Hartpury University FC won the Hellenic League Division One title on Friday 15 March 2024 by beating Moreton Rangers FC 0-4, thus gaining promotion to the Hellenic Premier Division (Step 5). It’s been an outstanding season, with the team only losing two league fixtures so far, drawing four and winning 28 whilst also getting into the last 32 of the FA Vase for the second successive season.
The result is particularly special as they lost the play-off final on penalties in 2023. This year’s success means that Hartpury University FC have secured two promotions in three years, also becoming the first national league team to gain promotion in the English league and non-league pyramid!
Dr Martin Longworth, Head Coach of Hartpury University FC said: “I’m extremely proud of this group and what they’ve achieved in such a short space of time. To win a second league title in three seasons is a fantastic achievement and it’s particularly admirable how the players have used last season as a motivator rather than a deterrence.
Finishing second and losing the play-off final in 2023 was a heart-breaking experience for the young squad and it could have had a lasting effect on them. However, since July they’ve been determined to go one better. For the club to win the league in March, in the manner we have, playing our style of football, alongside another excellent FA Vase run, is testament to the work put in by the players and support staff both on and off the field.
They’ve done Hartpury proud and hopefully this is just the start of what we can achieve regionally and nationally.”
Hartpury University FC was founded in 2020 with the aim of providing student-athletes with further opportunities to develop and gain valuable non-league experience with the intent to be become professional footballers or prepare them for a career in non-league. The squad comprises players aged 16 and upwards from the academies at both Hartpury University and Hartpury College, as well as Hartpury staff. Our most recent success story, Laiith Fairnie, played for two seasons and signed a professional football contract at Birmingham City in 2023.
The Hartpury Football Academy has a strong reputation for producing talented players, are 11-time BUCS Premier League and six-time BUCS National Championship winners. Students are able to access the dual career pathway whilst at Hartpury University and Hartpury College, training and compete in a variety of sports at they study for qualifications including A-levels, diplomas and degrees and more.
A professional sports environment including state-of-the-art facilities and respected coaching staff has created a powerful ecosystem for aspiring sports stars to flourish.
