Hartpury University FC won the Hellenic League Division One title by beating Moreton Rangers FC 4-0 away on Friday 15 March 2024, gaining promotion to the Hellenic Premier Division. The club has enjoyed a fantastic season so far, only losing two league fixtures so far, drawing four and winning 28.
The result is particularly special for the team 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 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 heartbreaking 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.
“Congratulations to the entire team. They’ve done Hartpury proud and hopefully this is just the start of what the club can achieve regionally and nationally.”
Hartpury University FC was founded in 2020 with the aim of providing students with further opportunities to become professional footballers. The squad comprises players aged 16 and upwards from the academies at both Hartpury University and Hartpury College.