Leamington Football Club, nicknamed “The Brakes,” is a non-league football club based in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.
Established in 1933, they currently compete in the Vanarama National League, which is part of the fifth tier of English football. The team calls New Windmill Ground their home ground.
Initially founded as Lockheed, Borg & Beck in 1933, the club has a rich history deeply intertwined with the town’s community and its major employer, Lockheed. The club began its journey in local leagues, gradually moving up through the football pyramid, turning semi-professional in the late 1940s. Despite a rebranding to AP Leamington in the 1970s and experiencing significant success, including multiple Birmingham Senior Cup victories and notable FA Cup runs, the club faced challenges, including relegation and a desperate fight for survival in the 1980s. The club’s rebirth in 2000 at the New Windmill Ground marked a resurgence, climbing back through the leagues with consecutive promotions and returning to the Southern League.
The 2000s and 2010s saw Leamington FC establish itself in non-league football, achieving notable successes like FA Cup appearances and league titles. Under the management of Paul Holleran, the club gained stability and enjoyed memorable moments, including a play-off victory to enter the National League North and securing the Birmingham Senior Cup against professional opposition. Despite fluctuating fortunes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Leamington remained competitive, with players moving into the professional ranks and the club maintaining a strong community connection.
Despite recent challenges, including relegation, Leamington FC has shown resilience, with a core group of players and staff committed to the club’s future. The community’s support and the club’s determination to overcome adversity underscore its role as a key fixture in local football, embodying the passion and spirit of non-league football. As they look to the future, the club aims to build on its storied past and continue its tradition of competitive football and community involvement.