Ards Football Club 125th Anniversary

Founded in 1900 by workers from Webb’s Weaving Company in Newtownards, Ards Football Club celebrates its 125th anniversary this season. The club’s proud history includes World Cup winner George Eastham, part of England’s 1966 squad, and several full Irish internationals such as Andy Bothwell, Tommy Forde, Billy Humphries, and Paul Kee. 

Ards have enjoyed notable success, winning the Irish League Championship in 1958 and the Irish Cup four times. The 1973/74 season remains legendary, with four trophies and a famous victory over Belgian side Standard Liège in front of 8,000 fans. 

Today, the club thrives with an Academy of 24 teams for ages 4 to 18, and a growing Inclusion team. This exhibition celebrates this legacy with memorabilia including early Member’s Tickets, Paul Kee’s international jersey and cap, historic trophies, shirts, programmes, and souvenirs from clubs like Stade de Reims, AS Roma, and PSV Eindhoven. 

Despite playing home games in Bangor, the bond between Ards and its fans remains strong. The club is determined to return to Newtownards and build a future worthy of its remarkable past. 

Here’s to the next 125 years!