fixtures at Ore Valley, West Hill, and Bopeep.

The team initially played friendly matches before entering local competitions for three seasons from 1904, after which they returned to informal games. The club continued until the outbreak of the First World War, after which it never reformed.

Calvert

1898

Cave Austin

1905

Cave, Austin & Co was a grocers company with shops located throughout the South East. A football team, presumably made up of employees, was reported to be playing matches in 1905, but it appears the side lasted no more than a year.

Central United

1930 - 1932

Central United competed in the Hastings Wednesday League for four seasons, winning Division Two in 1931–32. The team played their home fixtures at East Hill.

Christ Church

c.1900

For information about Christ Church FC around 1900, see the history of St Leonards Swifts.

1903

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

c.1900

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 members of Rev. W. Asley Cooper’s Bible Class. The side initially played friendlies before competing in the 1906–07 Brassey Cup, after which they disbanded.

The club reformed in 1920, finishing third in the 1920–21 Hillier Cup. In 1921, they changed their name to St Leonards Amateurs, adopting the identity of the former club.

Civil Service

1938 - 1980s

The Hastings Civil Service formed a football club in 1938, playing home fixtures at Baldslow. The team competed in Division Two of the Hastings League for one season before the outbreak of the Second World War.

The club reformed after the war and rejoined the Hastings League, later moving to the East Sussex League ahead of the 1950–51 season, with Bulverhythe serving as their home ground around this time. Civil Service remained in the East Sussex League until at least the 1980s.

Claremont Rovers

1893 - 1896

Claremont Rovers were a predecessor team to Observer Athletic, formed in 1893 in connection with the employees of the Hastings & St Leonards Observer office. The club colours were dark blue and yellow, and they played on pitches at West Hill, Halton and The Green.

The team competed in the Carlisle Cup during the 1894–95 and 1895–96 seasons.

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, playing their home fixtures at East Hill.

Clive Vale

1890 - 1893

For the club referred to as Clive Vale during this period, see the history of East Hastings FC.

1898

Clive Vale United were reported to be playing matches in 1898, but no further details are known

1901

Records indicate the existence of a Clive Vale FC in 1901, though no additional information is available.

1907 - 1909

Clive Vale Old Boys competed in the Brassey Cup and Old Boys Cup during this era, winning the latter in the 1907–08 season.

Clock House United

1936 - 1937

Clock House United competed for two seasons in the Hastings Wednesday Division, playing their home fixtures 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 competed for one season in the Hastings League. No further information about the team is known.

East Hastings

1890 - 1893

Founded in 1890 as East End FC, the club was also referred to as Clive Vale FC. They played their matches at 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 side competed in Division Two of the Hastings League, with home fixtures played on a pitch located on the Ridge.

Emmanuel

1898 - 1900

Emmanuel were established in 1898 and competed for the Carlisle Cup during the 1899–1900 season. Their home games were played at Ore Valley, Ore, and Bopeep.

See also: Hastings Orient.

1912 - 1922

A second Emmanuel team was formed in 1912; however, there are no records indicating that they played competitive football.

Engineer Volunteers

1906 - 1907

Engineer Volunteers was a team, possibly associated with the 2nd Cinque Ports Artillery Volunteers. They competed for the Hillier Cup during the 1906–1907 season.

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

Gas Works

1908 - 1910

Gas Works was a team formed in 1908 for employees of the Queens Road Gas Works, now the site of the Morrisons supermarket. The side played only friendly matches and used Ore Valley and Goddens Farm as their home grounds.

1921 - 1922

Records indicate another gas works team was formed in 1921, but no further details are known.

Griffins Athletic

1938 - 1939

Griffins Athletic competed in the Hastings Wednesday League during the 1938–1939 season, but no further information about the team is available.

Halton Athletic

1914

See Vale Orton.

Hastings Banks

See United Banks.

Hastings & St Leonards

1875 - 1891

The first known team named Hastings & St Leonards was formed in 1875 as the football section of the Hastings & St Leonards Amateur Athletic Club, which itself may have been established in 1868. The club primarily played under the rugby code, with association football being a rare occurrence.

The first recorded match under association rules took place in 1879 against New College, Eastbourne. However, such games were infrequent, and the club eventually folded in 1891.

Contemporary reports from the Hastings & St Leonards Observer (24 April 1880) noted:

"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 was based at the Central Ground, where the football team played most of its home fixtures. Other venues included The Green and Lower Glebe Meadow.

1890 - 1906

For details about the club during this period, see the history of Hastings & St Leonards.

1913 - 1914

For information on the club referred to as Hastings & St Leonards during these years, see the history of St Leonards Amateurs.

1921 - 1976

For details on the club named Hastings & St Leonards in this era, see 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 adopted the identity of the east-end side, playing in red and blue, and received permission from the professional club to use the Central Ground. They entered the East Sussex League for the 1906–1907 season but disbanded after just one year.

1913 - 1914

For details about the club during this period, see the history of St Leonards Amateurs.

1921 - 1976

For information on the club referred to as Hastings & St Leonards Amateurs in this era, see the history of Hastings United.

Hastings & St Leonards Athletic

1890 - 1906

For details about the club named Hastings & St Leonards Athletic between 1890 and 1896, refer to the history of Hastings & St Leonards.

1908 - 1912

For information on the club during 1908–1912 read the history of Hastings Athletic.

Hastings & St Leonards Postal

1902 - 1910

The third team in the borough formed for local postal workers, Hastings & St Leonards Postal played mostly friendly fixtures but did compete for the Brassey Cup during the 1906–1907 season.

1980s? - 2000s

Hastings Postal later featured 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 formed exclusively as an association football team. Established in 1889, the Swifts entered both the Sussex Senior and Junior Cups for the 1889–1890 season, although their record in these competitions remains unknown. Their existence was short-lived, as the club folded in 1892.

Hastings & West Marina Locomotive

1907

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

Hastings Albion

1934 - 1939

Hastings Albion was originally formed in 1934 as Hotels United, before adopting the name Hastings Albion in 1937. The team 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 itself was formed in 1887 and even published its own monthly magazine. An 1892 edition lists fixtures against Ashford Victoria, Highbury House, Eastbourne College, University School, Rye, Hastings Grammar School, St Leonards School, Battle, and East Hastings.

The football team reportedly played home matches at The Green, West Hill, East Hill, and the Central Recreation Ground. By 1897, the Alliance club had become defunct—possibly merging with Hastings Athletic Club—while Hastings & St Leonards FC took over as the main football tenants at the Central Ground.

