Horley Football Club first affiliated to Surrey County F.A. in 1896. In 1903 another local club by the name of Gatwick Rovers was formed and the two clubs merged in 1908 with Horley retaining its name. Both these original clubs played in the same colours of Red & Black and it was not until 1912 that Horley adopted the colours of Claret & Blue that they still wear to this very day.

Intermediate football was tasted for the first time in season 1925/26 following an appearance in The Surrey County Junior Cup Final in 1923/24 and winning The Surrey County Junior Charity Cup in 1924/25.

Following the Second World War, Horley was faced with the prospect of losing it’s home at “The Kings Head” ground and set about finding a new home. A local landowner by the name of Major A L N Jennings became the club’s benefactor (and President) following his generous decision to give the club 10.7 acres of land in Smallfield Road. The land has been held in trust since 1947 for the people of Horley in memory of those that died in the defence of their country. The ground was named “The Defence”.

Season 1950/51 saw Horley win the Surrey Intermediate League Eastern Section and seek election to the Surrey Senior League for season 1951/52. This excursion into Senior football was short lived as the club found themselves back in Junior football by season 1954/55.

Intermediate status was regained in 1956/57 season and in season1957/58 they entered their first ever Youth team in the local Redhill & District League.

1970/71. With the expansion of the village of Horley to a town the club changed it’s name in 1974 to become Horley Town F.C. During this spell in Senior football, Horley Town enjoyed their most successful period culminating in the winning of The Surrey Senior League title and Surrey Senior League Challenge Cup in 1976/77. The club also reached the final of the Surrey Senior League Charity Cup in this season.

The club went on to compete in The London Spartan League and The Athenian League before returning to the Combined Counties League (formerly The Surrey Senior League).

The early 1980’s saw the club expand their interest in Youth football with the creation of Horley Town Minors. This relationship has grown over the years and is the reason why the club has evolved into a well respected “community club” providing football for the people of Horley irrespective of age, sex or race.    

  Protected by Copyright - All rights reserved.