AFC Crewe

AFC Crewe is a fan-owned football club based in Crewe, England. They play in the Premier division of the Staffordshire County Senior League. The club was established to create a community-focused football team, allowing supporters to have a significant influence on the club's operations and decisions. The club is powered by NUFAN, a platform that facilitates fan ownership and engagement in sports clubs.
In February of 2021 4 friends founded a company called NUFAN this was created with the vision of providing an inclusive and community-driven football club. The founding members were inspired by the fan-ownership models seen in other clubs and aimed to bring a similar ethos to Crewe.
AFC Crewe operates under a fan ownership model facilitated by NUFAN. This model allows supporters to purchase shares in the club, giving them a voice in major decisions. The NUFAN platform provides a digital infrastructure for fans to participate in voting, fundraising, and community initiatives.
The club's structure includes a board of directors elected by the shareholders. Regular meetings are held to ensure transparency and accountability, with key decisions put to a vote among the shareholders. These votes and board meetings all take place on the online chat platform Discord.
AFC Crewe is committed to community engagement, regularly organizing events and programs to benefit local residents. These initiatives include youth football training camps, charity matches, and community service projects.
The club has ambitious plans for the future, including the development of its own stadium, expanding its youth academy, and achieving higher league promotions. AFC Crewe aims to continue growing its fan base and increasing community involvement.
Timeline
2020 - NUFAN is Founded
Disillusioned by the state of modern football, four friends come together with an idea to reclaim the game for everyday football fans. A movement begins to form a football revolution bringing the game back into the hands of the fans.
February 2021 - AFC Crewe Takeover Complete
Following months of searching across England, the Nufan board selects AFC Crewe as the team to adopt the new fan-ownership model. Nufan takes control of the club, making it 100% community-owned.
August 2022 - First League Match for the Nufan Ownership
AFC Crewe plays its first league match under Nufan ownership, winning 6-0 against Mary Dendy in the Crewe & District League. Matty Quirke starts as manager, with Billy Murphy as assistant, who later takes over as manager in October.
August 2022 - Club Crest Design
AFC Crewe adopts a new club crest, designed by a community member.
November 2022 - Women's Team Launch
Development and recruitment begin for the launch of a women's team, aiming to debut in the 2023-24 season. The board commits to equal investment in the women's team.
November 2022 - Co-Chairman Announced as Gareth Jones
Gareth Jones is announced as Co-Chairman of AFC Crewe, alongside Nufan co-founder Liam Bond.
December 2022 - Wood Park Induction & German TV Coverage
AFC Crewe begins discussions for a ground share at AFC Alsager’s Wood Park Stadium. The team beats Crewe Town 10-0 in a match covered by German television company Posieben. A deal is finalized in February 2023 for Wood Park to be the men's home ground for three years.
February 2023 - Liam James Appointed Club Secretary
Liam James is appointed AFC Crewe Club Secretary, playing a key role in obtaining FA Accreditation and submitting applications for the club to become a Co-operative Consortium and join the football pyramid.
March 2023 - Appointment of Gary Taylor-Fletcher
Ex-Premier League footballer Gary Taylor-Fletcher is appointed as the new manager of AFC Crewe after Billy Murphy's departure.
April 2023 - AFC Crewe Men’s Team are Crowned Crewe & District League Champions
AFC Crewe wins the Crewe & District League after consecutive 8-2 victories against Winsford Saxons and Sandbach Curshaws.
June 2023 - AFC Crewe Men’s Team Accepted into the Football Pyramid
AFC Crewe’s application to join the Staffordshire County Senior League is accepted, placing the team directly into Division 1.
June 2023 - AFC Crewe Women’s Team Appoint Chris Stokes as Manager
Chris Stokes, former Bolton Women’s First Team Manager and Stoke City Goalkeeper Coach, is hired to lead the women's team.
July 2023 - AFC Crewe Women’s Team Accepted into Football Pyramid
AFC Crewe’s women’s team is accepted to compete in the Cheshire Women's & Youth League Premier Division from the 2023-24 season.
July 2023 - First Official Replica Kit
Hope + Glory become AFC Crewe’s first technical kit supplier. Shareholders vote on the design, with the winning designs created by two board members.
August 2023 - First League Match in the Football Pyramid for AFC Crewe Men’s
AFC Crewe men’s team plays its first match in the football pyramid, losing 3-2 to Florence FC First Team. The following week, they defeat Audley & District Reserves 8-1.
September 2023 - First League Match in the Football Pyramid for AFC Crewe Women’s
AFC Crewe women’s team plays its first league match in the football pyramid. The game against Stockport County Ladies Development is abandoned due to a player injury.
September 2023 - Community Day
AFC Crewe Men’s hosts the first Community Match Day, with a record attendance of 197 watching a 4-0 victory over Warstones Wanderers. The event aims to drive local engagement and allow board members to meet.
April 2024 - Promotion to Staffordshire County Senior Premier Division
On the 15th of July 2024 AFC Crewe Men's team gained promotion to the premier division of the Staffordshire County Senior League which sits at step 7 of the National League System and step 11 of the English football pyramid.

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