Local football can be traced as far back as 1883 in the Borough of Havant, when Havant FC was formed, playing in the Portsmouth Football League. In the 1950’s Bobby Tambling made the large jump from playing for Havant FC (youth team) to join Chelsea, followed by International recognition with England. On retirement Bobby returned to the Havant area opening a local sports shop. In 1969 Havant FC merged with local side Leigh Park United winning the Portsmouth Football League at their first attempt.

This witnessed a boom time in the Club’s history as they joined the 4th Division of the Hampshire League. Between 1970-1977 the team progressed through to the 1st Division of the Hampshire League. This meant their home ground at Front Lawn would be unsuitable if the Club was to progress any further. The current home of Westleigh Park was acquired in 1980 and after two years of hard work and considerable cost opened in August 1982. The new club was rebranded Havant Town FC.

1986 saw Havant Town FC as founder members of the Wessex League. They finished runners up on three occasions before finally winning the title and moving into the Southern League in 1991.

Meanwhile Waterlooville Football Club, who were established in 1905, had become firm fixtures in the Southern League since 1971. They too had slowly progressed from humble beginnings moving through Waterlooville District, Portsmouth and Hampshire League Divisions.

With the formation of the National Conference, the Southern League re-organised themselves. In 1981 the side from Jubilee Park nearly won the Championship but narrowly failed despite going 31 matches without defeat. Waterlooville then spent a lot of years proving too good for the Southern League but not quite up to the grade of the Premier one. 1993 witnessed an 11th place finish in the Premier, their highest ever placing.

Relegation and rising costs meant that the Club struggled to remain competitive and the talk of a merger with their fierce rivals was first mooted. Havant Town FC had their own problems as well. In 1997 Club Manager Tony Mount had left unexpectedly, taking the core of his talented squad with him. June 1998 saw the two rivals join forces. Jubilee Park was sold and the newly renamed Havant & Waterlooville FC was created.