Folkestone Invicta Football Club, nicknamed “The Seasiders,” is a non-league football club based in Folkestone, Kent.
Established in 1970, they currently compete in the Pitching In Isthmian League Premier Division, which is part of the seventh tier of English football. The team calls Cheriton Road their home ground.
History
Folkestone Invicta Football Club, established in 1936, has undergone significant evolution, especially since the early 1990s. After inheriting Cheriton Road ground in 1991, the club quickly made its mark in the Winstonlead Kent League under Gary Staniforth. Despite early successes, including a league and cup double in 1991-92, major trophies eluded them in the following years.
The mid-1990s saw several managerial changes, with Neil Cugley’s appointment in 1997 marking a pivotal shift. Under Cugley, Folkestone Invicta consistently performed well, achieving promotion to the Dr. Martens League Premier Division by 1999-2000 and maintaining strong competition standings, including notable runs in the F.A. Cup.
The early 2000s were challenging, with relegation and financial constraints, but the club showed resilience, gaining promotion again in 2003-04. The mid-2000s were marked by fluctuating performances, including relegation and promotion cycles.
The 2009-10 season was a highlight, with promotion from the Isthmian League Division One South despite a points deduction. The 2010s saw mixed results, with several near misses in playoff finals but a return to the Isthmian League Premier Division in 2015-16. The club’s commitment to fair play was consistently recognized. The 2021-22 season saw strong performances across various competitions, though they missed a playoff spot.