On Sunday 19th April, Sibford Veterans Football Club lifted the Banbury District and Lord Jersey Division 2 title — the club’s first piece of silverware in an official FA-sanctioned league for many years. A 2–1 win over Kenilworth Town Veterans sealed it with a game to spare, in what was the club’s very first season in the league.

It hasn’t been a straightforward journey. Just over a year ago, the team was playing in a loosely organised friendly league, but enjoyment levels were waning. After one particularly difficult afternoon, the club decided things needed to change. They joined a properly structured league, kept the spine of the squad, and added players from the village, surrounding areas, and a little further afield.

The result was nine league games played, eight won, one lost. Cup runs against higher-division opposition showed the team could more than hold its own. The title-decider itself was a nervy affair. Sibford went 1–0 down and were kept in the game by goalkeeper Mark Boyd, whose string of saves drew gasps from the touchline. After the equaliser, Munir Sanneh headed home the winner — his first ever headed goal — to spark wild celebrations.

Special thanks go to secretary Rob Parsons, player/sponsor Ryan Breslin from Cherwell Windows, and the families, friends and former managers who came to support throughout the season. The team plays its home games at Sibford School on Sunday mornings, and can usually be found celebrating (or commiserating) at the Wykham Arms afterwards.

New players and spectators are always welcome next season as the club looks to defend its title in the higher division.

Lee McCallum