Stourbridge stand strong as a non-league club that have made hay in FA competitions in recent years and there are tangible legacies borne of that success.
The Glassboys, who currently ply their trade in the top tier of the Northern Premier League, captured the imagination by beating Northampton Town in the second round proper of the Emirates FA Cup last season before then exiting the world’s original cup competition when they were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Wycombe Wanderers.
Stourbridge also twice made it to the second round proper to face Stevenage in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons, and in the former, they beat Plymouth Argyle at their War Memorial Athletic Ground home in a first round replay.
As a result of those runs, things have improved immeasurably for Gary Hackett’s side off the pitch, with a recently launched academy set-up just one of the benefits made possible by the financial reward brought about by their recent successes on the national stage.
“We’ve been at the club 15 years now and where it is now; we obviously see a huge difference,” said assistant manager Jon Ford.
“It’s enabled us to look after the ground and the training ground. The pitch itself has improved and the facilities.
“It’s just such a tidier place to come now, Stourbridge football club, and the money’s been invested in the correct areas.
“We’ve started up an academy this year and we’ve got 23 teams under our wing now from all age groups, as well as a ladies team.
“It’s all gone into investments on training facilities and training grounds for these children to play at – the money’s just gone in the right direction for a club that’s looking to progress forward, really.”
Stourbridge, who face Nottingham’s Basford United in the Buildbase FA Trophy first round qualifying this weekend, have also developed into a club skilled in aiding players’ long-term development.
Over the past seven days, striker Jordan Archer and winger Devarn Green have moved to National League teams, joining Chester and Tranmere Rovers respectively, while in January, defender Dan Scarr moved to Birmingham City.
Ford added: “In the last year, we’ve had seven or eight players that have gone up at least two divisions and one has gone up into the Football League, so it’s a credit to Gary and his management, and the way that the club is bringing players on.
“It’s hard from our perspective because we have to replace them and keep it going but that’s what we’re in management for.”
Buildbase FA Trophy history
The Glassboys’ best Buildbase FA Trophy run came in 1972-73, when they took Morecambe to a third round replay.
Basford’s best run saw them reach second round qualifying, where they went out at the hands of Warrington Town.
Did you know?
After twice losing in the Southern League Premier Division play-offs, Stourbridge joined the Northern Premier League – last season, they were beaten 1-0 by Spennymoor Town in the play-off final.
The prize
The winners of Saturday’s tie will progress to second round qualifying and net £3,250 in prize money.
