The first trophy winning Captain for the first team for some years, Brixton born Sturdy has played for a wide range of clubs including a couple in Cambridge where he spent his formative years. Sturdy moved back to London in his late teens, in a bid to spread his wings and increase his education, joining North London University in the late 90-s.

It was at this time that his career blossomed, meeting many other like minded individuals, many of whom are still his mates today that loved the game but also loved the post match fun.

The recently resigned H offered Sturdy his first chance at semi professional level with an open trial at Haringey Borough, out of all the trialists H brought along Sturdy was the only one to sufficiently impress the coaching staff at Haringey to warrant being signed by the club.

Strong in the air and tackle as well as possessing deceptive pace Sturdy had a tough first year at the club but he remained the next season and as the manager was changed so did Sturdy-s fortunes as he saw more game time and became a vital part of the team.

Sturdy captained the club on occasions the next season and was also captain of his university side, the season after saw great upheaval with Sturdy leaving Haringey to join Clapton Fc who were in the Ryman Div two and were managed by Colin Walton another Sporting Hackney stalwart. Clapton were a team who struggled in the league that season but Sturdy gained valuable experience, playing in the FA Cup for the second time as well as the playing against teams from higher leagues.

The end of next season after Walton�s departure Sturdy answered the call from Sporting Hackney after previously shrugging off their advances, this is where he linked up with a few old faces from University such as Oshineye, Badu as well as Walton who had become the manager. After a hard couple of seasons where the form and fitness of the squad and Sturdy fluctuated greatly, the 2008-2009 season was one to remember for Sturdy and the rest of the Sporting Hackney team.

A new Manager in Watson took the helm and he brought in new players and made the (some would say inspired, others foolhardy!!) decision to appoint Sturdy skipper of the team. Last season was the most successful the first team had had for many years, the defence conceded the least in the league and went on a run of 7 games without conceding a goal with the work of defensive unit especially Chambers noticeable.

Sturdy led the team to two finals, victorious in one and also fourth place in the league. The future looks bright for Sturdy and Sporting as Hackney have moved to a better league with the possibility of becoming a semi-professional outfit, Sturdy-s experience will be vital in the coming season.