FC Stratford - originally known as Stratford Town A, joined the Midland Combination League ahead of the 2009/10 season.
An encouraging first season in Division Three led to a fifth-place finish out of sixteen sides. FC also just missed out on a Challenge Urn final spot in wake of an agonising 6:5 defeat to Blackwood FC over two legs.
While suffering second season syndrome (ending tenth) in 2010/11, FC did reach the Challenge Urn Final against Aston at Pilkington XXX. With the score level at 2:2 after extra-time, FC secured the Urn with a 4-1 penalty shoot-out triumph.
At the end of the 2010/11 season, Division Three of the Midland Combination was disbanded and clubs were placed into Division Two. Stratford Town A changed their name to FC Stratford.
Over the next couple of seasons, FC achieved mid-table finishes in Division Two. Yet 2013/14 saw Manager Pete Stephens really struggle to field a side resulting in a lowly fourteenth finish for FC.
During the Summer of 2014, the Midland Combination joined forces with the Midland Alliance to form the Midland Football League (MFL). FC were duly assigned to Division Three.
The 2014/15 season continued to be a tough time: FC finished twelfth of fifteen teams.
After a solid start to the new season, FC became one of the favourites for promotion. Unfortunately a mid-season blip saw FC lose touch, before eventually finishing a well-placed fourth – their best so far.
The 2016/17 season saw the appointment of former Alcester Town Manager Dave Poulson as boss, with Pete Stephens moving 'upstairs'. With Division Three containing some strong squads, FC had their work cut out before claiming a decent sixth-place.
Dave Poulson’s new signings helped FC get the 2017/18 term off to a flyer. Despite a dip in form, FC finished third in a competitive league won by GNP Sports; FC’s favourable goal difference over Alcester Town proved enough for Poulson's team to earn promotion into MFL Division Two (step 7).
With his objective complete, Poulson handed over to highly rated Nick Ballinger to take charge of FC’s inaugural season in MFL Two. A player overhaul saw Ballinger introduce several of his Midland Floodlit Youth League Cup winners to the MFL.
After a challenging 2018/19 campaign, Ballinger's side achieved their target of securing survival. FC proudly made their debut in the FA Vase: in a tight match, FC paid the price for a missed penalty, losing 1:0 to Bewdley Town.
FC also reached the President's Cup Final where they suffered a narrow 3:2 defeat to League runners-up GNP Sports. FC’s young team were honoured post-season by winning the MFL “Fair Play Award”.
Ahead of the 2019/20 season, Ballinger stepped away from FC to spend more time with his family. Dave Poulson resumed charge of First Team affairs. A first win in the FA Vase over Chelmsley Town saw FC progress, only to lose to arch rivals GNP Sports on penalties.
Whilst staging a serious push for promotion, the football season was ended in March 2020 by COVID-19.
FC player Danny Janes was installed as Manager for the 2020/21 season, with Dave Poulson becoming Chairman. However, the season barely got started before COVID-19 again halted proceedings.
As a consequence of the National League System restructure, FC were transferred to Hellenic League Division One (HL1) – a promotion from step 7 to step 6 of the football non-league pyramid.
The new 2021/22 season also saw FC move from Stratford Town’s ground to The Home Guard Club, just down the road. Janes’ team got off to a great start, topping the table after the first ten games. A slump in form, coupled with Janes’ November move to Pershore Town and the subsequent exodus of players, resulted in FC’s slide down the table.
Chairman Dave Poulson stepped back into the hotseat as caretaker boss: Poulson navigated a tricky period, re-organised the squad and restored stability to the club.
In January 2022, Ian Cooksey (assisted by Neil Chaundy) was appointed Manager. Notable results against teams [to be promoted] Hereford Pegasus and Worcester Raiders helped FC eventually finish a respectable eighth in HL1. FC’s last home game was designated part of the Easter Ground-hop weekend.
Jon Hill became Manager of FC for the 2022/23 season, whilst new Chairman Steve Sykes oversaw FC’s return to the Arden Garages Stadium. Hill’s youthful team proceeded to play attractive football as well as compete physically.
An unbeaten run of ten games catapulted FC towards the Play-off zone. After eventually clearing a backlog of fixtures, FC clinched fifth position and a Play-off place. Sadly, the hectic season-end run of games caught up with the players in the Play-off semi-final as FC lost 4:0 to Hartpury University.
Two weeks later, a refreshed FC squad enjoyed an emphatic 5:0 victory in the Birmingham County FA Midweek Floodlit Cup Final at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium. An incredible first half saw FC net five goals to blow MFL opponents Wednesfield away in front of 803 fans, sparking fantastic celebrations.
FC began the 2023/24 season strongly, collecting 16 points from their first 6 games. Indeed, FC earned the accolade of being the last non-league team (steps 1-6) to concede a goal, after 595 minutes. But then injuries to key players and FC’s inability to close out games gradually took their toll; FC ended their league campaign in a frustrating seventh position.
FC successfully retained the County Floodlit Cup by beating Cradley Town at Walsall FC. After twice coming from behind, FC stormed to an impressive 6:2 victory. FC completed a memorable cup double by clinching the HL Challenge Cup. Locked at 2:2 after ninety minutes, FC defeated the University of Bristol 4-2 on penalties to lift the trophy.
FC carried their Cup success momentum into the 2024/25 season. By Christmas, FC were well placed in the table, and in the semi-final of the County Cup for the third season running. At the same time, Jon Hill was offered a full-time coaching role at Norwegian club Fram Larvik; he reluctantly moved on from FC, leaving a lasting legacy of silverware behind.
Neil Chaundy became interim Manager before Dave Poulson later took charge. With goals shared around the team, FC managed to score in every home league fixture. An undefeated run over their last seven games saw FC launch a late charge towards the Play-offs. But in the season finale, a stoppage-time goal elsewhere cruelly denied FC a spot on goal difference.
FC appointed Lewis Marston and Adam Parker as joint Managers for 2025/26. After initially competing at the business end of the table, a 13-match unbeaten run propelled a determined FC to the top of HL1 in January. This included an 11-game winning streak – highlighted by a thrilling double over rivals Wantage Town – which kept FC at the summit for the rest of the campaign.
FC sealed the League title with three games to spare after a derby win at Alcester Town on Easter Monday. A championship-winning 81 points crowned a magnificent season for FC, culminating in a historic, first-ever promotion to Step 5 football.

FC Stratford

Cirencester Town programme