The Old Amplefordians Football Club was founded in 2006 by Louis Robertson (E00) and close friends Luke O’Sullivan and James Tussaud. The club was conceived after Louis had settled in London following university and spotted a gap in the market for OAs who wanted to play football with their former school friends. It soon became apparent that there was sufficient interest to get a team together for
10 or 12 competitive fixtures over the season, so they signed up to the Arthurian League, in which they continue to compete. The league consists exclusively of public school alumni teams: there are currently 57 teams that represent 36 schools, spread over 7 divisions. (founded 1871) are of particular note as both clubs have lifted the FA Cup as winners. Old Amplefordians F.C. joined the league in Division 5 and although the club initially struggled to make an impact in the division, it began to flourish after a few seasons. The team grew in strength by putting out a consistent team every week with a good goalkeeper, a solid defence and dangerous attackers. Soon enough, under the leadership of Louis Robertson (E00) and Patrick Teague (T05), O.A.F.C. was promoted in 2nd place from Division 5 to Division 4. The good form didn’t end there, and the next season saw OAFC secure its first ever silverware by securing the Division 4 title, winning the league by a comfortable margin. Unfortunately, the club's progress began to wane, as regular players started to move away from London and work or family commitments began to take their toll on an ageing squad. In 2012, Patrick and Louis passed over control of the club to Matt Rigg (T06), Nick Outred (H06) and George Outred (H04). The new committee were able to recruit some new blood from a crop of younger OAs who had left school recently or had just finished university and come to London. Once again the club's squad grew and, able once again to put out a consistent team, results improved dramatically. Last season OAFC secured its second piece of silverware by winning Division 5 on the last day of the season, and as such the club was promoted back to Division 4. The following started with great promise, with the club winning the first 3 fixtures and also playing in a fantastic game against the boys at the school (won 4-2 by the OAs). Unfortunately as the season has progressed, we’ve struggled to find the level of performance on the pitch that we put in so regularly before. In a fiercely competitive season, the OA’s were relegated back down on the final day of the season due to an inferior goal difference. Season 2015/2016 started very poorly, with OAFC losing 4 games in a row, finding themselves at the foot of the entire Arthurian League losing all fixtures up until November. We were able to turn things around going 5 games unbeaten after that, with some notable matches against tough opposition. We continued to finish the season strongly, despite thumpings from Oundle and Millfield, we finished 3rd in our division, and reached the QF of the DWT, losing out to finalists Tonbridgians II. The season will be remembered though as tragedy struck in March with the passing of one of our team members, Douglas Tulloch. A naturally gifted sportsman, Doug brought so much to not just on the pitch but off it as well, and his lust for life and wicked sense of humour was infectious. He will be sorely missed by all old Amplefordians who had the pleasure of being in his presence. Season 2016/2017 has yet again proven to be an inconsistent season with the OA’s making a winning start but then suffering a long spell without a win. The split in the division between north and south is extremely unbalanced, with North teams themselves even commenting on how tough the South section is. New teams and clubs seem to be entered into our division by default, with teams such as Old Oundelians, Old Alleynians, Old Rugbeians and Old Johnians all fighting for promotion and easily worthy of at least being Div 4 sides. are always looking to welcome new players to the team, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you are London based or London bound, and would like to get involved. Additionally, during the summer we organise and run 6 – a – side in Hurlingham Park so please do get in touch if you would like to be included.