Hastings Athletic

1875 - 1891

For details about the club referred to as Hastings Athletic during this period, see the history of Hastings & St Leonards FC.

1905 - 1912

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

2010s

Hastings Athletic, which currently runs numerous youth teams, had fielded adult sides in the East Sussex League but withdrew in 2025.

Hastings Banks

1914 - 1923

See United Banks.

Hastings Central

1923

A team named Hastings Central was reported in 1923, but no further information is known. It was possibly formed in connection with 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 linked to the Hastings Central School was Old Centmodians.

Hastings Corporation

c.1900

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

1927 - 1930

The Hastings Corporation Sports Club established a football team, also referred to as Hastings Corporation Athletic. The sports club had already formed a cricket team, and the football side spent the 1929–1930 season competing in Division Two of the Hastings League. They shared a pitch with Rock-a-Nore at East Hill.

1933 - 1937

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

1951 - ????

Hastings Electricity was formed ahead of the 1951–1952 season, competing in Division Three East of the Hastings League and playing home games at Harrow Lane.

Hastings Invicta

1905 - 1910

Hastings Invicta were formed in 1905 and competed for both the Brassey and Hillier Cups. The team played most of their home matches on the East Hill, with a short spell at Moon’s Field in Silverhill.

1920 - 1923

A new Hastings Invicta side was established in 1920. They competed in local competitions for three seasons and played their home fixtures at Goddens Field.

Hastings Juniors

1919 - 1925

Hastings Juniors competed in the Hillier Cup and the Old Boys (Wednesday) Cup, later joining the Hastings League. The team played their home fixtures initially at Bopeep before moving to the East Hill.

Hastings Labour

1952 - ????

Hastings Labour joined the Hastings League in 1954, playing their home matches at Bulverhythe.

See also: Junior Labour.

Hastings Locomotive

1922

Hastings Locomotive were formed in 1922 and are believed to have been a works‑based side associated with the local railway. The team competed only briefly, with records indicating a short‑lived presence in local football before disappearing from reports soon afterwards.

Hastings Nomads

1900 - 1903

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

Hastings Orient

1908 - 1914

Hastings Orient were formed in 1908 and were 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, followed by participation in the Hillier Cup. Their home fixtures were played at Ore Valley.

Hastings Police

1896

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

1920 - ????

A new police side was established in 1920, playing midweek matches and using Hickmans Field for home fixtures. The team entered a police competition and occasionally competed in the Hastings Wednesday League. From 1929, they were able to use the Observer sports ground.

Hastings Post Office

1893 / 1895 - 1896

See Post Office

Also see Hastings & St Leonards Postal.

Hastings Rangers

1909 - 1911

Formed in 1909 as West Hill Athletic, the team are reported to have played matches on both the West Hill and the East Hill. They adopted the Hastings Rangers name ahead of the 1910–11 season, during which they competed for the Brassey Cup.

1919 - 2018

Hastings Rangers were established in 1919. Although records show a previous club of the same name, there is no evidence to suggest a direct link between the two sides. The new Rangers team initially competed in the Hastings League before joining the East Sussex League in 1926. Around this time they played home fixtures at the East Hill, the Pilot Field upper pitch, and Branns Field on Elphinstone Road.

A year after joining the East Sussex League, the club became the first users of the newly laid‑out Bulverhythe ground, soon establishing themselves as long‑term tenants. Rangers went on to win the East Sussex League in 1936–37, 1937–38 and again in 1939–40, the latter secured after beating Heathfield United in a play‑off decider. Following the Second World War, the club rejoined the East Sussex League and later became founder members of Sussex County League Division Two in 1952.

Rangers won Division Two in 1960–61, earning promotion to Division One, where they remained for four seasons. The team spent a further eight seasons in the County League before withdrawing in 1973 after the resignation of manager John Brook and a subsequent mass departure of players.

After leaving the County League, the club continued to compete in the upper divisions of the East Sussex League throughout the 1970s and 1980s. However, their final years were marked by increasing difficulties, and the team disbanded after the 2012–13 season. They reformed in 2014 and competed for another four seasons before folding once more, narrowly missing their centenary. Hastings Rangers Youth still operate today, though any formal connection with the adult club ended 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 the previous year. The team played their matches on the East Hill but lasted only a single season.

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

Hastings Rovers

1895 - 1902

Hastings Rovers were formed in 1895 as All Saints Rovers and spent seven seasons competing for the Carlisle Cup, winning the trophy twice. The club changed its name in 1897 and played home matches on both the East Hill and the West Hill.

1905

There are reports of a Hastings Rovers team in 1905, but it is unknown whether this side was a reformed version of the earlier club or an entirely unrelated team.

1910 - 1913

Formed as Municipal Employes in 1910, the team adopted the Hastings Rovers name in 1912 and spent three seasons competing for the Hillier Cup. Home matches were played on 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 side also entered the national Tramways Cup against teams from other towns. Home fixtures were played at Silverhill and Bopeep, as well as on pitches at Harley Shute and Bulverhythe.

Hastings Trinity

1897 - 1898

Hastings Trinity were formed in 1897 as Holy Trinity and changed their name later that same year. The team competed in the 1897–98 Carlisle Cup, playing home matches on the West Hill and East Hill, before disbanding.

They 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. They later joined the Saturday League, playing four seasons before disbanding. Home fixtures were held at Gilridge and later Harrow Lane.

Hastings Wednesday

1907 - 1918

Often referred to as Wednesday Athletic, Hastings Wednesday were formed in 1907. The team played friendlies before entering the Brassey Cup in the 1911–12 and 1912–13 seasons. Home matches were played at Silverhill and Ore Valley, with one report in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer noting a fixture held at Laton Road.

Hastings YMCA

1910 - 1935

The Hastings YMCA established a football team in 1910, competing in local competitions as well as a regional YMCA cup. Home fixtures were played at Horntye, Hickmans Field, BOS, the East Hill, and Harrow Lane.

Havenhurst Swifts

1901 - 1906

Havenhurst Swifts were formed in 1901 and initially played friendly matches. They then spent three seasons competing for the Hillier Cup from 1904 onwards. Home matches were played at Bopeep, with one fixture reported at Bulverhythe in 1904.

Highbury House

1878 - 1907

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

The team spent two seasons in local competitive football, entering the Carlisle Cup in 1892–93 and 1893–94, before returning to friendly matches. Highbury House mainly played at Horntye, which the school rented from a private owner, but also used The Green and Silverhill.

The final record of a Highbury House team dates from 1907, and the headmaster is absent from the 1909 Kelly’s Directory, suggesting the school closed around this time.

