Holywood FC was formed in 1983 following the amalgamation of two Northern Amateur League teams, Loughview Star (1961-83) and Holywood Town (1972-83). These two clubs hadn't been too successful, though Loughview had caused a sensation when they reached the Clarence Cup Final when a Second Division club, losing 2-0 to Lisburn Rangers in 1964/65.

Loughview won 2b in 1981/82 and after the amalgamation, the new club finished runners up in 2b in 1992/93 but were soon relegated again.

The clubs biggest day came when they won the IFA Junior Cup final in 1989/90, beating their town rivals Holywood Rec. in the decider!

The club enjoyed even more success in recent years, namely winning the 2a title and the Cochrane & Corry Cup in the 1999/00 season. The club as a result were promoted for the first time in their history to "Intermediate" status and are now currently one of the strongest squads in division 1b. The "Double" squad from 1999/00 can be seen in Photos and Action.

Season 04-05 finished with the First Team getting promoted to NAFL Div 1A for the first time in the clubs history, under the guidance of the new management team of James Todd, Bobby Brown and Bobby Hawthorne.  After an initial good season in 1A, season 06-07 concluded with a game at seapark against top of the table rivals Larne Tech with the promotion to NAFL Premier League at stake for the winners. Holywood won 5-3 in this memorable game and promotion to the Premier League was assured for the first time in the clubs history.  Season 08-09 will see New Manager Darren Brush hoping to build on the foundations laid by James Todd and co and deliver another good season in amateurs football  top league. 

The club currently has 3 teams, with the 2nd team in 3b of the amateur league, and the 3rd  team competing in the Down Area leagues. The club has had a successful youth team competing at under 18 level over the past 5 years, especially in 1997, when the team completed the league and cup Double in the North Down Youth League. However, due to a lack of resources, there is no under 18 team for the season 2001/02. In saying that, it is the clubs ambition to begin an "HFC Youth Academy" during the forthcoming season, with a view to re-establishing youth teams next season.