The history of Crookham Rovers FC
The club was founded in 1972 by Terry Jeal. Originally called Ferndale Rovers (Terry and his wife Meryle still live in Church Crookham), the club trained at Queens Avenue with friends of Terry's son. In 1974 they changed their name to Crookham Rovers, a year after joining the North East Hants Youth League. The traditional 'home' colours of green and yellow were adopted when Ferndale Rovers (yellow and black) amalgamated with Wyvern Wanderers (green and black) in 1982.
Crookham Rovers FC attained charitable status in October 2006 and was awarded the FA Club Charter Badge in August 2007. Most importantly the Club now believes that it has the facilities to allow such a large number of children to play their football in a safe and secure unit, with grounds at the Abercorn (held in trust for the youth of Crookham) and Cody Sports & Social Club being used by various teams every week.
Pete Grace took over the Chairmanship of the Club in 2010 after five very productive years with Andy Ross at the helm. Andy built on the solid foundations and have embarked on a period of considerable growth both in terms of numbers and strength.
Each season the club has around 20 teams represented in all age groups ranging from Under 7s to Under 18s, providing a platform for over 300 Boys and Girls to enjoy the "beautiful game".
2010 saw a new step for the club with the formation of the Comets, the first all-girls team to represent Crookham Rovers, and also the formation of the Mini-Rovers a development training scheme designed to attract Year R and Year 1 children to enjoy the game on a non-competitive basis.
Crookham Rovers celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, with a special logo and a day of football celebration, with games for all ages from the minis all the way through the age groups, culminating with a game between the club's Under 17s and the Management All Starr XI, which finished in a draw.
2024 saw another milestone for the club with the establishment of an adult "Development" squad playing in the Aldershot & District Football League's Under 23 Division - providing our young players with a pathway into adult football.
As we progress through our sixth decade, Crookham Rovers looks forward to welcoming new players and supporters to help grow and develop as a community based football club.