A SOCCER club born out of the Irish diaspora in London is on the brink of a remarkable season — both on and off the pitch.
London Hibernian FC, based in southwest London, has already secured its league title and now stands within touching distance of a historic treble, capping an unbeaten campaign that has turned heads across the capital’s amateur game.
Formed in 2021 through a merger between UCC Diaspora FC and Tooting Celtic, the club was created with a simple aim: to provide a competitive and welcoming home for Irish players living in London. Just a few years on, it has become exactly that — and much more.
“We now have around 100 members,” player Liam Askin told The Irish Post.
“While predominantly Irish, we are an inclusive club open to all backgrounds. It’s a real community.”
That sense of identity is reflected in the squad, described as a true “32-county” team.
Players from Donegal, Cork, Belfast, Sligo, Dublin, Leitrim and beyond line out together each week, united by football and the shared experience of making a life in London, making a life in the Irish-in-Britain community.
On the pitch, the results have been impressive.
The club recently sealed the Surrey South Eastern Combination title and now has its sights set on completing a tremendous feat.
The standout fixture is the London Cup final on April 24 — the biggest prize in the capital’s amateur football calendar, featuring 77 teams.
Victory there would cement London Hibernian’s place in local football history.
Despite its short existence, the club already boasts a growing honours list, including back-to-back Wimbledon & District League titles in 2021/22 and 2022/23, as well as the London FA Saturday Junior Cup.
The current squad blends grassroots passion with serious pedigree. Several players have represented Ireland at underage level, while others have experience in UK and Irish semi-professional leagues, US scholarship programmes, and even the professional game in Europe.
But for many involved, the story goes beyond results.
London Hibernian prides itself on being a support network for Irish people arriving in the city. That ethos was put into practice this season when members rallied around a new arrival living in a refugee centre, offering legal assistance, equipment and a sense of belonging.
It’s a reflection of the club’s founding principle: “What brings us together, sets us apart.”
Off the pitch, the social side remains just as important — whether it’s post-match pints, end-of-season trips, or the simple pride of pulling on the jersey.
As Askin puts it, “The best moments aren’t just the trophies: it’s the craic, the community, and having a pint with your teammates afterwards. It’s been a terrific journey.”
With silverware already secured and more within reach, London Hibernian’s rise is not just a sporting success story, but a reminder of how Irish communities continue to make their mark — and find their home — far from home.
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