Gloucestershire County League - History

History

The league was originally formed in 1968. Its first Chairman was F.Dowling, who was ably assisted by the Hon. Secretary, L.V. James. Les James has the Leagues' Cup Competition named after him in recognition of his service to football and the league within Gloucestershire. Chairman, Mr F. Dowling, presented the championship trophy to Stonehouse FC, who were the first winners of the County League.

Among the clubs that have left the Gloucestershire County League and now compete at a higher level are:

  • Almondsbury
  • Bishop's Cleeve
  • Brimscombe & Thrupp
  • Bitton
  • Bristol St George (now known as Roman Glass St. George)
  • Cadbury Heath
  • Cinderford Town
  • Cirencester Town
  • Fairford Town
  • Cribbs Friends Life
  • Forest Green Rovers
  • Lawrence Weston Hallen (now known as Hallen)
  • Longwell Green Sports
  • Lydney Town
  • Oldland (now known as Oldland Abbotonians)
  • Winterbourne United
  • Slimbridge
  • Shortwood United
  • Tytherington Rocks
  • Yate Town

Two current members of the Gloucestershire County League have played at a higher level:

  • Chipping Sodbury played in the Western Football League Division 2 in the 1950–51 and 1950–51 seasons before dropping back to local football in the Bristol and District League.
  • Tuffley Rovers currently play in the County League but have previously competed in the Hellenic Football League.

Other former members of the County League have dropped back into local football. Notable clubs include:

  • Almondsbury Greenway left the County League in 1982 for the Hellenic Football League. After further promotion as Almondsbury Town to the Southern League they have in 2011 dropped back to the Bristol & Suburban League.
  • Hardwicke joined the County League in 1999–2000 and gained promotion to the Hellenic Football League but have now returned to the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League.
  • Harrow Hill joined the County League in 1982/83 and gained promotion to the Hellenic Football League in 1995/96 but have now returned to the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League.
  • Stonehouse Town were original member of the County League and competed in the competition for 20 years until 1988. From 1947 until 1960 the club played in the Western Football League.

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