Lewes

Lewes Football Club is a semi-professional football club based in Lewes, East Sussex, England. The club was established in 1885, making it one of the oldest football clubs in Sussex. Lewes FC is known for its community-oriented approach, being owned by its fans through a community shares scheme since 2010.

The club's home ground is the Dripping Pan, a historic stadium that has been the club's base since its inception. The ground is named after the natural hollow in which it is located, which was originally used for salt production. The Dripping Pan is known for its unique charm and character, with its wooden terraces and picturesque setting at the foot of the South Downs.

Lewes FC competes in the Isthmian League Premier Division, a level of the English football league system that is seven tiers below the Premier League. Over the years, the club has had its ups and downs, with periods of success interspersed with financial struggles. The club's highest ever league position was in the Conference Premier, the fifth tier of English football, where they played for two seasons from 2008 to 2010.

Despite not having a long list of major honours, Lewes FC has a rich history and a loyal fan base. The club's most notable achievement to date is winning the Sussex Senior Cup, a competition for teams in the Sussex area, on nine occasions. The club's traditional colours are red and black, and their nickname is the Rooks, a reference to the bird that features on the town's coat of arms.

Lewes FC is also known for its commitment to gender equality. In 2017, the club became the first in the world to pay its women's team the same as its men's team, a move that garnered international attention. The Lewes FC Women's team competes in the FA Women's Championship, the second tier of women's football in England.

Off the pitch, Lewes FC is deeply embedded in the local community. The club runs numerous community initiatives, including football coaching for children and young people, and works closely with local schools and charities. The club is also committed to environmental sustainability, with initiatives such as a solar-powered clubhouse and a ban on single-use plastic at the Dripping Pan.

In summary, Lewes FC may not be the most famous or successful football club in England, but it is a club with a proud history, a strong community ethos, and a commitment to equality and sustainability. It is a club that truly represents the town of Lewes and its people.