Club Overview
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Full Name: Woking Football Club
Nickname: The Cardinals (The Cards)
Founded: 1887
League: National League
Ground: Laithwaite Community Stadium (Kingfield)
Location: Woking, Surrey
Colours: Red, White & Black
Woking FC are one of the most successful clubs in non-league football history. Best known for their dominance of the FA Trophy during the 1990s, The Cards have long been regarded as one of the National League’s most established clubs. Founded in 1887, Woking boast a proud tradition of cup success, strong support and one of the most recognisable grounds in the division.
Quick Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1887 |
| Nickname | The Cards |
| Ground | Laithwaite Community Stadium |
| Capacity | 6,000 |
| Opened | 1922 |
| Postcode | GU22 9AA |
| League | National League |
| Club Colours | Red, White & Black |
| Historic Success | 3× FA Trophy Winners |
Woking are one of the longest-established clubs in the National League and have spent much of the last four decades competing at the highest level of non-league football.
Stadium Guide
Laithwaite Community Stadium (Kingfield)
Ground Information
- Capacity: Approximately 6,000
- Seating: Around 2,500
- Opened: 1922
- Surface: Grass
- Address: Kingfield Road, Woking, Surrey, GU22 9AA
- Home of Woking FC since 1922
Kingfield is one of the most recognisable grounds in non-league football. The stadium combines modern seating with traditional terracing and is renowned for its excellent atmosphere, particularly behind the goal in the KRE (Kingfield Road End).
Record Attendance
7,020 vs Finchley
FA Amateur Cup fixture.
Stadium Highlights
- KRE (Kingfield Road End)
- Leslie Gosden Stand
- Chris Lane Terrace
- Family Stand
- Traditional non-league atmosphere
The stadium is within walking distance of Woking railway station, making it one of the easiest away days in the National League.
Club History
Woking FC was founded in 1887 and initially competed in local Surrey football before joining the West Surrey League in the 1890s. The club’s first major breakthrough came with an FA Cup run in 1908, which helped secure its future during a difficult financial period.
For much of the twentieth century, Woking were a leading force in the Isthmian League. However, the club achieved national prominence after joining the Football Conference in 1985.
The 1990s became the greatest era in club history. Under Geoff Chapple, Woking won the FA Trophy three times in four seasons, lifting the trophy at Wembley in 1994, 1995 and 1997. These successes established the club as one of non-league football’s powerhouses.
The Cards also finished runners-up in the Conference on multiple occasions but were denied promotion due to the absence of automatic promotion opportunities available to clubs today.
More recently, Woking have remained a competitive National League club, regularly challenging for play-off positions while maintaining one of the strongest supporter bases in the division.
Honours
National Honours
- FA Trophy Winners (1993/94)
- FA Trophy Winners (1994/95)
- FA Trophy Winners (1996/97)
League Honours
- Conference South Champions (2011/12)
- National League South Play-Off Winners (2018/19)
- Isthmian League Champions (multiple occasions)
Regional Honours
- Surrey Senior Cup Winners (multiple times)
Woking’s three FA Trophy victories place them among the competition’s most successful clubs.
Club Records
| Record | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1887 |
| Ground Capacity | 6,000 |
| FA Trophy Wins | 3 |
| Stadium Opened | 1922 |
| Highest Non-League Finish | Conference Runners-Up |
| Record Attendance | 7,020 |
Famous Players
- Geoff Chapple (manager)
- Kevin Betsy
- Harry Arter
- Scott Rendell
- Mark Ricketts
Harry Arter is among the most notable former Woking players, later establishing himself in the Premier League with Bournemouth.
Rivalries
Main Rivals
- Aldershot Town
- Farnborough FC
- Sutton United
- Eastleigh FC
The rivalry with Aldershot Town is one of the fiercest in the National League and regularly produces some of the biggest crowds of the season.
Matchday Guide
Getting There
By Train
- Woking Railway Station is approximately 15–20 minutes’ walk from the stadium.
- Direct services from London Waterloo, Portsmouth and Southampton.
By Car
- Excellent access via the M25, M3 and A3.
- Parking available around the stadium and town centre.
Food & Drink
- Cardinals Bar
- Matchday kiosks
- Fan Zone
- Numerous pubs and restaurants in Woking town centre
Nearby Attractions
- The Lightbox Museum
- RHS Garden Wisley
- Mercedes-Benz World
- Woking Town Centre
Woking’s location makes it one of the most accessible away days in southern England.
What Makes Woking Special?
FA Trophy Royalty
No club is more closely associated with FA Trophy success during the 1990s than Woking. Their three Wembley triumphs helped define an era of non-league football.
Kingfield Atmosphere
The KRE terrace is one of the loudest home ends in the National League and plays a huge role in creating the club’s strong matchday atmosphere.
Non-League Heritage
Few clubs have remained as consistently relevant in non-league football over the past 40 years as Woking.