About us

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts F.C. were formed in 1953 by a group of 13-year-old lads, including current Vice Chairman Peter Hunt, Derek Smith, Eddie Miller, Mick Thurley, and John Sewell, with Ron Nott joining a few years later. Due to their age, they were only able to play friendly matches until joining the Bishop’s Stortford & District League in 1956.

The club moved to their current ground at Silver Leys in 1964 and were founding members of the Essex Olympian League in 1966, winning the Senior Cup in their very first season. A Reserve side was introduced in 1970, and this team went on to win the Herts Junior Cup in 1970/71.

After playing in Division One since 1966, the First Team found themselves dropped to the second tier in 1981 when league restructuring saw four teams relegated. After three seasons in Division Two, Swifts bounced back to Division One in 1984, finishing runners-up in their first season back in the top flight.

By 1996, Swifts’ First Team had dropped to Division Three. Following the appointment of Pete Isherwood, the club went on to enjoy its most successful period in the Essex Olympian League. Swifts achieved promotion back to Division Two in 1996 and then to Division One the following year, where they went on to become Champions three times in four seasons.

Several Bishop’s Stortford Swifts players have also graced the professional ranks, including former Q.P.R. and Rushden & Diamonds player Stuart Wardley, as well as former England U-20 international and Manchester United trainee Kalam Mooniaruck.

For the past 14 years, the club has been led by Chairman Martin Nash, whose dedication and commitment have helped guide Bishop’s Stortford Swifts F.C. both on and off the pitch, continuing the strong community spirit and proud traditions established since the club’s formation in 1953.

Martin has also been instrumental in developing the club’s future ambitions, working on plans for a new £2 million ground and training facility at Stortford Fields. The new development will include a state-of-the-art 4G pitch, with work expected to commence very shortly. This exciting project will provide improved facilities for players, supporters, and the local community, while also enabling Bishop’s Stortford Swifts F.C. to continue progressing higher up the football pyramid in the years ahead.