Welwyn Garden City Football Club, nicknamed “The Citizens,” is a non-league football club based in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.
Established in 1970, they currently compete in the Pitching In Southern Football League Division One Central, which is part of the eighth tier of English football. The team calls Herns Way their home ground.
History
Welwyn Garden City FC, founded in 1921, initially played in the Mid-Hertfordshire League and faced early struggles, including a challenging first competitive season without a win. They moved through various leagues, notably winning the Hertfordshire FA Charity Shield in 1927/28. Financial troubles led to a merger with Shredded Wheat FC in 1934, but the club was disbanded in 1935 due to ground issues and reformed in 1937. Post-World War II, the club competed in the Spartan and London Leagues, moving to Herns Way in 1968.
The 1970s saw a merger with Welwyn Garden United, leading to their first championship win in the South Midlands League in 1973/74. The following decades featured fluctuating success, including cup finals and league challenges. Notably, the club won the First Division Championship and Cup ‘double’ in 2014/15. In 2017/18, they set a record with 25 consecutive unbeaten games and won the league championship, advancing to the Southern League. However, managerial changes and squad upheaval marked the 2018/19 season.
Nick Ironton’s tenure began in 2019, with the team vying for a playoff spot when the 2019/20 season was halted due to COVID-19. The 2020/21 season was also affected by the pandemic, with the team having a notable run in the FA Trophy.
Alumni
Former players and managers elsewhere in the non-league pyramid