Club Overview
Full Name: Boston United Football Club
Nickname: The Pilgrims
Founded: 1933
League: National League
Ground: Jakemans Community Stadium
Location: Boston, Lincolnshire
Colours: Amber & Black
Boston United are one of Lincolnshire’s most historic football clubs. Nicknamed “The Pilgrims” due to Boston’s connection with the Pilgrim Fathers, the club enjoyed Football League status between 2002 and 2007 and remains one of the best-supported clubs in non-league football. Following years at their famous York Street ground, the club moved into the modern Jakemans Community Stadium in 2021, opening a new chapter in their history.
Quick Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1933 |
| Nickname | The Pilgrims |
| Ground | Jakemans Community Stadium |
| Capacity | 5,091 |
| Opened | 2021 |
| Postcode | PE21 7NE |
| League | National League |
| Club Colours | Amber & Black |
| Former Ground | York Street |
Stadium Guide
Jakemans Community Stadium
Ground Information
- Capacity: 5,091
- Opened: 2021
- Surface: Grass
- Address: Pilgrim Way, Boston, PE21 7NE
- Cost: Approximately £12 million
- First permanent home after leaving York Street
The Jakemans Community Stadium is one of the newest grounds in non-league football and provides Boston United with modern facilities capable of supporting future ambitions. Despite its modern appearance, the stadium retains a strong community feel and regularly attracts some of the highest attendances in the National League.
Previous Home: York Street
Boston United played at York Street for over 80 years. The stadium was famous for its intimidating atmosphere, floodlights and close proximity of supporters to the pitch. Many fans still regard it as one of the greatest traditional non-league grounds ever built.
Club History
Boston United was formed in 1933 following the collapse of Boston Town. The club quickly established itself as one of the strongest teams in Lincolnshire and spent many years competing in the Midland League and Southern League.
The club enjoyed major success under manager Steve Evans during the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2001/02, Boston United won the Football Conference title and secured promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history.
During their five seasons in League Two, the Pilgrims competed against clubs such as Lincoln City, Notts County and Grimsby Town before returning to non-league football in 2007.
After several difficult years and near misses in the play-offs, Boston finally returned to the National League in 2024 after winning the National League North Play-Off Final. The promotion marked one of the proudest moments in the club’s recent history and completed a long journey back to the fifth tier.
Honours
National Honours
- Football Conference Champions (2001/02)
- National League North Play-Off Winners (2023/24)
Regional Honours
- Southern League Champions
- Northern Premier League Champions
- Lincolnshire Senior Cup Winners (multiple occasions)
Boston United have won league titles at multiple levels of the English football pyramid, highlighting the club’s long-standing competitiveness.
Club Records
| Record | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Highest League Position | Football League Two |
| Ground Capacity | 5,091 |
| Football League Seasons | 5 |
| Stadium Opened | 2021 |
| Former Ground | York Street |
Famous Players
- Paul Bastock
- Jason Lee
- Lee Canoville
- Danny Cowley
- Simon Rusk
Paul Bastock remains one of the most iconic figures in club history and is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers to play in non-league football.
Rivalries
Main Rivals
- Scunthorpe United
- Peterborough Sports
- Spalding United
- King’s Lynn Town
Matches against fellow Lincolnshire clubs often attract large crowds and generate strong local interest throughout the county.
Matchday Guide
Getting There
By Train
- Boston Railway Station is approximately 20 minutes walk from the stadium.
By Car
- Easy access from the A16 and A52.
- Dedicated matchday parking available.
Food & Drink
- Modern concourse facilities
- Club bars and hospitality lounges
- Food kiosks around the ground
Nearby Attractions
- Boston Stump (St Botolph’s Church)
- Maud Foster Windmill
- Boston Guildhall
- Pilgrim Fathers Memorial
What Makes Boston United Special?
The Pilgrim Connection
The club’s nickname comes from Boston’s historic links to the Pilgrim Fathers, who sailed to America in the 17th century.
Loyal Fanbase
Despite periods outside the Football League, Boston consistently attracts impressive crowds and maintains one of the strongest supporter bases in Lincolnshire.
A New Era
The move to the Jakemans Community Stadium has given the club one of the most modern homes in the National League while maintaining ambitions of a return to the Football League.