Reigate Priory Football Club is a semi-professional football club based in Reigate, Surrey, England. They are currently members of Southern Combination Division One.
History
The club can trace its history as far back as April 1870, not long after The Football Association was formed in 1863. In 1871 the club was one of only 15 teams that played for a £20 silver trophy, the first everFA Challenge Cup competition; the club's share was £1 1s, and the club made 2/6 profit over the season thanks to £6 2/6 worth of income.[1] The team were drawn in the first round against the Royal Engineers, who went on to lose in the final. Reigate Priory withdrew before the game, and Royal Engineers were awarded a walkover.[2]
Reigate Priory was also present when the Surrey County F.A. (founded in 1877) decided to become affiliated to the Football Association on 16 March 1882. The club was one of the original 10 teams present at the meeting that took place in Guildford. At the same time, a County Senior Cup competition was introduced. The first winners of this trophy, Priory were victorious six times in the competition before the end of the 19th century.[3]
The club is one of the oldest football clubs in the world still playing on its original ground. It numbers among its former members WW Read, with whom it enjoyed a long and happy association right through his sporting life.[4]
2023-2024 season saw the club promoted in to step six of the football pyramid (Semi Professional) for the first time in the clubs history.
2024-2025 Season the club finished 11th a great success in its first season at step six, with the club more than holding its own at this level with some notable results including a 3-2 home win against Local giants Dorking Wanderers.
2025-2026 Heartbreak for The Priory in the Play Off Semi Finals V Infinity. However the club finished 2nd only five points behind eventual champions Godalming Town, a remarkable achievement for Wyatt’s men.
Ground
The Reigate Priory 1st team play at the New Defence (Horley Town FC) and the Reserve team play their home games at Park Lane, Reigate, Surrey.[citation needed]
The A and B teams play their home games at Netherne Amateur Sports Club, Woodplace Lane, Coulsdon, Surrey.[citation needed]
Places listed are articles notable as settlements, arranged by post town The two principal towns are emboldened The M23 motorway follows approximately a boundary and is chiefly included for its regional importance.
