About OWMSC – OWMSC

Oughtibridge War Memorial Sports Club

Welcome to Oughtibridge War Memorial Sports Club, a vibrant and integral part of the Oughtibridge village community, where passion for sports and community spirit come together. Our club proudly boasts men’s, women’s, and juniors’ teams in both football and cricket, reflecting our commitment to fostering a love for sports across all ages and genders. At the core of our ethos is the belief that sports can bring people together, creating bonds that last a lifetime.

Our club is proudly volunteer-driven and led, with every member playing a crucial role in our operations and success. This collective effort ensures that we not only sustain the legacy of those we commemorate but also build a thriving future for upcoming generations. Our volunteers’ dedication is the backbone of our club, from coaching and mentoring young talents to managing the day-to-day operations.

At the heart of our facilities is the club’s bar area, a space for members, players, and visitors to relax and socialise. The club has also held memorable community events in the past and has plans to continue these into the future.

Located in the picturesque village of Oughtibridge, our sports club is more than just a place to play; it’s a vital part of the village’s social fabric. We invite you to join us, whether as a player, a volunteer, or a supporter, to experience the joy of sports and the warmth of our community. Together, we will continue to make Oughtibridge War Memorial Sports Club a great sporting venue and a cherished part of our village life.

Excerpts taken and adapted from “A Layman’s Look at the History, Industry, People and Places of Oughtibridge, Worrall and Wharncliffe Side” by Doug Sanderson

The history of cricket and football in Oughtibridge highlights the passion, achievements, and dedication of those who have contributed to both sports over the years. This brief history covers the early days of both cricket and football.

This brief history shows the spirit of cricket and football in Oughtibridge, highlighting the significant role sports have played in shaping the village’s community life. It serves as a reminder of the dedication, achievements, and camaraderie that have defined Oughtibridge’s sporting legacy.

Cricket has been a cornerstone of Oughtibridge’s sporting life since as early as 1874, with the Oughtibridge Church Cricket Club and the Zion Cricket Club laying the early foundations. These clubs played a pivotal role in the village’s cricket scene until their amalgamation in 1919 to form the Oughtibridge Cricket Club. The newly unified club continued to thrive, marking significant achievements, such as winning the championship in its first season in the Hallamshire league in 1916 without dropping a single point.

The club’s home, The Berrying Close (also known as The Bedding Close), was donated to the village in 1921 by the Oughtibridge Silica Firebrick Company Limited as a war memorial. Since then, it has been the cradle of cricket in Oughtibridge, witnessing countless memorable moments and nurturing talent that has often transcended the village level.

Notably, the club has been graced by the Glossop family, with seven brothers, including “Tal” Glossop, making significant contributions both on and off the pitch. The Glossops, along with other distinguished players, have left an indelible mark on the club and the village’s cricketing heritage.

Football, much like cricket, has been an integral part of Oughtibridge’s sporting landscape since the late 1800’s. The village team has been known for its high standard of football, with its earliest high profile achievement coming in the 1919-1920 season. During this period, Oughtibridge won the Junior Challenge Cup and the Sheffield Minor League championship, with the Cup Final victory at Bramall Lane being a standout moment.

Many fine players proudly wore the teams colours that season, several of whom were all round sportsmen as they also played in the village cricket team, Tom and John Roberts, Jack Hammerton, who had played with Barnsley and Rotherham, Collet, who joined Arsenal, and Dick Coldwell, who played for Sheffield Wednesday. The captain, “Tal” Glossop, who was also the captain of the cricket team, was tall and well-built and had a fine footballing relationship with Bernard Cooke. Another member of that great team was Lol Buet, who played at centre-half. He played as an amateur for both Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County as well as a professional for Rotherham Town and continued playing for Oughtibridge until well past his 40th birthday.

Another successful period occurred just before the second world war, in 1937. The village team playing in The Friendlies League, won every league match and were awarded the Green’un Ball. To celebrate, a dance was held in the Parish Hall where Jack Smith, a local goalkeeper of renown, presented badges to the players.

The team’s journey through various leagues and competitions over the years has been supported by a dedicated community of players, supporters, and local personalities. Notable players like Jack Hudson, a former professional with Sheffield Wednesday and United, and others who transitioned from professional football to represent Oughtibridge, illustrate the depth of talent and passion within the village.

The sports club has been a central hub for both cricket and football in Oughtibridge, with the Oughtibridge War Memorial Sports Club today standing as a testament to the village’s rich sporting history. The various clubs not only celebrate past glories but also looks to inspire current and future generations.

In the early 1990s under the guidance of local legend Bob Ullyett, the Oughtibridge Village Sunday football team evolved into a well-recognised team within Sheffield. Originally known as Burtonwood Hares (Hare and Hounds), the team underwent several name changes as it shifted locations across various pubs in the area, including Oughtibridge White Hart and Oughtibridge Village.

Under the management of former player and record goal scorer David Hudson, the club saw a turning point in 2010. Joining the Oughtibridge War Memorial fold in the 2013 season marked the beginning of the club’s most successful period. Their ascent through the divisions was marked by two Division 1 titles, including an unbeaten run in the 2013/14 season and a record-breaking 44-game unbeaten streak in the following season. Additional league successes came in the 2017/18 season, highlighted by Ross Brown’s unforgettable injury-time goals clinching the title.

The club’s pinnacle moments include two League cup triumphs at Bramall Lane in the 2014/15 and 2022/23 seasons, along with a merit league cup final win in 2018. Currently managed by local lads Ross Brown and Olly Black, Oughtibridge Village Sunday football team continues to build on its legacy of excellence within the Sheffield football community.