Stourbridge

Stourbridge Football Club is a semi-professional English football club based in the town of Stourbridge, West Midlands. Founded in 1876, it is one of the oldest football clubs in the Midlands, with a rich history spanning over a century.

The club, nicknamed "The Glassboys" after the town's traditional association with the cut glass industry, has its home ground at War Memorial Athletic Ground, also known as Amblecote. With a capacity of around 3,500, this ground has been the club's home since 1925.

Stourbridge FC competes in the Southern League Premier Division Central, a level of the English football league system which is seven tiers below the Premier League. Despite not being in the top echelons of English football, the club has had its fair share of success and memorable moments.

The Glassboys have been champions of the Worcestershire Senior Cup on multiple occasions and have also won the Birmingham Senior Cup. However, the club's most notable achievements have come in the FA Cup. Stourbridge FC has a reputation for being 'giant killers' in the FA Cup, having reached the third round proper on three occasions, which is an impressive feat for a non-league club.

In the 2016-17 season, Stourbridge FC made headlines when they reached the third round of the FA Cup, eventually losing to Wycombe Wanderers. This run included a victory over Northampton Town, a club playing three divisions higher. This achievement marked the furthest the club had ever progressed in the competition, and the furthest any team from their level had progressed in almost 30 years.

Over the years, Stourbridge FC has nurtured several players who have gone on to play in the Football League and higher levels. Notable former players include striker Ryan Rowe and defender Leon Broadhurst.

The club is well-supported locally, with a loyal and passionate fan base. The supporters are known for their vocal backing of the team, both at home and away games. The club also has a thriving youth system, with several youth teams competing in various age groups.

Off the pitch, Stourbridge FC is a community-focused club, with various initiatives aimed at engaging with the local community. These include hosting charity events, offering free coaching clinics for local schools, and running a successful football education programme in partnership with local colleges.

In summary, Stourbridge FC may not be a household name in English football, but it is a club with a proud history and a strong community spirit. The Glassboys continue to compete with passion and determination, embodying the spirit of grassroots football in England.