Foundation & Early Years
Milborne Port Football Club was formed in 1890 as a result of Messrs Ensors & Dykes Glove factories adopting a five and a half day week (finishing work on Saturdays at 2 o’clock instead of 6:30.) This was happening across the country at the time as the working classes were given more leisure time, which in turn led to a rise in the popularity of football nationwide.
During a public meeting, Mr Hambden Blandford, son of the postmaster, proposed that organised football be played so that young men of the village could dispose of their excess energy by playing football. A team was formed, with Tom Stone voted as the first captain.
Mr Edwin Hann was asked to provide two sets of goal posts and these were erected in the Cricket Ground. However, after just two games local farmer Mr Stone said that the ground could only be used for summer games. So, in January 1891 the posts were moved to Pleck, a field below Ven House.
Between The Wars
Football in Milborne Port was played here until the 1920-21 season when it moved to the Jubilee Field, Goathill Road. By the end of the 1936 season a fresh ground had to be found and it was agreed to move to Cuffs Bush near Newtown.
Post War to Modern Day
Unfortunately, in 1951 the field was required for the building of council farms so the club moved back to Jubilee Field. Aircraft packing crates were used to create changing rooms and the supporters club was also formed in this year. It was in June 1955 that the club had its final move, to the Memorial Playing Field. It took a lot of work as £1,600 was spent converting the allotments and agricultural land, removing hedges and trees with tons of soil transported, grass sown and turf laid for the two football pitches and a cricket square. Much of the work, as today, was done voluntarily. The 1956/57 season was the first played on the new ground with the changing rooms, showers etc. added in 1962.
125th Anniversary Celebration
In 2017, Milborne Port Football Club celebrated the 125th anniversary of it’s founding in 1891 with a celebratory dinner held at the Memorial Playing Grounds where the club has played since 1955. The evening was compered by comedian Stewart Masters with ex – Southampton & England footballer & Sky Sports Soccer Saturday pundit Matt Le Tissier telling stories of his legendary career and congratulating the club for reaching such a milestone. He said “It’s a massive achievement for a club like Milborne Port to have been going for 125 years and so huge congratulations to everybody involved”
Alongside Matt Le Tissier there were speeches from Somerset F.A. chairman Peter Hockley (who himself was once involved with Milborne Port FC) as well as club president Stewart Hinks and club chairman Steve Davis who said “Lots of players have come and lots of players have gone and it was great to see some of the older players at the dinner. Football is all about memories and I’ve got plenty from my time with the club.” Outgoing secretary Simon Fox was also given an award for his 10 years of service in the role.
Around 200 people attended the event and a great night was had by all. You can read more about the event & see lots of other pictures at the Yeovil Press website. (Click Here)
Historical Photo Gallery
Below are a collection of photographs from the history of Milborne Port FC from foundation to the modern day. The black & white photos are taken taken from the book “One Hundred Years Of Village Football 1891-1991” by C.F. Pearce.
Better known as Fred, he held many positions with Milborne Port FC from playing to being vice – chairman, chairman & eventually president. He created this book in 1991 to celebrate the centenary of Milborne Port FC.
