Lurgan United Football Club was formed in 1976 by a group of friends from around the Lurgan / Craigavon area, who had a common interest in playing football, but who also happened to be supporters of Manchester United Football Club, hence the Club's name! This group of friends had been playing other local pub and factory sides in unofficial friendly matches for a short period, with some degree of success as it turned out.
A general meeting was then held, and the consensus of opinion was that the Club Officials, including 2 founder members Mr Eamon Davison and Mr Philip McArdle, should apply to the Mid Ulster Football League so that all members and players would have the opportunity to compete at a better standard. This too was a successful initiative, and Lurgan United FC entered Division 5 of the Mid Ulster Football League for the first time in 1976.
After a couple of seasons the Club was successful in gaining promotion up the Divisions, and with the membership growing steadily it was decided to enter a Reserve team into the League. Further successes came in subsequent seasons, and so the club was able to introduce Youth teams to compete in the local underage Leagues, again with a fair amount of success. However, during the 80's and early 90's the local football environment was gradually changing, and competition for both new and existing talent became much tougher. With the emergence of other local clubs in Lurgan and the surrounding areas, the Club was not able to sustain this growth over the years and had to streamline its structure. Lurgan United FC now operates with a 1st Team and a Reserve Team, and the Club continues to compete well in the Mid Ulster Football League, in Division 3 and Reserve Division 4 respectively.
Naturally, the personnel within the Lurgan United FC has changed radically over the years - in fact, just take a look at our 'Honours' section you'll see exactly what I mean! However, I'm pleased to say that most (if not all) of the original Club policies and procedures which have been used to run the Club from year to year have remained intact. Indeed, it is our sincere intention to continue to offer the same opportunities to all comers in the years ahead. So, by all means, please come along and join us if you want to play and enjoy this "beautiful game" that we all love so much!
Sean O'Neill
Chairman