Swanmore F.C.
Swanmore F.C. were a long running amateur football club based in Swanmore, a village near Bishop's Waltham in the Meon Valley area of Hampshire, England.
History
Swanmore were originally established in 1906 and initially played friendly matches.In 1920 they became founder members of the Meon Valley League, where they held membership for many years - winning the title on multiple occasions. In 1949 Swanmore won the Hampshire Junior 'A' Cup.
After spells playing in the Eastleigh and Winchester Leagues, Swanmore belatedly joined the Southampton League in 1971. Success was instant, as they enjoyed a meteoric rise - winning six promotions to reach the Premier Division by 1978.
'The Swans' consolidated their new found status in the top-flight and were a steady mid-table side until relegation in 1986. After a spell of rebuilding, they bounced back stronger three years later.
In 1992 Swanmore finished second, and made a successful application to join the Hampshire League Division 3. Initially, the club performed well at the higher grade - finishing as high as fourth in 1995.
After two difficult seasons, the 1998/99 campaign saw a vast improvement with a solid top half final position. However, like many others, their prospects of further progression were massively reduced following the introduction of stricter ground grading requirements. Inevitably, this saw the ambitious management team depart for pastures new - unable to find a suitable replacement, and compounded by the all too familiar problems of high costs and shortage of volunteers, Swanmore folded.
Honours
1st Team
- Hampshire Football Association
- *Junior 'A' Cup Winners 1948/49
- Southampton League
- *Premier Division Runners-up 1991/92
- *Senior Division 1 Champions 1977/78, Runners-up 1988/89
- *Senior Division 2 Runners-up 1976/77
- *Junior Division 1 Champions 1975/76
- *Junior Division 2 Runners-up 1973/74
- *Junior Division 3 Champions 1972/73
- *Junior Division 5 Champions 1971/72
- Meon Valley League
- *Division 1 Champions
- *Pink Cup Winners
2nd Team
- Southampton League
- *Junior Division 3 Champions 1992/93
- *Junior Division 4 Champions 1991/92, Runners-up 1979/80
- *Junior Division 5 Champions 1978/79
- *Junior Division 7 Champions 1977/78
Ground
Swanmore F.C. played at Broad Lane Recreation Ground, Swanmore, Hampshire, SO32 2PD. Owned by Swanmore Parish Council, the venue has an adult football pitch and a multi-purpose pavillion.It very much remains in use today, and with local youth sides Waltham Wolves and AFC Swanmore using the facilities. The ground is also home to Swanmore Cricket Club.