The Magpies - a brief history of Holsworthy AFC

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Holsworthy Football Club was established on October 5, 1891, following a meeting of local businessmen at the Rectory. The club, known as the Magpies, has a rich history of competing in local leagues. Over the years, Holsworthy AFC has been an integral part of the community, providing a platform for local talent to develop and showcase their skills.

Post-World War II, Holsworthy had to play at Stanhope Park until 1949 when they relocated to their current home at Upcott Field.

The club boasts an impressive record for a small town, having won County Cups at three levels: the Devon Junior Cup (1938/39), the Devon Senior Cup (1953/54), and the Devon Premier Cup (1971/72 and 1978/79).

In 1952/53, Holsworthy left the North Devon League for the Plymouth and District League, securing the championship in 1968/69, 1969/70, and the Victory Cup in 1972/73. Elected to the South Western League in 1971, they stayed until 2003/04, claiming the Sporting Trophy five times.

Entering the Devon County League in 2003/04, they clinched the championship in their debut season and later joined the South West Peninsula League Premier Division in 2007. Notably, they won the Torridge Cup in 2008/09.

For the 2010/2011 season, Holsworthy AFC moved to the South West Peninsula League Division 1 West after being relegated from the Premier Division.

In recent times the first team have moved into step 6 standard football still under the umbrella of the South West Peninsula due to a re shuffle by the FA in leagues . So they have now featured in both SWPL East and West step 6 divisions due to being located on the border of the two leagues boosting strong mid table finishes in both sides. In the midst of this new league structure the first team have featured in three consecutive Torridge Cup finals 2021/22 as winner of the trophy and 2022/23 2023/24 as runners up.

The club also features a well-performing second team, "The Reserves," and a third team that has had successes in various leagues which, until the end of the 2005/06 season, played in the North Devon Premier League. They performed well here and actually won the league title in 1975/76. The Reserves joined the East Cornwall League Division 1 for the 2006/07 season but they had to pull out of the league during the 2015/16 season due to the unavailability of players to travel. The 2016/17 seasons sees them begin a return by starting play in the North Devon Intermediate 2 division and gained promotion to the Intermediate 1 with a runners up in the Bill Smale League Cup to go along with. The Reserves continued to rise up the leagues with another promotion out of N Devon Senior and into the N Devon Premier division 22/23 due to a covid reshuffle because of current league position standing.

The Reserves then disbanded again in 2020/21 with a year absence before restarting again in the N Devon senior under new management in 2022/23. In their first season they secured promotion via runners up back into the N Devon Premier. 
Back once again in the N Devon Premier the reserves went onto a strong 6th place finish and the first Launceston Cup win in the clubs history 2023/24 against Lifton in the first all Devon team final.

Holsworthy’s Third team competed in the Kingsley League and in 2005/06 season gained runners up position and were winners of the Subsidiary Cup. They had previously competed in this league with some success before being elected to the North Devon Intermediate 2 Division, where they won the Bideford Tool Cup and the Subsidiary Cup in their first season 1999/2000. They won the Subsidiary Cup again in 2009/10 season. The 3rds were disbanded for the 2015/16 season in favour of an Under 18’s team playing in the Devon County league.

The thirds then reappeared in 2023/24 with the anticipation of player influx due to the ever growing Holsworthy Youth setup allowing as much football opportunity at Holsworthy AFC.

Under 18’s have featured on and off in recent times most notably in its first attempt where in 2015/16 season Under 18’s team playing in the Devon County Youth League who achieved winners of the North League and runners up of the Devon League in their league action and in cup action finished runners in the league cup and semi-finalist in the County Cup. Due to player age and availability it stopped and restarted in 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2021/22.

Holsworthy AFC has a strong fan base and loyal supporters who stand by the team through thick and thin. The club has a proud tradition of nurturing young players and promoting grassroots football in the region.
Overall, Holsworthy AFC's history is a testament to the passion, dedication, and spirit of the players, staff, and fans who have been part of the journey. It is a story of perseverance, teamwork, and the love of the game that continues to define the club to this day.