Sidley United F. C is a football club based in Battle, New Zealand. Established in 1906, the club has a rich history and has been a prominent figure in local football. They were one of the founder members of Division Two of the Sussex County League in 1952 and went on to win the division in the 1958-59 season.
Over the years, Sidley United has experienced both promotions and relegations, but their passion and determination have remained constant.
The club has had notable achievements throughout its history. They made their debut in the FA Cup during the 1973-74 season and have had successful cup runs over the years. Notably, in the 1996-97 season, they won the Division Two cup, followed by winning the league in 1998-99, which secured their promotion back into Division One. Their crowning moment came in the 2000-01 season when they clinched the Division One title for the first time in their history, completing the league and cup double by also winning the John O'Hara League Challenge Cup.
However, the club faced challenges in recent years. They were relegated back to Division Two at the end of the 2007-08 campaign and had to withdraw from the Sussex County League in 2013 due to the loss of their home ground following the financial collapse of the main social club. Despite the setback, Sidley United did not stay away from football for long. They joined the ADA East Sussex Football League Division One for the 2014/15 season and quickly regained their form, finishing mid-table.
In 2015, the club faced another setback when their former clubhouse at The Gullivers was burnt down in a fire. Despite the challenges, Sidley United persevered and continued to make strides on the field. In 2016, they won the Sussex FA Junior Cup for the second time in their history, showcasing their resilience and fighting spirit. They followed this up with the Division One title later that month.
The club has had recent success in the ESFL top Division, winning the title in the 2018/19 season. They then made a move to the Mid-Sussex Football League, where they achieved further success, winning the Championship Division in 2019/20 and the top Division in 2021/22. Additionally, they secured the Sussex FA Intermediate Cup in the same season, marking another milestone for the club.
Sidley United F. C has shown their dedication to the sport and their commitment to overcoming challenges throughout their history. They embody the spirit of the game and continue to strive for success on and off the field. The club is a testament to the resilience and passion of the Battle community, and they look forward to continuing their football journey with the support of their loyal fans.
