CHRISTCHURCH FOOTBALL CLUB (Founded 1885)

Founded in 1885, Christchurch FC are this season celebrating 125 years football and can claim to be one of the pioneers of Hampshire League soccer, as they were founder members of the Hampshire Football Association in 1887 following the dissolution of the South Hants and Dorset FA and the consequential formation of the Dorset FA.

Christchurch's first honours on local soccer fields came in 1893 when they won the Hampshire Junior Cup. The team was then known locally as the "Can't Whack Ems" and further successes were achieved in the competition in 1912 and 1921. Between the wars, Christchurch were members of the Bournemouth and Hampshire County Leagues and in 1938 gained promotion to Hants 1 for the first time by winning the Hants 2 championship. Like most clubs of long standing, Christchurch have enjoyed mixed fortunes during their 124 year history. They have been relegated to Hants 2 & 3 and then climbed back to the top sphere again, winning Hants 2 again in 1948 and 1986 and Hants 3 in1953.

In 1970 Christchurch gained the distinction of being the 1st club to win the Bournemouth Senior Cup 3 times in successive seasons. Christchurch FC won the Bournemouth Pickford Cup in 1977 and in 1987 won the Hampshire Intermediate Cup. Christchurch gained admission to the Wessex League in the 1987/88 season and they are one of the few clubs still retaining their amateur status. Despite competition from neighbouring clubs, they still succeed in attracting a loyal band of players to Hurn Bridge with its excellent playing surface, envied by many and the superb floodlights that have been upgraded to almost 300 LUX giving one of the brightest readings in non league football.

Christchurch's long association with Barrack Road Recreation ground, in the centre of the town, ended at the start of the 1984/85 season when the club accepted the opportunity provided by Christchurch Borough Council to move its headquarters to Hurn Bridge with its excellent clubhouse facilities. The sports ground was formally owned by British Aerospace and a substantial investment was made initially by the council, Football club and Sports club on various ground improvements, including the provision of floodlights, covered accommodation for spectators and 2 extensions to the club house. Bournemouth FA have established their headquarters at Hurn Bridge and in 1994 Dorset County Cricket also built their indoor cricket school on the site. Christchurch Cricket Club also play at the ground in the Dorset county cricket league

At the start of the 1995/96 season, the football club built a new 200 seat cantilever stand. A press box has now been installed in the stand along with a computerised electronic scoreboard. In April 2003, Poole Sports Charitable Trust opted to use the get out clause in the long term lease they had agreed with Christchurch Council for running the Hurn Bridge site. This led to the long term lease for the entire complex being offered and eventually assigned to Christchurch Football Club Ltd. Totally separate from the playing side. Christchurch Football club is now seeing the benefits of a strong youth policy with many of the youth players now holding regular positions in the first team

The club is very pro-active in youth development and has 9 teams playing in leagues from the age of 6 up to 16 years old, a very successful under 18's set up plus a thriving ladies team in the county league. Christchurch Football Club now has 11 teams under its umbrella operating at all levels up to the Sydenhams Football League (Wessex). Under the guidance of the elected committee coupled with the enthusiasm and knowledge of our team manager, Graham Kemp, now entering his fourth season in the hot seat, the whole of Christchurch FC is hoping to see more silverware come May 2012. Season 2009/10 was arguably the best ever at the club with the 1st team finishing in their highest SWL position, a very creditable 5th , scoring over 90 league goals also reaching the Semi Final of the BSA Regal Hampshire Senior Cup only to be beaten narrowly by the eventual winners AFC Totton. In the previous season Christchurch FC went through to the last 16 of The FA Vase before being defeated by Chalfont St Peter. The reserves have also had some tremendous seasons in the SWL Combination division finishing runners up three years in a row. For the third season running were SWL Combination cup finalists but were not able to regain the trophy being defeated by Sholing FC Reserves.

The under 18's also had a superb 2009/10 season finishing 2nd in the league, reached the Hampshire County Youth Cup Semi Final and had a good FA Youth Cup run in the national competition.

With regards to the continual ground improvements, at long last the foundations have been laid for the new dressing room complex but progress has been hindered by lack of funds and a failure to attract sponsorship to complete the project, though this still remains the primary focus of the Club, coupled with arguably one of the best playing surfaces in the league together the excellent floodlights makes it a delight to be associated with this progressive club making the future look very positive and all at Christchurch FC are looking for yet another successful season.