Originally formed in 1966 on the back of England’s World Cup success, the club started life in the local Brighton Saturday League and gradually moved up their division structure over the years. Following the acquisition of its current ground at Hill Park the club joined Division 3 of the Sussex County League in 1984/85, finishing third in its first season. Promotion to Division 2 and senior football came in 1988/89 when they finished champions. The next seven seasons were spent in Division Two, with the “Tigers” eventually winning the title in 1995/96 with games to spare.
Promotion to Division 1 saw the clubhouse completely revamped and floodlights installed – the first Sussex County League club to invest in the impressive Musco system from the USA. With financial support behind them, the “Tigers” quickly began establishing themselves as a force in the top division, finishing 4th in their inaugural season and also reaching the final of the Sussex Senior Cup; losing to St. Leonards by the odd goal. That game saw Paul Ifill, now with Crystal Palace after stints at Millwall and Sheffield United, score Saltdean United’s goal. Paul remains in touch with the club and occasionally visits to lend his support for various fundraising events. In 1998/99 the club finished as runners-up to champions Burgess Hill Town, and 3rd in the following year when they also lifted the John O’Hara League Challenge Cup, beating Burgess Hill Town in extra time at Three Bridges.
Over the next two seasons however, the club’s fortunes changed dramatically. Proposed development work to Hill Park failed to materialise; funding was substantially reduced and this, combined with significant changes both on and off the pitch, saw the Tigers fall to 16th position, with relegation to Division 2 following in 2001/02. This was the first time in the club’s history that it had suffered relegation. Despite finishing 5th in their first season back in Division Two, the following seasons saw the club finish in the lower half of the division. This trend continued until relegation to Div. 3 at the end of the 2006/07 season, despite a determined effort to avoid the drop towards the end of that season. This is where the club remain.
Season 2008/2009 sees a new manager at the helm in the shape of Ex Hurstpierpoint manager and Whitehawk coach Paul Stevenson.He will surely be looking to attract some fringe players from Whitehawk.
Youth Football at Saltdean Football Club
Saltdean United Football Club is a recognised Football Association Charter Standard Club. All teams throughout the age groups have Managers/Coaches that have undertaken F.A. First Aid courses, have been Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checked with the police and the majority hold formal Football Association qualifications in coaching youth football. The qualification of the youth coaches range from the FA 1st For Sport Level One qualifications all the way up to UEFA B Licence.
Saltdean United have run youth teams for all ages for many years and in January 2005 were awarded FA Charter Standard in recognition of the club’s organisation and how it is run at all levels, particularly in relation to youth football. Planning permission was granted in August 2007 for the creation of a Mini Soccer pitch within the perimeter of the club’s property. Preperations for the Mini Soccer pitch on the south west corner of the football club are almost complete, which will mean that the younger age groups will at last be able to train and play their mini soccer matches at the main football club from 2009/10 onwards.
Season 2008/2009 sees a new manager at the helm in the shape of Ex Hurstpierpoint manager and Whitehawk coach Paul Stevenson. After a slow start the "Tigers" have lifted their game and are on course for a mid table finish. They made it to the Semi Final of the Cup, losing out by the odd goal in three to Haywards Heath Town, having taking the lead early and conceding 2 late goals to lose out on a final spot.What we Offer
Saltdean United are pleased to offer football for the community at all levels. Our aim is to offer teams from Under 6 all the way through to Senior Level the opportunity to learn and play football.