Horntye Swifts

1898 - 1902

Horntye Swifts were formed in 1898 as Hornty Swifts (notably spelt without an ‘e’) and spent their first season playing at the venue they were named after. They later used Silverhill, Ore Valley and Moon’s Field in Silverhill for home fixtures before folding in 1902.

Hollington CCC

1895

The earliest known football team to represent Hollington, though no further information is recorded.

Hollington Church Lads Brigade

1903

The Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade, founded in 1891, established a team in Hollington under the name Hollington Church Lads Brigade—also referred to as the Old Church Lads Brigade. They were playing matches in 1903.

Hollington Old Church

1921 - 1939

Hollington Old Church FC were formed in 1921 and played their first eight seasons on a pitch known as Blacklands Terrace, located off Old Church Road. They joined the Hastings League and won promotion to Division One in their debut season, remaining at that level until the outbreak of the Second World War.

Following the development of their Blacklands Terrace ground, the team played at Harrow Lane and Wishing Tree Road. The club did not reform after the war, and the bowls section is the only surviving branch of the Hollington Old Church organisation.

Hollington Scouts

1912

Hollington Scouts were formed in 1912 and represented the local scouting movement, which had been expanding rapidly in the early twentieth century. The team played a small number of recorded fixtures, likely arranged informally against other youth and community sides in the area, before disappearing from reports shortly afterwards.

Hollington St Johns

1921 - 1925

Also known as Hollington Boys Club, Hollington St Johns were formed by members of St Johns Hollington Boys Club. Home matches were played at Blacklands Terrace.

There was a previous church‑connected club named St Johns Hollington United.

Hollington United

1901 - 1904

Records show a Hollington United team active between 1901 and 1904. The present‑day club lists its founding year as 1899 and may be named after this earlier side, though there are no known records of the team after 1904.

1907 - 1914

See: St Johns Hollington United.

1914 - Present

The details surrounding the exact formation of Hollington United are somewhat unclear. Although the club lists 1899 as its founding year, contemporary reports suggest a later origin of the current club.

There are confirmed records of a Hollington United competing for the Hillier Cup in 1902–03 and 1904–05, after which they disappear from the local press. In 1907 St Johns Hollington United were formed, playing in distinctive colours of “chocolate and amber with navy blue knickers”. They played friendlies at Drapers Field and Moon’s Field in Silverhill, though by 1909 the club was reported to owe money to Hastings Athletic for the use of Drapers Field, months after playing their final match, and they subsequently disbanded. The side made a brief return before the outbreak of the First World War.

In 1914 a team named Silverdale were reported to be active, later competing in the 1920–21 Carlisle Cup. In August 1921, Silverdale United were reported to have changed their name to Hollington United, and the continuous modern history of the club begins from this point. Hollington won the Hastings League title in 1923–24 and joined the East Sussex League ahead of the 1924–25 season, going on to win the league four times during the 1920s and 1930s.

The team played their home fixtures at Old Roar Road until 1930 before using grounds at Old Church Road, Blacklands Farm and Wishing Tree Road until the Second World War. After the war, they quickly re‑established themselves as a prominent local side and spent a period playing away from the Gibbons Memorial Field, using a pitch accessed via Windmill Road—then a largely rural area—as well as the Silverhill ground. The club returned to Gibbons Field in the early 1950s. While other strong local clubs, including Rye United and Hastings Rangers, joined the newly formed Sussex County League Division Two, Hollington remained in the East Sussex League.

Hollington continued to be a constant presence in the league, with Gibbons Field their home. By the late 2000s, work had begun to replace their ageing changing facilities, forcing the first and second teams to play temporarily at Tile Kiln. The new clubhouse opened in 2008, and together with the fully railed pitch, it provided Hollington with some of the best facilities in the East Sussex League..

The 2010s proved extremely successful. Hollington were crowned East Sussex League champions in 2016–17 and 2017–18, earning promotion to the Mid Sussex League Premier Division ahead of the 2018–19 season. Their debut campaign was an impressive one, finishing runners‑up to Cuckfield Rangers and Charlwood in the league and the MSL Senior Charity Cup respectively, and winning the Sussex Intermediate Cup. Although the following two seasons were interrupted by Covid‑19 restrictions, the club completed 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

Hollington Wesleyan PSA formed a football team in 1907 as part of the wider church‑based men’s organisation. The side competed locally for several seasons before disappearing from records after 1912.

Hotels United

1934 - 1939

See Hastings Albion.

Incogs

1908 - 1911

Incogs were described in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer as being “composed of boys picked from elementary schools of the borough”. The team played for several seasons before fading from the local reports around 1911.

Junior Club Tackleway

1916 - Present

The Junior Club Tackleway was founded in 1916 by the vicar of All Saints Church as a boys’ club, based in an old school hall in Tackleway. Early activities included gymnastics and boxing, with football introduced later alongside table tennis—now the only two surviving branches of the club.

The football team initially used the East Hill pitches for home fixtures, remaining there until the mid‑1980s when they were forced to relocate. They spent a short period at Sandrock before moving in 1997 to the newly laid‑out Dave Brown Memorial Field on Barley Lane, which remains their home.

Junior Conservatives

1910 - 1913

Originally founded as a cricket club, the Junior Conservatives formed a football team in 1910. They played their home matches at Ore Valley and competed for both the Brassey Cup and the Hillier Cup.

Junior Imperials

1924 - 1930

The Junior Imperials first played at the East Hill before later relocating to the BOS. The team competed in the Hastings League for seven seasons.

Junior Labour

1925 - 1930

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

See also: Hastings Labour.

Lunsford Athletic

1929

Lunsford Athletic are recorded as having played at Harley Shute. The side never entered competitive football and lasted for only one season.

Maidstone Bus Company

1930 - 1931

The Maidstone Bus Company fielded a team that competed in the 1930–31 Hastings Wednesday League.

MASBRO

1922

MASBRO was established for employees of Mastin Brothers, a large drapers and clothiers business.

1930

A separate MASBRO team was formed in 1930 alongside a cricket side, though this incarnation was also short-lived.

Municipal Employes

1910 - 1913

See: Hastings Rovers.

National Old Boys (NOBS)

1898 - 1904

National Old Boys were founded in 1898 in association with the National School in St Leonards. The team is reported to have played at Bulverhythe, Hollington, and Filsham Park, as well as the well‑established football grounds at Drapers Field and the East Hill.

In 1904 the club merged with St Leonards, with the first and second teams becoming St Leonards A and St Leonards 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 as having spent a single season competing for the Hillier Cup.

