UNITED AND ATHLETIC MERGE - WELCOME TO BUCKINGHAM FOOTBALL CLUB

There will be another new name in the Spartan South Midlands League for the 23/24 campaign as two most senior club's in the Town of Buckingham have merged. United, who finished 16th in Division Two have joined forces with Athletic who finished in 17th place of Division One last season to form Buckingham Football Club. 

The Buckingham Football Club Committee released the following statement via social media yesterday -  

"As a result of many meetings between the clubs, both Buckingham United FC & Buckingham Athletic FC formally agreed to pass the motion to combine both clubs, creating Buckingham Football Club with immediate effect. Initial exploratory meetings between both clubs showed a real synergy, shared aspirations, and a great working relationship. 

There has been no historic rivalry between the two clubs, and instead one of unique connections, which has allowed this door of opportunity to be opened. This is not an end to Buckingham Athletic or Buckingham United, this is very much a continuation in the story of these clubs and football within the town. 

The history of which won’t be forgotten. The ultimate aim of combining the clubs is to provide the town with a sustainable non-league football club by sharing resources, passionate volunteers, and great sporting facilities. A club with the aim of pushing up the pyramid while also providing structured football for the community, maintaining the fun and enjoyment of the game that everyone loves. 

This is a really exciting time for football in the town, and the club as a whole, providing a great opportunity to carry this positive momentum forward and build something. Further details and opportunities will be announced over the next few days."

Athletic were formed in 1933 and have been members of the SSMFL Division One since 2003 with a top finish of 4th in the 2018/19 season. 

United were established in 2011 and since the 19/20 season have been playing in the SSMFL Division Two. A previous incarnation of the club played in Division One from 1995 to 1998.

Hopefully the new club will move up the leagues with support from some of the 12,800 population in Town which is most known in footballing terms for Buckingham Town. The Robins played in the Southern League from 1986 to 1997 before losing their Ford Meadow ground in the Town in 2011.

Having eventually found a home to play at in Milton Keynes a few years later. The club eventually became MK Robins and then MK Irish in 2020. They also got to the First Round of the FA Cup in 1985 famously playing Orient at home. 

Good Luck to all involved at Buckingham Football Club.