A brief history of
Burnham Football Club
Founded in 1878, Burnham Football Club is the second oldest club Buckinghamshire. We played in the early years, with considerable success, in various leagues, before joining the Great Western Combination in 1948.
We moved to the Wycombe Combination in 1964 and then spent one season (1970/71) in the Reading Combination. In 1971 the club was elected to the Hellenic League. Winning both the Premier Division and League Cup in 1975/76. We were also twice beaten finalists in the League Cup too.
In 1977 the club were elected to the Athenian League and were twice runners-up before the league folded in 1984. We competed in the London Spartan League in 1984/85. Winning both the Premier Division title and the League Cup. The summer of 1985 bought about the amalgamation of the football club with Hillingdon Borough FC, who had lost their ground and were about to fold.
We played in the Southern League as Burnham & Hillingdon FC and reverted back to the former name of Burnham FC in 1987. Season 1994/95 saw us finish bottom. Resulting in relegation to the Hellenic League. After 3 seasons in the Hellenic League, finishing fifth, third and again third in 1998/99. the club won both the Premier Division title and the League Cup. Therefore, gaining promotion back to the Southern Football League.
The 2006/07 season saw us achieve our highest league position. Finishing 3rd and thus qualifying for the end of season Promotion Play-Off semi final. Unfortunately losing to the eventual winners – Swindon Supermarine.
The 2012-2013 season was, without doubt, the most successful in the football clubs history. The First Team won the Evo Stik League Southern Division One Central (Southern League) championship. Earning promotion to the newly sponsored Calor League Premier Division (Southern League), while our Reserves won the UHLSPORT Hellenic League Division Two East championship at the first time of asking. Earning promotion to Division One East where they came up against the First Teams of many of the previous seasons opposition.
Cup Competition History
In cup competitions Burnham reached the Quarter Final of the FA Vase in 1977/78 and then went one better in reaching the Semi Final in 1982/83. Losing 4-2 over two legs to Halesowen Town. The clubs record attendance of 2400 was achieved in the home leg. We have twice reached the Third Qualifying round of the FA Cup and in 2005/06 we reached the First Round Proper for the first time ever, before losing at home to Aldershot Town.
In the F.A.Trophy we reached the Fourth Round (the last 16) in 1999/2000. Before losing to Scarborough in a replay after a creditable 1-1 draw at The Gore. In the Berks & Bucks FA Senior Cup we reached the Semi Final twice before losing on both occasions to Chesham United. Then, on the 28th February 2024 Burnham faced Reading FC in the quarter finals of the Berks & Bucks FA Senior Cup. The game, played at what is now called The 1878 Stadium, ended 0-2 to the visitors.
On the 22nd May 2024 the blues were successful in beating Virginia Water 2-1 at the Racecourse Ground (Ascot United) and won the 2023/24 Combined Counties Football League / Cherry Red Records Premier Challenge Cup, aka the League Cup (related article).
and now…
Burnham Football Club now play in the Cherry Red Records Combined Counties Football League Premier Division North.
During the Covid-19 pandemic the renamed 1878 stadium and its facilities went through a major refurbishment programme. Providing the new chairman, Glenn Skivington, with the chance to achieve one of his key objectives of building closer links with local clubs and the local community. As a result we now have more teams, more clubs and more leagues enjoying our state-of-the-art FIFA Certified 3G pitch which was completed in July 2021.
Incorporating a new private gym and fitness club called The LaB on the upper level of the main stand, plus nurturing young talent from Little Blues Toddler Football (2-5yrs) to our Football Development Centre (5-13yrs) and beyond, Burnham Football Club will continue to develop as a superb leisure sports facility. Creating a pathway for young players, whether they want to play professionally or build a career within the sports industry.
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