1900 - 1903

See Hastings Nomads.

Observer Athletic

1903 - 1980s

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. During its early years the club used a variety of pitches around 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 securing a reliable home ground. In 1927 the company acquired a site at Downs Road, which became the permanent home of the sports club. Alongside football, the grounds hosted cricket, stoolball, bowls and tennis.

The club is recorded as entering teams in the Hastings League from the 1930s through to at least the 1950s, and most likely joined the Eastbourne & Hastings League following the leagues’ merger. Observer Athletic also competed in Division Two of the East Sussex League in 1976–77 and 1977–78 before disbanding during the 1980s.

An earlier football team formed for Observer employees between 1893 and 1896 was known as Claremont Rovers.

Old Centmodians

1946 - 2008

Old Centmodians were founded in 1946 for former pupils of the Central Modern School and began life in the Hastings League. The club joined the East Sussex League in 1960 and remained a long-standing member until folding in 2008.

See also: Hastings Central Old Boys.

Old Hastonians

1894 - 1909 / 1933 - 2017

Old Hastonians were established in 1894 for former pupils of Hastings Grammar School, whose own football teams first appeared in 1899. The club played locally and used the Grammar School field at Ore Valley as their home pitch, with a brief period at the Sports Ground before folding in 1909.

The club reformed in 1933 and won Division One of the Hastings League in their second season back, earning promotion to the East Sussex League. They remained in the league until the outbreak of the Second World War. After reforming again following the war, the club spent many years competing in the East Sussex League.

The club became inactive for a period during the 2000s, but the “Stones” were revived in 2013 following a name change from Guestling FC. They reached the East Sussex Premier Division before withdrawing ahead of the 2017–18 season.

Ore & Clive Vale

1899 - 1900

A team named Ore & Clive Vale competed for the Carlisle Cup in the 1899–1900 season. The following year, records show a team called Ore & Clive Vale Harriers playing at Ore, though it is unknown whether the two sides were connected.

1903

Another side known as Ore & Clive Vale—also referred to as Christ Church—competed for the Hillier Cup in the 1902–03 season.

1919 - 1920

A team named Ore & Clive Vale is recorded as playing again in 1919–20, using the East Hill as their home ground.

Ore

1920 - 1923

For the club named Ore United during this period, see St Helens.

1923

Ore Juniors played for a single season, using the East Hill for their home matches.

1923

Ore Wednesday were another Ore‑based side who also operated for one season.

1926 - 1927

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

1937 - 1970s?

A third club anmed Ore United merged in 1937, playing home fixtures at Fairlight and Burgess Field. After the Second World War the side returned to the Hastings League and played home matches on the Pilot Field upper pitch during 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.

2006 - 2018

Ore Athletic were formed in 2006 as a Sunday league side, entering the Hastings & East Sussex Sunday Football League. After five seasons of Sunday football, the club switched to Saturday competition in 2011, joining the East Sussex League.

The club enjoyed early success, winning the Sussex Junior Cup in 2013. That same season they secured promotion to the East Sussex Premier Division, where they remained a competitive presence for several years. Ore Athletic continued in the Premier Division until 2018, when the club eventually folded.

Pain Brothers

1901 - 1902

The Pain Brothers were watchmakers whose products remain sought after at antique auctions today. The football team formed under their name was most likely connected to the company and is recorded as having played for just one season.

Peche Hill Select

1991 - 2023

Peche Hill Select were formed in 1991 and spent their entire history competing in the East Sussex League. The club rose rapidly through the divisions, reaching the Premier Division by 1998. They remained in the league’s top tier until 2016, withdrawing after finishing the season as champions.

The club reformed in 2021 and once again fielded two teams in the East Sussex League. However, this second era proved short-lived, and the club folded again in 2023.

Pelham Rangers

1923

Pelham Rangers are recorded as having played during the 1923 season.

Plummers

1937 - 1939

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

Post Office

1893 / 1895 - 1896

A football team for postal workers was first formed in 1893, though it lasted less than a season. A second team was created in 1895, but this club also had a short lifespan. Both sides used the East Hill for their matches..

See also: Hastings & St Leonards Postal.

Radcliffes Athletic

1931 - 1936

Radcliffes Athletic competed in the Hastings League for five seasons, playing the majority of their home fixtures at Ore Valley, with Bulverhythe also occasionally used.

Railway United

1931 - 1933

Railway United were established for railway workers and competed in the Hastings League from 1931 to 1933. The team played their home fixtures at Bulverhythe.

Red Lake

1946 - 1949

Red Lake Rangers entered the Hastings League ahead of the 1946–47 season, initially playing their home matches at the BOS. The club moved to Hurst Court the following season and remained in the league for three further campaigns.

A team named Red Lake is also recorded as having played during the 1960s, though it is unknown whether this side was connected to the original club.

Regnal United

1937 - 1939

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

Rock-a-Nore

1893 - 1921

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

1921 - 1954 / 1979 - 2023

The modern club was founded in 1920 as Old Town Athletic before adopting the historic Rock‑a‑Nore name after the previous club had been rebranded as Hastings & St Leonards FC. As with the original club, the East Hill served as their principal home pitch, though the team spent single seasons using Hickmans Field and the Pilot Field upper pitch.

Rock‑a‑Nore competed in the East Sussex League, winning the title three times, before folding in 1954. The club was revived in 1979 and remained a long‑standing member of the East Sussex League, securing at least three Premier Division championships and recording several runners‑up finishes. Following the 2016–17 season, the Rocks were relegated.

The team later moved to Tile Kiln and achieved promotion back to the Premier Division in 2020. The club continued to compete until folding in 2023.

St Clements

1891 - 1939

St Clements were founded in 1891, with the East Hill serving as their main home ground. Reports from 1912 indicate that the club had access to their own pitch at the Golf Links, Barley Lane, and they were also said to have used a pitch near Fairlight around the same period. The club reformed as St Clements United in 1926 before dropping United from their name around 1929. St Clements folded in 1939 due to the outbreak of the Second World War and did not reform after the conflict.

1892 - 1893

St Clements Rovers were a separate club from St Clements FC. They also played at the East Hill but existed for only a single season.

St Helens

1900 - 1905

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

1920 - 1923

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

c2004 - 2014

The most recent club named St Helens formed in the mid-2000s, playing their matches at William Parker Sports College. The team competed in the East Sussex League until folding in 2014.

St Johns Hollington United

1907 - 1914

See Hollington United.

A team named Hollington St Johns also competed between 1921 and 1925.

