Bournemouth FC

Known as Bournemouth Poppies to distinguish themselves from their Premier League neighbours, Bournemouth FC have been Wessex League stalwarts.

They were founder members of the Wessex in 1986/87 and have remained in the Wessex Premier since its inception twenty years ago. Their best league finishes have been third in 1990/91, second in 1994/95 and third again in  2018/19. Since then they have tended to sit mid-table but finished 18th in 2025/26.

The club was formed in 1875, making them one of the oldest in the country, taking their present name in 1889. Bournemouth were trailblazers for floodlit football, taking part in one of the first matches held under ‘electric light’ at Dean Park in 1878. They have spent most of their history in the Hampshire League before elevation to the Wessex.  

The Poppies have had limited success in the FA Cup, with their best performance reaching the 2nd qualifying round three times, most recently in 2011/12. However that season they had a magnificent run in the FA Vase, reaching the quarter finals before losing to eventual finalists West Auckland Town.   

Bournemouth moved to their present Victoria Park home in 1890. The main stand, holding 200 (out of a capacity of 3000) was built in 1974, to replace an earlier structure burned down in a fire.

Victoria Park is in the Winton area of the town. Use post code BH9 2RA to find the ground or follow the detailed directions on the club website.  Buses 6 or 17 from Bournemouth station to Talbot Road will take you to twelve minutes’ walk from the ground, then follow the route on the website.