RINGWOOD Town is celebrating its 140th anniversary this season and is one of the oldest clubs in Hampshire.

An ancient copy of the old Ringwood Almanac reveal that Ringwood Town Football Club was formed in 1879.

The club is first mentioned in county records in 1886 when it used the title of Ringwood Hornets ans in 1936 became Ringwood Town.

The club played at Carvers Playing Fields during the 1950s and 1960s but an ambitious club committee, encouraged by Ringwood Town Council, laid the foundations for the club to move to the present Long Lane ground.

In 2004, the club joined the Wessex League and start their Division One campaign this Saturday at home against East Cowes Vics and on Tuesday entertain New Milton.

“Football for all” is the mantra and the Club provides a structured, fun and safe environment with opportunities for all to play and develop.

Ringwood has 26 registered teams from under-sixes with over 400 players registered, which is a 25 per cent growth in the past six years.

The first team compete in the Wessex League Division One and will play in the FA Vase on August when they face a visit from Verwood.

The under-21’s compete in the Wyvern Combination Football League, Division West.

Two under-18s team compete in the Dorset league.

The youth teams play in the local Bournemouth Youth Football League (BYFL) and Dorset leagues.

Annual Youth Tournament for under-sevens to under-15s typically over 160 teams attend our annual youth tournament with a number of teams travelling from beyond Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire.

Visitor numbers swell to 1,500 for the two-day event.

The clubhouse has just had a revamp to make it even more accessible and welcoming to all.

With a licensed bar and kitchen, it is a great place to wind down after a match, catch up with friends or celebrate a special occasion.

Throughout the year, the clubhouse hosts social events such as quiz nights and is regularly hired for birthday parties and corporate events.