VERWOOD TOWN - HISTORY
Originally believing the club to be formed in the 1920’s , we now have information to show that it was formed earlier than this in 1905 and affiliated to the Dorset County FA that same year. Despite the early on-field results, the club flourished and after an initial move to the recreation ground, continued to play home games there until 1986 when it moved to Potterne Park
According to long established club members and ex-players, traveling in and around Dorset by steam train and changing behind well layed hedge rows proved conducive to good team spirit and offered a different slant to country life. During the war years matches were organised against army teams.
De-mob saw ex-players reunited re-establishing it's winning ways bringing minor and junior trophies to the village. Returning also were local hostilities, particularly the annual battle against Cranborne. Memories recall one particular game when police were called from Wimborne to control the crowd and restrain the reverend Williams from striking the referee with his walking stick. Fortunately we don't get that sort of trouble anymore.
Moving from Dorset FA to Bournemouth FA gave us a chance to broaden our horizons. The early 1960's saw some of the club officials involved with the villages youth side Rossgarth YFC. These links continued with an increasing number of players (and management) coming through the ranks of local youth football. In 2017 the two clubs merged, cementing their close ties.
An ambitious move to Potterne Park in 1986 and a strong willing committee brought the club in 1989 to Hampshire League football. High league positions achieved and promotion to Hampshire League Division One in 1993. It was during this period that with the growth of the village into a town our new name Verwood Town Football Club was established.
In 2004/5 the Wessex League amalgamated with the Hampshire League and formed three new leagues. Verwood Town joined the new Sydenhams Wessex League Division Three. Two seasons and a great deal of effort off the pitch, erecting dugouts, hard standing and stands were rewarded with a third,place finish and promotion to the newly renamed Sydenhams League (Wessex) Division One.
Progress continued apace with erection of floodlights, spectator facilities and entries into the FA Vase and later the FA Cup. In 2011/12 promotion to the Sydenhams League Premier Division was achieved. Consolidation with a solid 14th position finish was followed in ensuing seasons largely safe from relegation. Three management changes from 2014 resulted in the First Team entering a more unsettled period which culminated in relegation and a drop to Division One for the start of 2017/18 season.
The club remains committed to grow however and push forward both on and off the pitch. In 2015 the Verwood Town Ladies Team was established participating in the Dorset Women's league, and together with the greater integration across youth and adult football we are now developing plans for improved facilities with our hope and wish to continue the development of football for all in the area.
The club has remained in the Wessex League Division One since 2017/18, with a high-placed finish of eighth in 2018/19.
