Club History

Elford Boys FC was founded in 1982 by Ken Carlton (manager) and David Wain (Chairman), providing football to a group of 6-11 year old boys. Over their early years, the club entered into the Mid Staffs Junior League which at the time had member clubs from surrounding villages over staffordshire. The very first training session of the club was on Mr Wain's front lawn, that was because sheep at the time were grazing on what we now know to be the football field.

The first team had a hand in choosing the club colours. Interestingly the boys choose Black & White stripes as the main colours after Newcastle United, Ken was a Sunderland fan you see - he had the last laugh though as he mischievously purchased a Navy Blue and White shirt - David being a Wolves fan. Over more recent times this has moved to Royal and White stripes, as Navy stripes shirts became difficult to find, and then from 2013 to Royal and White Hoops.

The team remained as an U11 team for 4 further seasons, until the 1986-1987 when the team won its first honours the league title. At this point Elford joined forces with Lichfield side Bound Brook, this was the foundation of a formidable club, with the club expanding across age ranges, and joining the Lichfield Recreational League. An introduction of a soccer school was made to feed future age groups with Brian Simmonds instrumental in its formation. Past players including Mark Simmonds, Kiel Day and Alex Carlton all featured in coaching teams formed from the soccer school, in more recent time Jake Cotterill and Sam Colclough are former players featuring in our coaching ranks.

The club achieved a fantastic milestone in 1991, being the first Lichfield team to win the Staffordshire Cup at any age group. The final was made sweeter, with the U15 team beating league rivals FC Castle from Castle Gresley in an all Lichfield final - demonstrating the strength of the Lichfield League at that time. This is something that has only been matched one since.

The early 2000's saw the club hit a purple patch in both its numbers and its success, with the club delivering 18 titles over that period of time (see honours page for full list). Professional players moving through the clubs ranks include Stuart Ryder (Walsall & Mansfield) and Darren Stride (Burton Albion).

More importantly for Elford Boys has the founding principles of playing the game of football in the right way. Whilst a select lucky few may have made the grade at Professional standard, the clubs main principle is to develop all boys to fulfill their potential and enjoy the game of football in a safe friendly environment.

The club is always looking for new talent, why not come along to the soccer school, or enquire to join one of the other teams.