Club Overview
4
Full Name: Hornchurch Football Club
Nickname: The Urchins
Founded: 2005 (phoenix club)
League: National League
Ground: Hornchurch Stadium
Location: Upminster, Essex
Colours: Red & White
Hornchurch FC is one of non-league football’s great phoenix-club success stories. Following the collapse of the original club in 2005, Hornchurch reformed and worked its way back through the pyramid. The Urchins have become one of the strongest clubs in Essex football, earning promotion to the National League after years of success in the Isthmian League and National League South.
Quick Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2005 |
| Nickname | The Urchins |
| Ground | Hornchurch Stadium |
| Capacity | 3,500 |
| Seated Capacity | 800 |
| Opened | 1956 |
| Postcode | RM14 2LX |
| League | National League |
| Chairman | Alex Sharp |
| Manager | Daryl McMahon |
Hornchurch Stadium is owned by Havering Council and has served as the home of both the original club and the current phoenix club.
Stadium Guide
Hornchurch Stadium
Ground Information
- Capacity: 3,500
- Seating: 800
- Opened: 1956
- Surface: Artificial
- Address: Bridge Avenue, Upminster, RM14 2LX
- Home of Hornchurch FC and Havering athletics
The stadium underwent major redevelopment in 2004 and features covered terracing, a main seated stand and the famous Riverside Stand, which sits alongside the River Ingrebourne.
Stadium Highlights
- Riverside Stand
- Colin McBride Stand
- Modern floodlights
- Clubhouse overlooking the pitch
- Artificial playing surface
The Colin McBride Stand was renamed in honour of the former player, manager and chairman who played a huge role in the club’s revival.
Club History
Hornchurch FC was formed in 2005 after the original Hornchurch club was dissolved due to financial difficulties. The new club initially competed in the Essex Senior League before quickly climbing the non-league pyramid.
Under the leadership of club legend Colin McBride, Hornchurch enjoyed remarkable success. The Urchins won multiple promotions and became a force in the Isthmian League, regularly competing for promotion to the National League South.
The club built a reputation for exciting cup runs and giant-killing performances, attracting large crowds to Bridge Avenue. Memorable FA Cup ties against clubs such as Peterborough United helped raise the club’s national profile.
One of the biggest achievements in club history came when Hornchurch won promotion from National League South, securing a place in the National League and completing one of the most impressive rebuilds in modern non-league football.
Honours
National Honours
- National League South Champions / Promotion Winners
- FA Trophy Winners (2020/21)
League Honours
- Isthmian League Premier Division Champions
- Isthmian League Division One North Champions
- Essex Senior League Champions
Cup Honours
- Essex Senior Cup Winners
- Essex Thameside Trophy Winners
Hornchurch have collected silverware at virtually every level during their rise through the non-league pyramid.
Club Records
| Record | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Ground Capacity | 3,500 |
| Seated Capacity | 800 |
| Stadium Opened | 1956 |
| Phoenix Club Founded | 2005 |
| Best FA Cup Run | First Round Proper |
| FA Trophy Wins | 1 |
Famous Players
- Colin McBride
- George Purcell
- Elliot Styles
- Sam Higgins
- Liam Nash
Colin McBride remains the most influential figure in modern Hornchurch history, helping rebuild the club after its reformation.
Rivalries
Main Rivals
- Billericay Town
- Chelmsford City
- Dagenham & Redbridge
- Aveley
- Canvey Island
Fixtures against fellow Essex clubs often attract the largest crowds and strongest atmospheres of the season.
Matchday Guide
Getting There
By Train
- Upminster Station is approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the stadium.
- Served by National Rail, London Underground and London Overground services.
By Tube
- Upminster Bridge (District Line) is within walking distance.
By Car
- M25 Junction 29.
- Parking available at and around the ground.
Food & Drink
- Clubhouse bar overlooking the pitch
- Matchday food kiosks
- Supporters terrace area known as “Hasbeen’s Hill”
The clubhouse is one of the standout features of the ground and is popular with both home and away supporters.
Nearby Attractions
- Upminster Windmill
- Thames Chase Forest Centre
- Hornchurch Country Park
- Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch
What Makes Hornchurch Special?
The Phoenix Story
Few clubs have recovered from financial collapse as successfully as Hornchurch. The rise from the Essex Senior League to the National League is one of non-league football’s best modern success stories.
Strong Community Support
Despite competing in a crowded football area of East London and Essex, Hornchurch have built a loyal and passionate fanbase.
One of Essex’s Leading Non-League Clubs
The Urchins have become a flagship club for Essex football and regularly challenge at the highest levels of non-league competition.