Sholing

Sholing Football Club, also known as The Boatmen, is a semi-professional football club based in Sholing, Southampton, England. The club was originally established in 1890 as a works team for employees of the Woolston Supermarine aircraft factory, under the name Woolston Works FC. The club underwent several name changes over the years, including becoming Thornycrofts (Woolston) FC in 1905, and Thornycrofts (Southampton) FC in 1936, before finally settling on Sholing Sports FC in 1960.

In 1981, the club changed its name to Sholing FC and moved to its current home ground, the Universal Stadium. The stadium, located on Portsmouth Road, has a capacity of 2,000, with 150 seats. Sholing FC plays in the Wessex Football League, a league in the English football league system that covers Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, the Channel Islands, and parts of neighbouring counties.

Sholing FC has had a history of success, particularly in recent years. The club's most significant achievement came in the 2013-2014 season when they won the FA Vase, a competition for teams playing below Step 4 of the English National League System. The Boatmen beat West Auckland Town 1-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium, marking a historic moment for the club.

Sholing FC also has a strong record in local competitions. They have won the Southampton Senior Cup multiple times and have been champions of the Wessex League on several occasions. The club's youth development program is highly regarded, with many young players progressing to the first team and beyond.

Despite its successes, Sholing FC remains a community-focused club. It is run by a dedicated team of volunteers and relies on the support of local businesses and fans. The club also has a strong commitment to promoting football in the local area, with numerous youth and junior teams representing Sholing FC in various leagues.

In 2010, the club briefly changed its name to VT FC after a merger with VT Group plc, a British company involved in the defence and services sectors. However, the merger was short-lived, and the club reverted to its original name, Sholing FC, in 2012.

Sholing FC's traditional colours are red and white, and their emblem features a boat, reflecting the area's maritime history. The club's motto, "Per Mare Per Terras" (By Sea By Land), also pays homage to this heritage.

In conclusion, Sholing FC is a club with a rich history and a strong connection to its community. Its achievements, particularly its FA Vase victory, have brought it national recognition, but it remains firmly rooted in its local area. The club's commitment to youth development and its role as a community hub make it a vital part of the Sholing area and the wider Southampton region.