A FOOTBALL CLUB IS BORN
Jurat Wilfred Corbet formed the club in 1932. Its home ground is called the Corbet Memorial Field after its late founder.
Mr. Wilfred J. Corbet of Balmoral, Vale was a member of the Vale Methodist Church and a Bible Class Leader with a membership of thirty five to forty people. Mr. Corbet had very much the welfare of young people at heart, so during the summer of 1932, Bible Class members met to discuss about the formation of a club. The meeting was unanimous to the foundation of a mixed club with some thirty members being present. The objective of the club was to foster good comradeship, fellowship and sportsmanship among its members and to be a playing member, one had to attend Bible Class once a month.
The first elected club committee was: W.J Corbet (President), Messrs H.E Mahy and A.J Le Page (Vice Presidents), Mr A G Mahy (Secretary) and A.D Mahy (Treasurer). Unfortunately all are no longer with us.
The introduction of the following recreation for the winter was as follows: badminton, table tennis, draughts, chess, darts and football. Friendly badminton and table tennis matches were arranged with other clubs, namely St. Michaels, Castel and St. Stephens. Football opponents were St. Martins, St. Michaels, Capelles, North, L’Ancresse Rovers, Roussel Bros and Forest Boys Club.
1934 to 1940
Tennis was played at Delancey Park courts one night a week. The subs for this costing 7s/6d. This however proved unsuccessful and when L’Ancresse Tennis Club came under financial difficulties, Vale Recreation took over the lease of the courts at Rocque Balan and their members were allowed to play with the club.
In 1936, football became affiliated to the Cross Russell Association and played in league matches on Thursdays and Saturdays.
1937 saw the introduction of a golf section. A cup presented by Mr. H. R. Bichard, was competed for over nine holes both in Herm and at Grande Rocque. Cricket was also played at this time.
1940 to 1950
During the occupation by German forces all football was stopped but Mr. Corbet, with the approval of the occupation authorities, revived football in a competitive way and the Sarnia Football League was formed.
In 1948, Brookdale and the property now known as the Corbet Memorial Field were purchased by Mr. Corbet. This became a great addition to recreation facilities. Along with football, hockey and tennis were catered for.
1950 to 1960
1953 saw the publication of the Club’s first magazine, called Green and Gold.
In 1954, the blazer badge and club tie was introduced. The original badge depicted all sports that were officially played at that time.
1960 to 1970
In 1966, Vale Recreation suffered a great loss in the death of Mr. Corbet, founder of the Vale Recreation Club.
1970 to 1980
In 1973, the tennis section was wound up and the courts dug up and replaced by a seven-rink bowling green. It was at this time a Social Clubhouse and facilities were built. During this year, the first licensed Social Club was opened.
1980 to 1990
The First team achieved enormous success during the eighties winning the Priaulx League a total of eight times, the Jeremie Cup five times, the Frederick Martinez Cup six times and the Stranger Charity Cup nine times. They appeared in the Upton Park Cup Competition a total of eight times, winning it twice. Plans for a new clubhouse were approved in April 1986. These were designed by Paul Vaudin of local architect's M D Nicolle and Partners.
1990 to 2000
Following approval in 1986, construction of the new clubhouse began during
December 1989.
2000 to 2010
In 2007 the
Club celebrated its Seventy Fifth Anniversary with a Dinner and Dance at the
Peninsula Hotel in Guernsey. A certain Matthew Le Tissier, fittingly known by
Southampton fans as Le God, was guest of honour. This year also saw the
completion of major renovation work to the main stand and changing rooms which,
were officially opened by Sir Trevor Brooking.
On May
27th 2009, the Club launched its new Mini Soccer Academy in partnership with
Southampton FC. A group of seventy one Minis from Year 1 through to Year 6 were
invited to attend the sessions lead by Saints in the Community coaches. This
year also saw the Under 12 squad win the Corbet Cup for the first time in
fourteen years. The Under 16s win the Normandie Cup during this season.
Also during 2009, the Club enters the Somerset Senior Cup for the first time in its history bowing out 1-0 in the 3rd round to Cutters Friday from Bristol.
Vale Rec ended the season with all teams finishing in the top half of their respective leagues, the Under 18s league Champions & Loveridge Cup winners; the Under 21s win the Old Vic Cup (formally U18 trophy) and the Reserves win the Mauger Cup.
2010 -