St Leonards Albion

1912 - 1913

St Leonards Albion competed in the 1912–13 season for the Elca‑Hillier Shield, playing their home matches at Horntye and later at Fairlight.

St Leonards Artillery Volunteers

1901

St Leonards Artillery Volunteers were formed for members of the 2nd Cinque Ports Artillery Volunteers, who were based at the Hatherly Road Drill Hall. The team lasted barely a season.

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

St Leonards Athletic

1912 - 1921

St Leonards Athletic took part in the Elca‑Hillier Shield in 1912–13 and again in 1920–21, playing home fixtures at the Green and at Bopeep.

1937 - 1939

The club also competed in the Hastings Wednesday League during this period, finishing bottom in successive seasons. Home matches were played at Bulverhythe.

St Leonards Social

???? - Present

St Leonards Social were formed by members of the St Leonards FC Social Club. The club have won the East Sussex Premier Division four times, placing them among the league’s most successful modern‑era sides. They currently field two teams and play at Tile Kiln, having also briefly used the Firs. Social remained a strong presence in the Premier Division for many years before being relegated in 2024.

St Leonards Swifts

1900 - 1903

St Leonards Swifts began as Christ Church FC before adopting their new name after one season. The team used multiple grounds in St Leonards, including the Green, Bopeep, Moon’s Field, Drapers Field and Horntye.

St Leonards United

1922

St Leonards United were formed in 1922, with no connection to the former professional clubof the same name. The side lasted for only one season.

St Leonards Wanderers

1896 - 1898

St Leonards Wanderers competed for the Carlisle Cup across two seasons, playing home fixtures at the Green, Bopeep and Horntye.

St Mary's

1892 - 1897

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

1902

Another club named St Mary’s FC was recorded as playing in 1902, but no further information about this team is known.

1905 - 1906

St Mary’s United competed in the 1905–06 Hillier Cup.

St Matthews

1900 - 1903

St Matthews United entered the inaugural Hillier Cup in 1902–03 and played their home matches at Drapers Field, Moons Field and the Green.

1914 - 1927

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

St Michaels

1902 -1907

St Michael’s were formed as part of the St Michael’s Cricket and Football Club, based at Holy Trinity in Hastings town centre. The team played 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 Peter's.

St Saviours

1927

St Saviours are recorded as having played in 1927, using Bulverhythe as their home ground.

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. However, there are no reports of the team ever playing a match.

1922 - 1925

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

1926 - 1927

Silverhill Presbyterians are recorded as having played for one season, using Harrow Lane and Old Church Road for home fixtures.

1931

A team named Silverhill Rangers was formed in 1931, but no further information about the club is known.

1934 - 1939

Silverhill Old Boys competed for four seasons in the Hastings Wednesday League, with home matches played at Harrow Lane.

1980s - 1990s

Another club named Silverhill Rangers played throughout the 1980s and 1990s, first competing in the Eastbourne & Hastings League before joining the East Sussex League.

Silverton United

1936 - 1936

Silverton United competed for one season in the Hastings Wednesday League during the 1935–36 campaign.

South Coast Wanderers

1894 - 1895

South Coast Wanderers were formed in 1894 and played their home matches at the Green. The club survived for only a single season.

South Saxons

1881 - 1939

The South Saxons club was an amateur athletic organisation based in St Leonards, originally formed in 1877 at a gym on the Marina. Although early pioneers of football, the club initially focused more on the rugby code before playing its first association football match in 1881 at the Green. South Saxons entered a team into the inaugural Sussex Senior Challenge Cup in 1882.

The club reformed in 1892 and went on to win the Carlisle Cup in its first two seasons. From 1898, the football team began playing at Bopeep, two years after the Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club acquired the ground. The team disbanded in the years leading up to the First World War, later reforming once again in 1929 and continuing until the outbreak of the Second World War. The football club did not re-emerge after 1945, and the only surviving branch of the South Saxons today is the hockey club, founded in 1895.

Stewarts Ltd

1936 - 1939

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

Timpsons Athletic

1933 - 1934

Timpsons was a coach company with branches in Hastings, Woolwich and Lee Green. A football team was established for local employees and competed in the Hastings League for one season. Their home ground was reported to be situated on St Helens Road.

Trinity United

1898

It is not confirmed, but this club may possibly have been the same team as Hastings Trinity following a name change.

1926

Another team with the same name, Trinity United, was reported to be playing in 1926, but no further information is known.

United Banks

1914 - 1923

United Banks was originally formed as Hastings Banks and was, for a brief period, also referred to as Hastings Wanderers. The team played at Ore Valley before later moving to Bopeep.

United Clothiers

1910

United Clothiers were recorded in 1910, but no additional details are known.

United Trades

1923

A team named United Trades is recorded as having played in 1923, though no further information is available.

Vale Orton

1914 - 1925

Vale Orton was founded in 1914 as Halton Athletic, with the club adopting the name Vale Orton in 1919. The team initially played at Goddens Field before moving to the BOS in 1922.

Victoria Rangers

1945 - 1946

Victoria Rangers competed for one season following the re‑formation of the Hastings League after the Second World War. Their home ground was situated at Wishing Tree Road.

Wednesday Athletic

1907 - 1918

See Hastings Wednesday.

Wellington Square Baptist Church

1905

Wellington Square Baptist Church formed a team in 1905, but no further information about the side is known.

West End United

1921 - 1922

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

West Hill

1898

West Hill Rovers were reported to be playing on West Hill in 1898, but nothing else is known about the team.

1905 - 1907

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

1909 - 1911

West Hill Athletic was formed in 1909 and 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 was established in 2009, initially playing at William Parker School before moving to Bulverhythe. The club appears to have folded prior to the 2021–22 season.

West Marina

1901

West Marina competed for one season in 1901, playing at Bopeep, but did not enter any competitions.

Woodwards Sports

1938 - 1939

Woodwards Sports competed in the Hastings League during the 1938–39 season. Their home ground was at Gilridge, located north of the Hastings Grammar School grounds.

Young Labour

1925 - 1930

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

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

231st Sussex Battery RA

1923 - 1929

Formed from the 231st (Sussex) Field Battery of the 58th (H.C.) Field Brigade of the Royal Artillery based in Bexhill, the team played a single season in Division Two of the Hastings League.

Battle Hill

1919

A team named Battle Hill is mentioned in 1919, though little is known about them and they do not appear to have entered local competitions.

Battle Baptists

2004 - 2020

Club changed name to Battle Town in 2020.

