Swanmore F.C. was 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.Association Football in Hampshire until 1914 by Norman Gannaway
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 (including four titles) to reach the Premier Division by 1978.Hampshire Football Association Centenary History 1887-1987 by Norman Gannaway
'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.A Century of Southampton Local Soccer 1908-2008 by John Moody
In 1992 Swanmore finished second, and made a successful application to join the Hampshire League Division 3.A History of the Hampshire League 1896-1996 by Norman Gannaway Initially, the club performed well at the higher grade - finishing as high as fourth in 1995.A Tabulated History of the Hampshire League by Stephen Farmery
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.https://www.fchd.info/lghist/hants2000.htm
Honours
1st Team
Hampshire Football Association Hampshire Football Association Yearbook 2015/16 Junior 'A' Cup Winners 1948/49 Southampton League Southampton Football League Handbook & Directory 2018/19 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
Hampshire League record 1992-99 SeasonDivisionPositionPldWDLFAPtsNotes1992/93Three9/163011712595240 1993/94Three8/1630126126051421994/95Three4/183419510685962Highest ever position 1995/96Three7/183415910535754 1996/97Three16/203811621479539 1997/98Three15/163041253511913Re-elected 1998/99Three8/193414713776249Folded
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 pavilion.https://www.swanmorepc.org.uk/facilities-for-hire
It very much remains in use today, and with local youth sides Waltham Wolveshttps://www.walthamwolvesfc.co.uk/ and AFC Swanmore using the facilities. The ground is also home to Swanmore Cricket Club.https://swanmore.play-cricket.com/Aboutus
Notable players
Swanmore had many fine players during their long history. Hampshire cricketer Adrian Aymes played during the mid-eighties, whilst former Southampton player Cliff Huxford was co-manager during their final campaign.https://www.saintsplayers.co.uk/player/cliff-huxford/
Local rivalries
Swanmore enjoyed a healthy local rivalry with a number of clubs from within the Meon Valley area. Neighbours Bishops Waltham Town were regarded at their main rivals.
References
External links Swanmore at the Football Club History Database Hampshire League Final Tables Hampshire Soccer Archive