On matchday afternoons in Raynes Park, football has always been more than just a game. It’s a shared community ritual, passed from one generation to the next, echoing with memories that stretch back almost a century.
Today, Raynes Park Vale FC invites families to become part of that story. With free entry for a family of four to any home game. By simply presenting a voucher at the gate, a family can enjoy an afternoon of local football together and experience the spirit of community.
Where It All Began
The roots of Raynes Park Vale run deep. Formed in 1995, the club has been prominent in the Raynes Park community as early as 1925 when Southern Railways Football Section was formed. The club was originally based at Raynes Park Sports Ground, Taunton Avenue, just a short walk from where the club plays today.
Those early railway men competed in the Surrey Senior League and were a part of a notable tour to Belgium to play fixtures against Ostend V.G. Club and Bruge FC in 1925. Success followed at home too, with league triumphs in the 1930s and cup victories that became a source of pride for the local community. Dressed in the company colours of gold and green, the Southern Railway team played until the sweeping Beeching cuts of 1963 brought that chapter to a close.
New Identities, Same Spirit
Football returned to Taunton Avenue in 1964 with the formation of Raynes Park Football Club. Wearing famous red and black stripes, the club fielded multiple senior and youth sides and quickly became a hub for local football lovers of all ages.
A few years later, in 1967, Malden Vale FC was founded. Rising steadily through the leagues, Malden Vale built a reputation for hard work and ambition and collecting an impressive haul of honours and earning senior status. Their best moment came in 1978 as the final winners of the Surrey Senior League — a fitting farewell before the league’s reorganisation.
The birth of Raynes Park Vale FC
In 1995, these proud histories came together – Raynes Park FC and Malden Vale FC merged to form Raynes Park Vale FC, uniting decades of footballing heritage under one umbrella.
Following the merger, the new club quickly found its feet, competing in the Combined Counties Football League and establishing itself as a respected presence in non-league football. Over the years, both first and reserve teams enjoyed success, including league titles, cup doubles, and fair play awards — achievements built on dedication both on and off the pitch. They currently play in the league’s Premier League, Tier 9 in the national league pyramid. Their best finish was in 1997–98 when they finished in fourth place at tier 9 and participated in both national Cup competitions apart from a brief period at the start of the 2000s.
A Club Still Writing Its Story
In 2022–23, Raynes Park Vale enjoyed one of the finest campaigns in its history, winning the Combined Counties Premier South League with an outstanding 99 points and earning promotion to the Isthmian League South Central Division. The club’s U18 team won 13 of the 16 games to land the Tony Ford U18 East title trophy and showcasing the strength of the club’s future.
Under the guidance of former Wimbledon defender and current CEO, John Scales, Raynes Park Vale FC is a club with great ambitions. John shares his pride in leading an amazing group of directors, players, management, supporters and volunteers in building the local non-league club into something special”.
Reflecting this, John added: “I’m incredibly proud to be guiding this club, and I’m confident the future holds a great deal of success. Success for us isn’t simply about winning on the pitch, it’s about building something meaningful off it as well. We’ll measure ourselves by the positive impact we create for our local community. We want people to feel proud of the environment we’re developing—somewhere welcoming, enjoyable and hospitable, where everyone can socialise, connect and feel part of something inspiring and positively competitive.”
Be Part of It
Raynes Park Vale FC remains what it has always been: a community club with a proud past and an exciting future. Whether you’re discovering the club for the first time or returning with familiar faces, you’re always welcome.
Bring the family. Present your voucher.
And step into a story that’s been unfolding in Raynes Park for generations. ⚽
Contact
Email: events@rpvfc.com
General: hello@rpvfc.com
Phone: 0203 343 6213
Web: raynesparkvale.com
You might also enjoy reading more of Our Stories here/
Notes: John Scales is an English former professional footballer who played as a central defender from 1984 to 2001. He notably played in the Premier League for Wimbledon, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Ipswich Town as well as playing in the Football League for Bristol Rovers. He was capped three times by England.
The sweeping Beeching Cuts of 1963 were massive closures of the British railway network, proposed by Dr. Richard Beeching to make British Rail profitable by axing unprofitable lines and stations, resulting in thousands of miles of track closed. Over 2,000 stations shut, and widespread job losses, drastically shrinking the network to focus on core routes amidst rising car use.
