History

The Stratford upon Avon Football Alliance was formed in 1896 as the Stratford upon Avon District League. Details of the inaugural meeting were published in the Stratford upon Avon Herald and the South Warwickshire Advertiser.

The Stratford Alliance celebrated its Centenary year with a formal dinner for 355 people at the Moat House Hotel in July 1996. Guest of honour was Sir Stanley Matthews C.B.E. supported by Mr. Jack Wiseman representing The Football Association and Dermot Gallagher a F.I.F.A. Referee. Guests were entertained by T.V. Personality Alistair McGowan with his impersonations of many and varied sports and television personalities.

The Centenary Year ended with a Stratford Alliance representative team playing Aston Villa Old Stars.

Originally the Stratford Alliance catered for Saturday Senior teams and Sunday Junior (u14 & u16) leagues with teams drawn from South Warwickshire, North Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. From A high point of 50 plus senior teams and 18 junior teams in the 1960’s & 70’s support has dropped off considerably. At the end of the 1986 season the Alliance reluctantly ceased junior football owing to lack of support and the senior section now has 36 teams in 3 divisions.

The oldest competition is the Foster Shield which was presented to the Alliance in 1910 by Philip Foster M.P. It is a large wooden shield with an embossed silver centre depicting a soccer match and is believed to be one of the oldest in existence in the Football Association.

The Alliance has been served by several well respected officials. The most recent Secretary R.G.R. James retired in 1998 after serving 19 years, having taken over following the death of Bob Bant who died in post having served for a number of years. Prior to Bob Bant joint Secretaries Ray Brandish & Jimmy Cox, Arthur Westwood & Ray Brandish. Arthur Westwood & Arthur Weatherhead going back to 1946 ably served us. The current President is Mr. George Wood who recently stepped up from the position of Senior Vice President following the resignation of Mr. Geoff Bennett through ill health. Geoff passed away this year after having been associated with the Alliance continually for a period of 60 years.

Previous Presidents have included Arthur Guise and David Hutchinson both former Football League Referees. D.S. Hutchinson being the referee who sent off Alan Ball for the only time in his career.