Hullbridge Sports

Hullbridge Sports became the first club from Essex to win the Essex Senior League title in 2019 . That victory capped a long climb through the non-league pyramid. The club, based in the small town of Hullbridge , had spent decades accumulating minor honours in the lower divisions before finally reaching the summit.

The story of the club began in 1945 , when it was founded as Hullbridge United and played in the green and gold quarters of the local Anchor Inn’s flag. It was not until later that the name changed to Hullbridge Sports and the colours shifted to blue and white.

Their home ground, Lower Road , is also known as The Ryan's Heating Stadium and holds 1,500 spectators. The rivalry with Great Wakering Rovers is the most intense on the calendar, a derby played over a distance of approximately 11.5 miles.

In recent years, the club has attracted players with professional pedigrees. Billy Knott , a midfielder who joined in 2025 after stints at Sunderland and Bradford City , added immediate quality to the midfield. Similarly, Bertie Brayley spent two seasons (2019–2021) as a striker, bringing experience from Swindon Town .