Yate formed their Reserve team in 1968, and were elected as members of the Bristol & Suburban League. They were immediately successful and quickly progressed from the lower divisions into the Premier Division.

 

The early nineties were the teams most prolific period, as under player manager Kevin Prue they won successive Premier Division and Alf Bosley League Cup doubles, and also won the G.F.A. Senior Amateur Cup in 1991-92 and retained this Cup the following season. Unfortunately the team was unable to gain promotion to the County League due to the Rules, which then precluded Reserve teams playing at the higher level.

 

This archaic rule was eventually rescinded, but the Reserves were unable to mount a challenge for promotion for several years. Season 2003-04 saw Richard Trotman step down as Team Manager, with Richard Dunn taking over the duties, and in his first season promotion from the Suburban League was achieved. The first season in the County League saw them finish in a highly respectable sixth place.

 

Season 2005-2006 saw the Reserves mount a challenge for the League title, but a poor last month saw them finish in third position. They also reached the quarter finals of the G.F.A. Challenge Trophy, losing to eventual winners Slimbridge, and also won the Stroud Charity Cup.

 

The 2006-2007 season was another successful one, as the Reserves finished in fifth position and reached the Final of the Les James League Cup and the semi final of the Stroud Charity Cup.

 

The following season, several of Yate’s successful Youth Squad were given the opportunity to play at County League level, and acquitted themselves well as the team finished in a creditable eighth position. Manager Richard Dunn unfortunately tendered his resignation shortly before the start of last season. He was replaced by Paul Dempsey, who with the assistance of Gary Powell and Rob Hughes continued the development of the youngsters at the Club, with many making the step up from our Youth Team, blending well with some more experienced players, and after a slow start we ended the season in seventh spot, as well as reaching the semi finals of both the Les James League Cup and the Stroud Charity Cup.

 

One person who deserves a special mention is Ian Summers, who was instrumental in forming the Reserve team back in the sixties, and has been heavily involved with the team ever since.