Storrington joined Division Two of the Sussex County League in 1976/77, finishing a respectable 5th in their first season. Between then and 1990, when they suffered relegation, the Swans’ best seasons were in 1984/85 and 1988/89, when they finished in 4th place.

The club spent three seasons in Division Three before winning promotion in 1993, after finishing runners-up to Withdean. Storrington then struggled in the lower reaches of Division Two before being relegated back to intermediate football two years later.

In 1997/98 Storrington were promoted for a second time, again as runners-up, this time to Lingfield. This time their stay in senior football lasted four seasons, before being relegated back down to Division Three in 2002. Although finishing 12th of fifteen in 2002/03 the club was handicapped by having to play a number of home games at opponents’ grounds due to building work on the new clubhouse (see below).

A final placing of fifth the following season, when they were once again able to enjoy home advantage, duly followed; and Storrington justified their pre-season reputation as ‘dark horses’ for the 2004/05 campaign by returning back to senior football as Division Three champions, three points ahead of Bexhill United.

A position in the lower half of the table saw the Swans consolidate on their return to senior football in 2005/06, with a similar position being achieved the following season. However, with a trio of former players - Nigel Dyer, Jon Chalaye and Eamonn Searle - unveiled as the new management team there will no doubt be hopes that Storrington can improve further in 2007/08.

Description of ground
Secreted away behind the local leisure centre and cricket club, and the busy main road only a stone’s throw away, Storrington FC is an attractive venue considerably enhanced at the end of the 2002/03 season by the development of a smart new clubhouse (built by the Parish Council), which also houses the dressing rooms. The building was completed in time for the 2003/04 season, and replaced the pretty nondescript building that previously stood in its place. An overhanging roof provides refuge for spectators when the weather is wet.

The ground, which is accessed via a footpath to the right of the leisure centre, is in quite a rural setting, notwithstanding the constant traffic noise from behind the left hand goal, looking from the clubhouse. There is no hard standing but gentle natural banking behind either goal provides a slightly elevated view. Thankfully, the two concrete dugouts that stand on the far touchline have been thoughtfully painted green, presumably to blend in with their surroundings, rather than in the club colours although they probably no longer meet requirements due to their small size and will no doubt be soon for the chop.

Directions
From the East, travel on the A283 to Storrington. Pass through Storrington village and the recreation ground is located on the right, just past the petrol station on the left, opposite the pond.

From the West, travel on the A27 and join the A29 at Fontwell. Then take the B2139 (Amberley Road), and turn left onto the A283.

The ground is located behind the cricket club and leisure centre at the far end of the recreation ground. Parking is available in the recreation ground car park.

Nearest railway station: Worthing (5 miles).

Map (link to www.streetmap.co.uk)