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Series 10: Ashington AFC: Saving Our Club

Ashington AFC is one of England's historic football teams. Now, in 2026, a tight-knit group of volunteers is fighting to keep the club alive. With the threat of relegation and financial pressures looming, can they keep their place in the league and secure the club's future?\n\nThe club was founded in 1883 in Ashington, a place that once became known as the largest coal mining village in the world, which inspired the club's nickname, the Colliers. Ashington’s history also became intertwined with the beautiful game, producing World Cup-winning brothers Jack and Bobby Charlton, among a host of other famous players. \n\nThis year, Ashington AFC, having reached their highest position in the Northern Premier League East for 55 years, are facing the possibility of relegation mixed with real financial strain. With only four games left to play, they need to fight to stay in the league and find a way to cover the financial shortfall. \n\nThey rely solely on volunteers to keep operating, and that includes those at the very top. Nicola is the club’s first female chair. She’s ably assisted by director Brian, who does anything and everything to help with the day-to-day running, including stumping up his own money to plug the financial gap. \n\nBoard member Drew describes himself as the glue that keeps everyone together. Based abroad for work, Drew returns to drum up sponsorship money from businesses – no mean feat in a town still feeling the pinch from the decline of heavy industry. \n\nAll three are united in their love of the town and their understanding of the vital role the football club plays in keeping Ashington’s community spirit alive.

Source: BBC 2