- As Aldershot Town FC prepares to defend its FA Trophy title next month, SWR has named an Arterio train the ‘Phoenix’ in the club’s honour.
- Manager, John Coleman, unveiled the train's new name alongside players Dejan Tatek, Olly Scott and Hady Ghandour.
- The tribute comes as SWR marks the introduction of new Arterio trains to its Farnham route, serving Aldershot station for the first time.
As Aldershot Town F.C. prepares to begin its defence of the Isuzu FA Trophy next month, South Western Railway (SWR) has honoured the club’s historic 2025 Trophy victory by officially naming one of its new Arterio trains the ‘Phoenix’, a nod to the club's emblem.
Aldershot Town F.C chairman Shahid Azeem led the unveiling, joined by players Dejan Tatek, Olly Scott, and Hady Ghandour, all of whom were in the squad for the Wembley final.
Also in attendance was David Josey, life-long Aldershot Town fan and formerly SWR’s Station Manager for Aldershot, who ensured that Aldershot Town flags were flying at the station for many thousands that took SWR services to the FA Trophy final. He stood alongside Aldershot Town’s Phoenix mascot, who helped welcome the ‘Phoenix’ to the network.
In May 2025, Aldershot Town played at Wembley Stadium for the very first time and beat Spennymoor Town 3-0 to win the FA Trophy. Jack Barham, Dan Ellison and Josh Barrett scored in the second half, leading to the club’s first major cup win and massive celebrations in the Hampshire town.
The tribute not only celebrates Aldershot Town’s remarkable achievement but also marks the recent introduction of SWR’s fleet of Arterio trains to the Farnham route, serving Aldershot station for the first time as SWR connects local communities across the network.
Arterio reached the route to Aldershot earlier this month, providing customers with improved comfort, Wi-Fi, and charging points at every seat, marking a significant upgrade across SWR’s suburban network.
The naming also reflects the growing partnership between SWR and Aldershot Town F.C., two organisations with deep community roots. Founded and run by local people, the club embodies the spirit of Aldershot, while SWR is committed to strengthening its links with the towns it serves. The collaboration celebrates that shared commitment to local pride and connection.
Shahid Azeem, Aldershot Town Club Chairman, said:
“I’m honoured to join South Western Railway today and unveil the ‘Phoenix’ just in time to begin our defence of the Isuzu FA trophy next month.
“Trains play a key role in bringing sports fans to the heart of the action they love, building excitement as they make their way to the big game. We saw the amazing impact the additional services provided by South Western Railway had in helping get fans to Wembley for our win early this year.
“It's great to strengthen this partnership further, and exciting to think of the Phoenix connecting even more fans to our club, bringing the community together to enjoy matches across the network.”
Peter Williams, Customer and Commercial Director at South Western Railway, said:
“One of the great joys of the railway is connecting people to the places that matter to them, making unforgettable memories possible for our customers. It was our pleasure to put on extra trains to help Aldershot Town fans get to the FA Trophy final at Wembley, and now we are celebrating that historic win by naming one of our new Arterio trains the ‘Phoenix’, after the club.
“The introduction of our new Arterio trains to the Farnham route, serving Aldershot and other stations for the first time, is another major milestone in their rollout. Customers love the Arterios and the increased capacity and comfort they bring.”
