Hartpury University Football Club has grown from strength to strength since its inception, developing talented players and achieving success at multiple levels of the game.
Hartpury University FC is rooted in the same high-performance culture that has defined Hartpury’s sporting legacy.
The journey began with Hartpury’s football academy, established to provide a pathway for aspiring players to combine full-time education with elite-level coaching. The programme quickly gained recognition for its ability to develop talent, with student-athletes progressing into professional and semi-professional clubs, as well as earning scholarships abroad.
The next stage in the evolution of Hartpury University FC was the formation of a senior side to compete in the English football pyramid in 2020. Built on the foundations of academy success, the team has earned multiple league titles and promotions, cementing its place among the most competitive university-affiliated football clubs in the country.
In 2022, the club won the Herefordshire County Cup and Herefordshire FA County League double and were promoted into the Hellenic League Division One. In our first season at the level, the team finished second in the league, losing the play-off final on penalties.
In the 2023–24 season, the club bounced back superbly from the previous year's disappointment and were promoted as champions into the Hellenic Premier Division.
Hartpury graduates include graduates such as Abdul Majeed Waris (Ghana international), Mustapha Bundu (Plymouth Argyle) and Matt Smith (former Australian international). In 2023, Hartpury College student Laiith Fairnie signed a professional football contract with Birmingham City FC, just weeks after completing his course.
With a clear commitment to player development, professional standards, and competitive success, Hartpury University FC maintains strong links with professional and semi-professional teams, helping players transition to higher levels of the game.
Honours
- Herefordshire County League Premier Division 2021-22
- Herefordshire FA County Cup 2021-22
- Herefordshire Senior Cup 2022
- Hellenic Football League Division One 2023–24
Road to the FA Vase Semi Final
10 November, 2024: Hartpury University commenced their FA Vase campaign with a narrow 1–0 victory over East Cowes Victoria Athletic. Luke Salter scored Hartpury's goal shortly after the break.
7 December, 2024: The team advanced again with another close victory. Ben Baxter's second half goal was enough to see off Somerset-based Wells City 1–0.
18 January, 2025: Hartpury University secured a 1–0 win against Fareham Town. Louis Manning's first half strike was enough to see The Acorns advance.
1 February, 2025: Hartpury edged out VCD Athletic with yet another 1–0 victory. Renato Prifti scored a dramatic injury time winner to secure a spot in the Quarter Final.
1 March, 2025: Hartpury University clinched a 2–1 win over Erith & Belvedere to earn their spot in the Semi Finals. Goals from Louis Manning and Billy Osborn continued the team's incredible run.
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