AFC Stoneham’s history dates back to 1919, when the club was founded by soldiers returning from the First World War as Royal Engineers (Ordnance Survey Office) FC. Although records show Ordnance Survey Royal Engineers matches as early as 1888, 1919 is recognised as the club’s foundation year. The team initially joined the Southampton Junior League, winning the Junior B Division in 1920/21 before moving into the Hampshire League. In 1923/24, the club merged with the Post Office team and became Southampton Civil Service, later separating again from the Royal Engineers. The club enjoyed early success, finishing runners-up in the Hampshire League West Division in 1924/25.

In 1929, the club simplified its name to Ordnance Survey, but the following decades were characterised by inconsistency and limited success. After slipping out of county football in 1934, the club spent 64 years in the Southampton Senior and Junior Leagues. There were occasional achievements, including Junior Cup successes and Senior Division One titles in 1982/83 and 1992/93. The club expanded by establishing reserve, veterans and youth teams, with the veterans enjoying particular success. In 1996/97, the first team won the Senior Premier Division and finally returned to county football.

The late 1990s marked a period of major development. A youth section was established, the Under-18s won their league in their first season, and the veterans continued to progress. However, the closure of the Civil Service Ground in 1999 forced the club to relocate, first to Lordshill Recreation Ground and later to Stoneham Park in 2002. The club struggled initially in the Hampshire League First Division and later competed in the newly formed Wessex League Division Three.

A major new era began in 2006 when the club changed its name to Stoneham, adding “AFC” the following year. The rebranded AFC Stoneham quickly achieved success, winning the Hampshire Premier League in 2007/08 and later adding the Senior League Cup. The club also won the Southampton Senior Cup in 2011/12 and successfully defended it in 2012/13. Following a merger with Granley Rovers FC, the club developed a complete football structure spanning youth to veterans.

Promotion to the Wessex League came in 2015, followed by further progress both on and off the pitch. The club installed floodlights, entered the FA Vase and FA Cup for the first time, and enjoyed memorable cup victories. In 2018/19, AFC Stoneham won the Wessex League Division One title and earned promotion to the Premier Division. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted their first Premier Division campaign, but the club continued to challenge near the top of the table.

The 2024/25 season brought significant cup success, with AFC Stoneham winning both the Hampshire Senior Cup and Southampton Senior Cup, while reaching the FA Vase quarter-finals. The following 2025/26 season became the most successful in the club’s history. AFC Stoneham won the Wessex League Premier Division by 14 points, securing promotion to Step 4. They also won the Russell Cotes Cup and Southampton Senior Cup, before reaching Wembley in the FA Vase. In front of more than 3,000 of their own supporters, Stoneham defeated Cockfosters 4–2 on penalties, completing an extraordinary season and etching the club’s name onto one of non-league football’s most famous trophies.


16	Hayes	9	7
17	Harrow	9	11
18	Cobham	9	10
19	Ascot	8	11
20	Littlehampton	6	11
21	AFC Stoneham	5	8
22	Binfield	1	10

AFC Stoneham

Match Outlook

South Central Division