Picture this a semi-professional football club Hillingdon Borough F.C. The club calls Ruislip home in the London Borough of Hillingdon. It is more than just a club. It is a revival.
Hillingdon Borough F.C.’s story begins in 1872 as Yiewsley Football Club. Eight local businessmen founded it. Frederick E Clinch a baker was the driving force.
Early games saw Yiewsley F.C. testing their mettle against local rivals. In the 1885 to 1886 season they played as Yiewsley Rangers. They continued under different names until 1890. Then they became Yiewsley Star. 1893 saw them revert to Yiewsley F.C.
In the 1887 to 1888 season Yiewsley Rangers played at Mr Elton’s Meadow. They joined the West Middlesex Challenge Cup. Their first game was against St Mary’s Acton.
The 1895 to 1896 season marked Yiewsley’s entry into the West Middlesex League. They fielded their reserve side. By 1898, two West Middlesex leagues existed. Yiewsley’s first team played in the first division.
In 1903 poor conduct plagued games. This led to the closure of Yiewsley’s ground. They were even expelled from the West Middlesex League.
During the 1904 to 1905 season Yiewsley Reserves played in the Uxbridge and District Junior League. They finished as runners-up. The first team won the league in 1905 to 1906.
Yiewsley rejoined the West Middlesex League in 1906 to 1907. The club won the West Middlesex League in 1907 to 1908 and 1908 to 1909. Yiewsley first entered the FA Cup in the 1908 to 1909 season.
Undefeated winners Yiewsley claimed the West Middlesex League in 1910 to 1911. In 1911 they joined the Hounslow and District League. They were undefeated champions of the Uxbridge and District League.
By November 1912 Mr Sutton’s Meadow became Star Meadow. Yiewsley claimed titles in both the West Middlesex League and the Hounslow and District League.
The Great Western Suburban League beckoned in 1914. World War I suspended the league. Yiewsley opened the 1919 to 1920 season against Chesham United.
Financial instability marked the 1920s. The Great Western Suburban League loaned Yiewsley money. They finished the 1924 to 1925 season as runners-up.
After a collapse in 1926 Yiewsley joined the Uxbridge and District League Division III. They played as Yiewsley Juniors. They were Division I champions in 1928 to 1929.
In 1930 they became Yiewsley and West Drayton F.C. They honored the new district. They won the Uxbridge and District League Division I.
For the 1931 to 1932 season they moved to Clarke’s Meadow. They won the Uxbridge and District Premier League.
In 1936 Yiewsley moved to a new ground on Falling Lane. They reverted to their old colors. Ten to twelve thousand people attended the Evelyn’s Stadium opening.
At the annual meeting of the Spartan league in 1939 Yiewsley were admitted. World War II caused the league to be abandoned.
After the war Yiewsley competed in the Spartan League. In 1950 they won the league. They gained promotion to the Spartan League Premier Division.
Yiewsley were one of the founders of the Delphian League in 1951. In 1954 Yiewsley joined the Corinthian League. They opened the season at their new ground Leas Stadium.
Yiewsley topped the Corinthian League in 1956 to 1957. In 1964 Yiewsley changed their name to Hillingdon Borough F.C.
In 1970 Hillingdon Borough reached the third round of the FA Cup. In 1971 they reached the FA Trophy final at Wembley.
Financial difficulties led to the club being wound up in 1983. The Leas Stadium was sold.
In 1990 the club was reformed. They joined the Premier Division of the Spartan League.
In 2006 Hillingdon Borough reached the FA Vase final. They lost to Nantwich Town.
Today Hillingdon Borough F.C. plays at the Middlesex Stadium. It is a testament to their enduring spirit. The club continues to develop its ground. They look to bring itself back to the level it previously had in the community. Hillingdon Borough F.C. strives to bring football to the community.