Bromham Football
Club History.
| Bromham Football Club was formed in 1897, with Harry Amor and Arthur Powney as co-founders.
The team first played in front of the house at Nonsuch Park in a kit consisting of blue shirts and white collars. The team was forced to re-locate pitches five times for agricultural reasons, but eventually returned to Nonsuch. At first the team had no changing rooms and used an old pigsty, until they purchased an old army hut and installed a sunken bath around 1953/54.
During 1923 the club forged ahead by forming a ladies football team with Beatrice Paget in goal. They were virtually unbeatable!
The club did not play during the 1939-45 war years, but a youth side was formed in 1941 and Peter Amor, a grandson of the co-founder played in this side.
In 1947 a football and supporters club was formed, made up mainly of women under the chairmanship of Ivor Gardiner. Don Amor, brother of Peter played in the newly formed club and continued until 1966, when he took up refereeing.
Another well known villager Don Paget became Chairman for many years, later becoming President of the 'Skurrays' Wiltshire League until his death.
The only cup the team recollect winning in those early post-war days was the Meredith Brown cup for six-a-side teams, presented by the owner of Nonsuch Park.
Len Glass, team captain, was the best football player after the war and also the clubs longest serving player. He went on to be Chairman and then President until his death. Another notable player of that era was Arthur (Rollo) May, described as a brilliant but temperamental goalkeeper.
The 1960's team consisted of the Paget brothers, Peter, Gordon, Clive and Jim, all sons of Don. In the 1962/63 season Peter Paget scored 105 goals, many of them laid on by Len Glass. In this season, they were undefeated, and won the league outright. The following season the team became semi-professional. Our ex-Chairman Malcolm Baldwin also played in this side.
The 1980's brought also considerable success winning the 'Parr' Trophy (league trophy) 1987/88, and the Chippenham Sunday League knockout cup two seasons in succession, 1988/89 and 1989/90.
Bromham has had its ups and downs in 2000/01. The club almost folded due to the lack of support and financial problems, but pulled through under the then chairmanship of Malcolm Baldwin (son in law of Len Glass) and three stalwart committee members. At this difficult time, Bromham FC lost their senior football status.
Bromham 1st team and manager Richard Witts, enjoyed cup success during the 2001/2002 season winning the Fountain Trophies Junior Cup, the first silverware to be brought home for 15 years! The club regained senior football status for the 2004/2005 season under former manager John Boatman with the 1st team playing in the Wiltshire Premier division. John stepped down as manager at the end of 2006/07 and was elected club chairman with Tom Paget being elected as vice chairman. Ben Howe was appointed 1st team manager for the 2007/08 season.
Bromham FC have a sound financial footing and are looking forward to the future with the 2 saturday mens teams, an expanding youth setup and the Bromham Sunday mens team started again for the 2006/07 season. This is all only possible thanks to the facilities made available to us by Bromham Parish Council and an enthusiastic management and club committee.
The club maintains its family atmosphere and still has two Pagets on its books and Kevin Amor, our current club secretary.
Every year the club recognises the biggest contribution from a member with the 'Neil Amor' cup, dedicated to the memory of the co-founders great-grandson.
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