Battle Rangers

1894 - 2012

Battle Rangers began in 1894 as Battle FC, later reforming in 1904. An earlier club named Battle (founded in 1890) had played for two seasons. Initially playing friendlies, the club entered the Carlisle and Brassey Cup competitions before the 1905–06 season

In 1909 they became founder members of the Sedlescombe & District League, remaining ever‑present and winning the title four times.

In 1934 the club adopted the name Battle Rangers and joined the Battle & District League until the Second World War. Ahead of 1935–36 they entered the Hastings League, winning Division Two at the first attempt, before moving to the East Sussex League in 1938 and returning again after the war in 1948–49.

The club won the East Sussex League in 1952–53 and 1954–55, earning promotion to the Sussex County League. They spent twelve seasons in Division Two, with a best finish of third in 1961–62, before leaving after consecutive bottom‑place finishes in 1965–66 and 1966–67..

Rangers then competed in the East Sussex League for the remainder of their existence, folding before the 2012–13 season. By this point, Battle Baptists had become the town’s senior club.

Battle Town

2004 - Present

Battle Town were established in 2004 as Battle Baptist, a team that grew from an annual fixture against Beulah Baptist Church for the Neville Barnett Trophy. The club formally entered the East Sussex League for the 2004–05 season and has since expanded to run multiple adult teams as well as a growing youth section.

The club’s first team reached the East Sussex Premier Division in 2014 and went on to win the division in 2022, earning promotion to the Mid-Sussex League Premier Division. The move required the first team to relocate their home matches to the Bexhill College 3G facility. However, with the opening of the refurbished pavilion at Battle Recreation Ground, the club is now able to return home to Battle.

Battle Town also won the National Christian Cup in both 2017 and 2019. Although the club changed its name from Battle Baptists to Battle Town in 2020, it remains closely connected to the church community.

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

Formed in 1946 as Bexhill Athletic, the football team was the sister club of Bexhill Town Athletic and entered the East Sussex League for three seasons before moving to the Hastings League and eventually 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 headquarters at the Bexhill Downs 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 merged Bexhill Town Athletic side enjoyed County League success (champions in 1956–57, 1965–66, 1966–67). AAC again split away in 1969, competing in the East Sussex League and later the Eastbourne & Hastings League before rejoining the East Sussex League in 1988. They eventually reverted to the name Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club.

The club twice finished East Sussex Premier runners-up (2001–02, 2014–15). In 2015 the first team unexpectedly folded, promoting the reserve side. They achieved back‑to‑back promotions to return to the Premier Division in 2018–19 but were relegated after one season.

Bexhill Athletic

1921 - 1923 / 1929 - 1930

The name Bexhill Athletic first appeared in 1921–22 after Bexhill Malet renamed. A similarly named team re‑entered the Hastings League in 1929–30.

For the later Bexhill Athletic (1946–1990s), see Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club.

Bexhill Avondale

1906 / 1910 - 1911

In 1906 the Hastings & St Leonards Observer reported that Bexhill Avondale had merged with Bexhill FC to form a second XI. The name later appeared for one season in the Hastings, Eastbourne & District League.

Bexhill Broncos

2016 - 2019

Bexhill Broncos competed for three seasons in the East Sussex League, playing at Gunters Lane, before folding due to difficulty raising a side.

Bexhill Malet

1920 - 1921

A forerunner to Bexhill AAC, Bexhill Malet competed for the Hillier Cup in 1920–21 before becoming Bexhill Athletic. The club was likely linked to Malet Hall Boys Club.

Bexhill Rovers

1905 - 1907

An earlier Bexhill Rovers side played in the Hastings, Eastbourne & District League from 1905–07.

2011 - Present

The modern club formed in 2011–12 and climbed from Division Seven to Division Two of the East Sussex League, playing home fixtures at Gunters Lane. They folded in 2024.

Bexhill Town

1920 - 1927 / 1946 - 1947

See: Bexhill United and Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club.

2016 - Present

The recent Bexhill Town club formed in 2016–17, initially at Bulverhythe and largely comprising the former Bexhill AAC squad. They gained immediate promotion to the Premier Division and have played home games at the Polegrove for a spell before folding in 2024.

Bexhill Wanderers

Bexhill Wanderers competed for one season in both the Sussex County League and Hastings League before being replaced by the reformed Bexhill Town Athletic.

Burwash

1890 - Present

Burwash joined the Ticehurst League in 1903–04, winning their first three seasons. A side named Burwash United competed for one season, though the link is unclear.

They entered the East Sussex League in 1928, later moving to the Sedlescombe & District League. They rejoined the ESFL in 1950–51 for six seasons, and again in the late 1960s, remaining until folding in 2019. They reformed in 2021–22.

Catsfield

1906 - Present

Catsfield were founded in 1906 and joined the Sedlescombe & District League for the 1928–29 season, competing for four years before spending a season in Division Two of the Hastings League. They returned to the Hastings League again before the outbreak of the Second World War.

After the war, the club competed in the Hailsham League and later played a further season in Division Three of the Hastings League. By the late 1960s they had joined the East Sussex League, remaining members until disbanding in 1997.

Catsfield reformed ahead of the 2001–02 season and have been members of the East Sussex League ever since.

Christ Church Wanderers

1921 - 1927

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

Crowhurst

1923 - Present

Crowhurst were founded in 1923, with early reports occasionally referring to the club as Crowhurst Hotspurs. They joined the Hastings League ahead of the 1923–24 season and remained members until at least the 1950s.

In 2024, the club moved into the Mid-Sussex League, initially playing home matches at Hailsham Community College. Ahead of the 2025–26 season, Crowhurst began a groundshare with Eastbourne United Association.

Crowhurst United

1898

A team named Crowhurst United is recorded in 1898, though no further details are known.

East Guldeford

1921 - ????

The earliest known East Guldeford team competed in the Hastings League in 1921–22. A side also entered Division Three of the Hastings League in 1938–39 and continued to feature throughout the 1950s.

After 1955–56 the team either changed name to, or were replaced by, East Guldeford Old Boys. East Guldeford (without the Old Boys suffix) later played in the East Sussex League during the 1980s, using the Freda Gardham School in Rye as their home ground.

Guestling

1927 / 1951 - ????

A Guestling team competed in Division Two of the Hastings League in 1927–28 but disbanded shortly afterwards.

Another Guestling side was formed ahead of the 1951–52 season and played three seasons in Division Three (East) of the Hastings League.

Guestling Rangers

???? - 2013

Guestling Rangers began as a youth club and entered adult football in 2007–08 with their oldest age group. A second adult side followed two years later, and around this time the “Rangers” suffix was dropped.

