AFC Fylde

AFC Fylde is a professional football club based in Wesham, Lancashire, England. Originally known as Kirkham & Wesham, the club was founded in 1988 following the merger of Kirkham Town and Wesham, two local football clubs with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The club changed its name to AFC Fylde in 2008, aiming to represent the wider Fylde coast area and not just the towns of Kirkham and Wesham.

AFC Fylde has enjoyed a steady rise through the English football pyramid. Starting in the West Lancashire League, the club quickly ascended to the North West Counties League in 1998. The club's success continued into the 21st century, achieving promotion to the Northern Premier League in 2007, and then to the National League North in 2012. In 2017, AFC Fylde reached the pinnacle of non-league football by gaining promotion to the National League, the fifth tier of English football.

AFC Fylde's home ground is Mill Farm, a state-of-the-art stadium complex that opened in 2016. The stadium has a capacity of 6,000, including a 2,000-seater main stand. Mill Farm is more than just a football ground; it's a community hub, featuring several restaurants, a sports bar, and a community sports foundation that delivers a range of programmes to promote health, education, and social inclusion in the local area.

The club's colours are white and navy blue, and their badge features a seagull, a nod to the coastal location of the Fylde area. The team's nickname is "the Coasters", another reference to their geographical location.

AFC Fylde has a reputation for playing attractive, attacking football and has a strong commitment to developing local talent. The club's academy is highly respected, and several academy graduates have gone on to play for the first team.

Despite their relatively short history, AFC Fylde has already enjoyed notable successes. They won the FA Vase in 2008, a national competition for teams playing below the top four tiers of the English football league system. In the 2017-2018 season, they reached the second round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history, and in 2019, they reached the final of the FA Trophy, a prestigious competition for non-league clubs.

AFC Fylde's journey has not been without its challenges. The club was relegated from the National League in the 2019-2020 season, but they remain ambitious and are determined to return to the top tier of non-league football.

AFC Fylde is more than just a football club; it's a symbol of pride for the local community. The club's rise through the leagues, their commitment to youth development, and their role as a community hub make them a vital part of the Fylde coast area. As they look to the future, AFC Fylde will continue to strive for success on and off the pitch, aiming to bring joy to their loyal fans and make a positive impact on their community.