CLUB HISTORY
Over 135 years of football in the heart of the Scottish Borders — Keep Faith
Our Story
Vale of Leithen Football Club were formed in May 1891, making them one of the oldest football clubs in the Scottish Borders. The brothers R and W Hume, originally from Selkirk, were the main protagonists in the founding of the club.
The club found a home at Caddon Park and played their first match on the 8th of October 1891 against Gala Harp, winning 2-1. The club became full members of the Scottish Football Association in 1897.
In 1922 Vale moved to their present home at Victoria Park, Hall Street. In August 1974 the old pavilion was completely destroyed by fire, and in the process the club sadly lost irreplaceable records.
Vale of Leithen play in the colours of navy blue and white. In sporting terms, Innerleithen's traditional enthusiasm for football is something of an anomaly in the rugby-dominated Scottish Borders.
The club crest features St Ronan in his boat — a major figure in the folklore of Innerleithen. In his right hand he holds a lantern to show the way, and his left holds the crook used to catch the devil. The crest features the club motto: Keep Faith.
The earliest known photograph of a Vale of Leithen team was taken in 1899 — an irreplaceable piece of the club's history.
The earliest known photograph of a Vale of Leithen team, taken in 1899.
Hall Street, Innerleithen, Scottish Borders. Home since 1922. Located at the junction of the Leithen Water and the River Tweed.
Members of the East of Scotland Football League Third Division since 2013, playing in the Scottish FA Cup each year.
Key Milestones
Club founded in May. First match played on 8th October against Gala Harp, winning 2-1. Ground named Caddon Park.
Club founded in May. First match played on 8th October against Gala Harp, winning 2-1. Ground named Caddon Park.
Became full members of the Scottish Football Association.
Became full members of the Scottish Football Association.
Won the first trophy — the Border Cup — and retained it the following year.
Won the first trophy — the Border Cup — and retained it the following year.
Adopted navy blue as the club's primary colour.
Adopted navy blue as the club's primary colour.
Brief spell in Junior Football. At the decade's peak, Innerleithen had five football teams.
Brief spell in Junior Football. At the decade's peak, Innerleithen had five football teams.
Moved to Victoria Park, Hall Street — still home today.
Moved to Victoria Park, Hall Street — still home today.
Original pavilion destroyed by fire, irreplaceable club records lost.
Original pavilion destroyed by fire, irreplaceable club records lost.
Won the Scottish Qualifying Cup for the fourth time in the club's history.
Won the Scottish Qualifying Cup for the fourth time in the club's history.
Joined the Scottish Lowland League.
Joined the Scottish Lowland League.
Honours
Hall of Fame
Many people have made a significant contribution to the club's history. The list below is by no means complete.
Team captain who was with the club for ten years during the 80s and 90s.
Current Club President and having formerly been player, chairman, groundsman, treasurer and head of the supporters club, there have not been many roles he hasn't occupied in 60 years of association with the club.
Player who completed ten years with the club during the 70s and 80s.
Former Chairman and President.
Spent a decade at the club as player, coach, assistant manager and co-manager.
Held the position of Secretary for 42 years, from 1893–1934.