By 2012–13 the club was running a single adult team, playing home games at Bulverhythe due to strained relations with the youth club and parish council. With most former youth players having moved on, the team renamed themselves Old Hastonians, reflecting the heritage of the historic club many of the squad had previously played for.

Guldeford Old Boys

1956 - 1958

See: East Guldeford FC.

Hawkhurst United

1891 - Present

Hawkhurst United were founded in 1891 as Hawkhurst and first entered competitive football in 1903–04, joining the Ticehurst League. They remained members until the 1930s, winning the league at least three times, and also competed in the Weald of Kent Cup.

After the Second World War the club played in the Tunbridge Wells League before joining the East Sussex League in 1969. Fifteen seasons later they returned to Kent football, entering the Kent County League West Section Premier in 1984–85. They won the division at the first attempt in 1985–86, remained for another season, then returned to the East Sussex League.

Hawkhurst rose to the East Sussex Premier in the 2000s, winning back-to-back titles in 2005–06 and 2006–07. They then re-entered the Kent County League, but were placed in Division Two West rather than being promoted. After finishing runners-up in their first season, they struggled in Division One West and withdrew at the end of the campaign, with the reserve side becoming the club’s first team.

The team rebuilt once again, winning Division One in 2014–15 and lifting the Robertsbridge Junior Cup that same season. They also briefly fielded a Sunday side in recent years.

Herstmonceux

1900 - Present

Herstmonceux were founded in 1900 and joined the Sedlescombe & District League in 1910–11. They won the title in 1919–20, 1920–21 and 1921–22, with the reserves taking their place from 1922–25 while the first team competed elsewhere. The first team returned for 1925–26, when the club also fielded a side in the Hailsham League, before joining the East Sussex League for the 1926–27 and 1927–28 seasons.

By 1954 the club were again playing in the Hailsham League and returned to the East Sussex League in 1957–58, where they remain today.

The club’s home matches are played at Lime Cross, notable for the long walk between pitch and changing rooms. The changing facilities are situated at Herstmonceux Recreation Ground, the club’s former home.

Hooe

1907 - 2025

Hooe were formed in 1907 and spent a season in the Sedlescombe & District League in 1909–10. They competed regularly in the league throughout the 1920s, winning it once, before joining the Hastings League ahead of the 1929–30 season. The club entered the Hastings League intermittently during the 1930s, finishing the decade in Division One.

Following the Second World War, Hooe competed in the Hailsham League before joining the East Sussex League in 1967. Rebranded as Hooe Sports, they reached the East Sussex Premier Division in 1989 and remained there until folding in 2013. The club returned in Division Three for the 2014–15 and 2015–16 seasons before folding again.

Hooe reformed once more in 2018, establishing a large youth section alongside their adult team. However, the club folded again in 2025 following a dispute with the parish council regarding the use of Hooe Recreation Ground.

Hutchinson Brothers

1927

Hutchinson Brothers were a Battle-based team, presumably connected to a local firm. They competed in Division Two of the Hastings League in 1927–28, playing home games at Crowhurst.

Icklesham Casuals

1937 - Present

Icklesham Casuals were founded in 1937 by William Dunlop, a pivotal figure who remained involved until his passing in 1988. The club has always used Icklesham Recreation Ground as its main pitch, though they have also played at Pannel Lane (Pett) and at Guestling when required.

The club first played in the Hastings League and then the Eastbourne & Hastings League following the merger of the two competitions. They joined the East Sussex League in 1987 and remain members today.

Several players have surpassed 500 appearances for the club, with some reaching 600, 700 or 800. Martin Tytherleigh, who joined in the late 1980s, has achieved more than 1,000 appearances.

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

An earlier Iden club existed until the early 1960s.

1966 - 2015

Iden was re-established in 1966 by Bernard Say, proprietor of the village store, winning Division Four of the Hastings League in their debut season. The club rose steadily and by the early 1980s competed in the East Sussex Premier Division. They joined the Kent County League in 1995–96, finishing runners-up in Division Two East, then spending five seasons in Division One East before merging with Rye United in 2001.

As Rye & Iden United, the club fielded first and reserve teams at the Salts, with a third team playing at Iden. In 2006 Iden separated and partnered with Peasmarsh to form Peasmarsh & Iden FC, whose first team spent five seasons in the ESFL Premier. After the partnership dissolved, Iden continued independently for four more seasons before folding in 2015.

Little Common

???? - 1956

This club is unrelated to the current County League side; of the same name. They competed in the Hastings League from the 1920s until 1955–56, after which they appear to have disbanded.

Mountfield United

1909 - Present

Mountfield United were founded in 1909 as Mountfield FC and entered the Sedlescombe & District League in 1921–22, competing for three seasons. They played in the Hastings League in 1929–30, before alternating between the Ticehurst, Sedlescombe, Battle and Hastings leagues for several years.

They rejoined the Hastings League in 1951–52 and later competed in the Eastbourne & Hastings League before joining the East Sussex League in 1988, where they remain. The club has reached the Premier Division twice and was preparing to compete in Division Three for the 2021–22 season.

Mountfield’s original pitch was at Johns Cross, opposite the Johns Cross Inn on the Mountfield Court estate, where they played for around seventy years. Their current home ground is at Riverhall, though they have also used pitches at Claverham School, Netherfield Recreation Ground and Robertsbridge Community College.

Northiam

c.1901 - 1973

The original team is known to have existed by 1901 and appears to have played throughout the early 20th century. Northiam joined the Sedlescombe & District League ahead of the 1910–11 season, winning the championship at least once in 1912–13 and finishing runners-up on several occasions.

They entered the Hastings League in 1932 and also competed in the Battle and Ticehurst Leagues throughout the 1930s. After the Second World War the club joined the Weald of Kent League, later returning to the Hastings League for the 1948–49 season.

Northiam remained in the Hastings League throughout the 1950s, except for the 1953–54 and 1958–59 seasons, while also fielding a team in the Ticehurst League. Following the demise of the Ticehurst League, the club joined the East Sussex League in 1966 and rose to the Premier Division in 1971. However, mounting debts proved unmanageable and the club folded in 1973.

The team originally played on a pitch off Higham Lane before relocating to Northiam Playing Fields in 1927 after the site was acquired by the Parish Council.

Northiam 75

1975 - Present

Northiam 75 were formed in 1975, with the name chosen to avoid liability for debts left by the previous club. They entered two sides into the Eastbourne & Hastings League, with the first team moving to the East Sussex League in 1981.

The first team has since reached the Premier Division on three occasions, most recently in 2018–19 following a runners‑up finish behind Bexhill AAC.

