History
Fordingbridge Turks F.C. were formed in 1868, and initially played friendly fixtures. [1] Their unusual name was inspired by Turkish bravery. [2]
In 1879 they invited by Captain John May to participate in his new cup competition in Basingstoke. [3] The Turks famously won the trophy three years running. Interestingly, may years later the cup was discovered in a local hotel and after being featured on BBC regional television in 1963 was donated to the Turkish FA. [4]
The club became one of the founder members of the Hampshire Football Association in 1887 and began entering their cup competitions. The 1888-89 season saw them drawn away to holders Southampton St Marys in the Junior Cup third round, but they narrowly lost 2-3 at the Antelope Ground in front of a large crowd. Their victors would soon regain the trophy and go on to greater things! [5]
The following years saw Fordingbridge Turks have sustained spells playing in the Salisbury and New Forest Leagues before joining the Hampshire League in 1948. Here, they were placed in Division 3 West, but frequently struggled and were relegated in 1957 after finishing bottom for the third time. [6]
The club then played in the Bournemouth League for many years, winning the 1982 Pickford Cup at Dean Court considered as the main highlight. [7]
April 1993 saw Fordingbridge celebrate their 125th anniversary with a prestigious friendly match against Southampton, who fielded a strong side and won 1-13. [8]
In search of a fresh challenge, Fordingbridge Turks joined the Southampton League in 2022 and won the Junior Division 1 title in 2025. [9] The club now run three sides in the competition, with the First Team playing in the Premier Division. [10]
Ground
Fordingbridge Turks play at Fordingbridge Sports Club, SP6 1AN. The venue has a large car park, two pitches and large club house with sports bar, which has much club memorabilia on display. The venue is shared with the Rugby Club.
The record attendance was approximately 500 for the 125th commemorative fixture against Southampton on 19th April 1993. The full strength visitors won 13-1 with Matthew Le Tissier scoring a hatrick. [11]
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