ABOUT US
Old Richians FC is an amateur football club based in Gloucester, with teams competing in the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division Two and Stroud League Division Five.
Club History
1950s–1985: Our Foundations
Old Richians Football Club has a proud history stretching back to the mid-1950s, when it was founded as Gloucester Civil Service AFC. For decades, the club provided competitive football and a strong community for players across Gloucestershire.
The club initially competed in the Cheltenham League before making the move to the Stroud League in 1985, marking the beginning of a new era and a period of steady growth.
1985–2004: Growth & Success
Following the move to the Stroud League, the club expanded from one team to two and eventually three senior sides.
Success quickly followed. The First Team earned promotion to Stroud League Division Two in 1995 before lifting the Stroud Charities League Cup in 1998. By 1999, a Third Team had been established, reflecting the club’s growing player base.
The early 2000s brought more silverware, with the Second Team winning their league title in 2003, while the Third Team celebrated League Cup success.
2005–2010: The Invincibles
One of the greatest achievements in the club’s history came in 2005, when the First Team completed an unforgettable ‘Invincibles’ season, going unbeaten throughout all 18 league matches to win Division Two and earn promotion.
Although relegation followed in 2008, the setback proved only temporary. In 2010, the First Team bounced back by winning Division Two once again, securing an immediate return to the top division.
2010: A New Identity
Later in 2010, the closure of the Civil Service Club threatened the future of Gloucester Civil Service AFC.
Determined to keep the club together, the players and committee relocated to Old Richians RFC, adopting the name Old Richians Football Club. The move preserved decades of history while creating a platform for the club to continue growing.
2010– NOW: Writing the Next Chapter
Since becoming Old Richians FC, the club has continued to grow both on and off the pitch, building a welcoming football community while competing at a high level across Gloucestershire.
The latest milestone came in 2025/26, when the First Team enjoyed one of the finest seasons in its modern history. They were crowned Stroud League Division Two Champions, earned promotion to the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League, and completed a memorable league and cup double by lifting the Stroud League Cup.
New players welcome
Our Home Pitch
Old Richians RFC, Sandyleaze, Gloucester, GL2 0PY