Former professional player Neil “Razor” Ruddock made a cameo appearance for the second team in 2006. His wife Leah is the granddaughter of club founder Fred Francis, after whom the Fred Francis Memorial Trophy is named and contested annually by the first and second teams.

See also: David Bauckham' article covering the history of both Northiam clubs.

Old Town Lions

2019 - 2021

Old Town Lions competed for two seasons in the East Sussex League, playing their home matches on the Bexhill College 3G pitch.

Orington

2004 - 2025

Orington were established in 2004 and entered the East Sussex League ahead of the 2006–07 season. The team climbed the divisions quickly, reaching Division One in 2012. The first team remained there for two seasons before withdrawing after the 2013–14 campaign, with the former second team continuing the club’s senior football and later competing in Division Four.

The club began life playing home fixtures at Hillcrest School, before moving to Netherfield Recreation Ground around 2011. They later relocated to Bexhill Road and eventually played at the Bexhill College 3G facility.

The club folded in 2025.

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 linked with Iden in 2007, though it is unclear whether the modern club was connected to the earlier village team.

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

Peasmarsh & Iden

2007 - 2011

Peasmarsh & Iden were formed in 2007 following Iden’s separation from Rye United. The merged side competed in the East Sussex League Premier Division for five seasons before the two clubs went their separate ways in 2011.

Robertsbridge United

1896 - Present

Robertsbridge United were founded in 1896 by brothers J. L. and Isaac Mannington. The club may have been reformed in 1905 and joined the Ticehurst League in 1906–07. They also competed in the Sedlescombe and Battle Leagues during the 1920s and 1930s.

After the Second World War, the club entered Division Two of the Hastings League and were promoted to Division One in 1949. They became one of the league’s strongest sides, winning the 1955–56 title, and had joined the East Sussex League by 1960.

The club folded in 2000 following severe flooding that devastated the village and destroyed their home at The Clappers Recreation Ground. They reformed in 2002 and climbed back through the divisions, reaching the East Sussex Premier Division by 2011.

Rye Old Boys

1930? - 1938

Rye Old Boys were established by well‑known schoolmaster Sidney Allnutt, who created the team to give school leavers the opportunity to continue playing football into adulthood. The team entered the Hastings League ahead of the 1930–31 season, winning promotion to Division One in 1932 and soon after fielding a second team in Division Two.

The first team finished third in Division One, then twice finished runners‑up before stepping up to the East Sussex League in 1935–36. They placed third in their debut campaign, followed by tenth and fifth in subsequent seasons.

In 1938, it was decided that Rye should be represented by a single club, leading to a merger between Rye Old Boys and Rye FC to form Rye United, who later became a major force in East Sussex football.

SC Pass + Move

2017 - Present

Pass + Move began in 2007, founded by Duncan Jones and Tony Harris, and grew into an organisation running more than thirty teams. An adult side named SC Pass + Move was formed in 2017 and entered Division Two of the East Sussex League for the 2019–20 season. Based at Netherfield Recreation Ground, the team adopted the name SC Pass + Move Arrows ahead of the 2020–21 season and briefly fielded a veterans side.

Sedlescombe

???? - 2010

The exact founding year of the original Sedlescombe club is unknown, but the team existed by 1909 and became founder members of the Sedlescombe & District League. They remained in the league until 1932, when they joined the Hastings League.

Sedlescombe continued in the Hastings League throughout the 1950s and appear to have become members of the Eastbourne & Hastings League during the 1970s and 80s. They joined the East Sussex League in 1988 and reached the Premier Division by 2008–09. In 2010 the club merged with Sedlescombe Rangers Youth, formally establishing a youth section.

Sedlescombe Rangers

1981 - Present

Founded in 1981 as a single youth side, Sedlescombe Rangers have grown into one of the region’s largest youth football clubs. The club merged with Sedlescombe in 2010 to form a unified village football structure and provide a pathway from youth to adult football.

The senior team folded after the 2011–12 season but returned to the East Sussex Premier Division in 2015. After several seasons at that level, the club moved up to the Mid Sussex League Premier Division ahead of the 2020–21 campaign.

South Coast Athletico

2017 - 2022

Founded in 2017, South Coast Athletico swiftly rose through the East Sussex League divisions to Division One. They played their home fixtures at the Bexhill College 3G facility.

Three Oaks

1927 - 1931

Three Oaks fielded a side in the Hastings League, competing in Division Two during the 1929–30 and 1930–31 seasons.

Ticehurst

1895 - Present

Ticehurst were founded in 1895 and played in the Ticehurst League and Tunbridge Wells League during their early years. Reports suggest they first used the village recreation ground before quickly relocating to Bell Field, where they have remained ever since.

The club joined the Hastings League ahead of the 1951–52 season and competed there throughout the 1950s, appearing to have moved to the East Sussex League by the late 1960s.

Wadhurst Toc H

???? - 1973 / 1980s - 1990s

Toc H (short for Talbot House) is an international Christian movement founded during the First World War. The origins of Wadhurst Toc H are not fully clear, but they were fielding two teams in the East Sussex League by 1963–64 and continued throughout the decade.

In 1972 the club merged with Wadhurst FC to form Wadhurst United, a union that proved highly successful throughout the 1970s. Toc H later re‑emerged independently, fielding two East Sussex League teams in 1988–89 and remaining active into the 1990s.

Wadhurst United

1973 - Present

Wadhurst United were formed in 1973 from the merger of Wadhurst FC—founded in 1890—and Wadhurst Toc H. Wadhurst FC had spent the first half of the 20th century competing in the Ticehurst and Tunbridge Wells leagues before joining the Hastings League in 1946–47.

They remained in the Hastings League throughout the 1950s while also running sides in the Ticehurst and Tunbridge Wells leagues. In 1958–59 they joined the East Sussex League, winning it in 1963–64 and earning election to Division Two of the Sussex County League.

After winning Division Two in 1966–67, they spent three seasons in Division One before relegation. Two further seasons in Division Two followed before ground‑grading issues at the sloping Washwell Lane pitch prevented re-election.

Leaving the Sussex County League in 1972, they joined the Southern Counties Combination, which they won twice after merging with Toc H the following year. They also lifted the Sussex Intermediate Cup in 1976.

After the Combination folded, Wadhurst United entered the East Sussex League in 1988–89, winning the Premier Division in 1992–93 and again three more times. Their 2002–03 title earned re‑entry to the Sussex County League, where they competed in Division Three for three seasons while based at Sparrows Green. They returned to Washwell Lane after the 2005–06 season and remain there today.