AFC Dunstable

Where it all started...

In 2003-04 a small group of like-minded people met with a vision to create a local Community Football Club. In that year our under 15’s came runner up in the Chiltern Youth League and it was the start of our progress through the FA Charter Standard programme.

Adult status was achieved in 2003-04 and at the same time the decision was made to change the club name to AFC Dunstable.

Club development...

Progress was quick and the club was awarded Charter Standard in 2005-06, Development Club status in 2007 and ultimately became a FA Community Club in 2008.

“The vision of AFC Dunstable is to increase the participation of football to all ages, gender, culture and ability within our local community through dedicated and qualified coaching.

Ultimately we aspire to providing non-restrictive football facilities which will enable our 1st Team to progress through the FA Pyramid system. Furthermore we aim to be a club which can become a ‘role model’ within the Bedfordshire Football Association both on and off the pitch.”

The present...

Sticking to our beliefs we currently run 34 teams including boys and men’s section, girls and ladies and disability.

We have also seen a number of youth players selected for our first team and will continue to promote our exit strategy to ensure that players who have developed through our club are given the opportunity to progress into our senior section.

To arrive at this stage in a relatively short time has taken a lot of time, effort and enthusiasm from a dedicated group of volunteers who deserve credit for their hard work.

AFC Dunstable is an open club and welcomes new managers and coaches to support the on-going development. To support our structure we also look for new sponsors who not only will be involved at great local community club but also will derive commercial benefits.

#1 NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT...

The Club won 5 County Cups in 2016/17

Senior Challenge Cup
Intermediate Challenge Cup
U18 Youth Challenge Cup
Senior Girls Development Cup
U14 Youth Challenge Cup

#2 Featured Coach Profile

Name: Anthony Christophi
Team: AFC Dunstable U25
Time at Club: 2 Years

Why do you coach at this club/what makes this club great?

I coach at AFC Dunstable because I saw the success this club has achieved and the direction we are going as a club.

Direction is the key and this is one of the many things that make this club great. Our philosophy to promote players through our youth teams continues to materialise through the fantastic coaches we have at the club.

Giving players the opportunity to better themselves and push onto where they would like to be in the game, will hopefully see them end up in our first team; a wonderful achievement the whole club can be proud of.

What does your future in the game look like?

Personally, I feel I’m on the right track. I’m currently Level 2 qualified at the age of 20; assistant manager of the U25 Development team and an U18 coach. Hopefully with the support of the Beds FA Coach Development Group, I would love to progress to UEFA B level and so on.

Most memorable moment at the club?

Luckily I had the privilege to take over the U18 side halfway through the season.

A disappointing start didn’t see us in the greatest position but a change in effort and commitment from players and my coaches helped us finish 3rd. We were only U17 playing in the u18 division, but went on to win the Beds FA County Cup.

To win something like that at the age of 19 was by far my greatest achievement.

Most memorable moment at the club

I probably have two, which of course centres on winning trophies.

2015-16 saw the 1st team win the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division title. Picking up the massive shield that is the trophy was a great day for me.

2016-17 was another great season for the 1st team. After losing the Bedfordshire Senior Cup final the previous season, we got to the final again. As it was against one of my former clubs, to win the cup at Kenilworth Road was a very proud moment.

What does your future in the game look like

As my career is now in its twilight years, I have enjoyed every minute of captaining the 1st team. I will keep trying to play at the highest level that my body permits me too.

I have started to join some of our youth teams for training sessions and I have enjoyed it so much, I am now looking to start my coaching badges. I would like to stay with the club as long as possible in a coaching capacity.

The club has so many talented youngsters coming through, I would love to be a part of it and see them progress.

Why do you play at this club what makes this club great

I first joined AFC Dunstable back in 2011 when we finished 3rd in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division. I left for a 2-year period and returned in 2014 when again we finished 3rd.

On my return, I started to notice all the great work the club had been carrying out with their youth system. I was shocked to find out how many teams the club actually had.

The clubs Development Plan is now showing fruits, as the pathway for the youth teams is fantastic; the club run teams from U7 right up to U21. I personally have now seen U18-U21 players training with the 1st team and in matchday squads. That is why I think AFC Dunstable is a great club, giving youth a chance.

#2 FEATURED Player PROFILE

Name: Moses Olaleye
Team: AFC Dunstable First Team
Time at Club: 5 Years