Yarm & Eaglescliffe FC: Club History and Progress

Yarm & Eaglescliffe FC was formed in August 2017 by Glenn Kyle, manager since 2017; Luke Allen, former Club Secretary; and former President Marty Clennett to address the lack of a competitive men’s football team in the area. The club followed in the footsteps of earlier local teams such as Preston FC and George and Dragon FC, who had success in the Stockton Saturday and Sunday Leagues respectively.

The club’s first competitive match was played against Grangetown Boys Club at Conyers School, Yarm. Although the team lost 3–2, Calum Steven’s scored Y&E’s first-ever goal. The team struggled early on, losing their first seven league matches, but finished the season with 26 points in 9th place in the Men’s North Riding Premier League.

In the 2018/19 season, Y&E finished third in the league and won the North Riding County Cup, defeating Thornaby Dubliners in the final. Cameron Wild was named Players’ Player of the Season.

The 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons were disrupted by the Covid pandemic. Despite the challenges, the club continued to develop, with James Francis joining as Chairman. During this time, the team reached another cup final but lost to Boro Rangers. In February 2020, the club achieved FA Charter Standard status.

The 2021/22 season saw the team go unbeaten in the league, though a number of draws meant they finished second behind Boro Rangers. That year also marked the launch of the club’s development team in North Riding Division One.

In 2022/23, the club moved to Bedford Terrace to ground-share with Billingham Town and earned promotion to the EBAC Northern League. Y&E also reached another cup final, losing on penalties to Richmond Town, and finished second in the league.

The club’s first season in the EBAC Northern League ended just outside the play-off positions. The following season, Y&E finished second with over 90 points and qualified for the play-offs, ultimately losing to Thornaby. The team ended the season by winning the Ernest Armstrong League Cup. The club credits its success to the efforts of the management team, led by Stephen Jackson, players, and supporters, and a core group of hard working volunteers. 

Looking ahead, Yarm & Eaglescliffe FC enters the 2025/26 season with optimism and a continued commitment to growth under the leadership of Chairman James Gilroy and vice chair Guy Jones.