Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Amateur Football Combination stands as one of Europe's largest adult football leagues, encompassing approximately 75 clubs and 200 teams that compete on Saturday afternoons throughout London and the surrounding Home Counties. This extensive league offers a structured competitive environment for adult footballers across multiple divisions, including the Premier Division and various cup competitions such as the LOB Senior Cup and LOB Challenge Cup.
The AFC represents a vital community for amateur football in southern England, providing thousands of players the opportunity to participate in organized competition each weekend. The league maintains a comprehensive system for clubs and referees, including weekly fixture scheduling, league tables, and referee appointments that keep the competition running smoothly throughout the season.
History
The Amateur Football Combination (AFC) was formed in 2002 through the merger of two established leagues: the Old Boys League and the Southern Olympian League. This consolidation created one of Europe's largest adult football leagues.
Prior to the AFC's formation, reserve teams from Southern England, the Midlands, and Wales competed in the Football Combination. This competition served as a platform for reserve teams of English Football League clubs.
Today, the Amateur Football Combination has grown significantly, hosting approximately 75 clubs and 200 teams that play matches on Saturday afternoons. This impressive scale makes it one of the most extensive adult football leagues across Europe.
The league operates with multiple divisions organized into sections. The Senior Section represents the highest tier of competition, while the Intermediate Section provides opportunities for developing teams.
The AFC's divisional structure extends from Division One down to Division Six, creating a comprehensive competitive framework. This hierarchical system allows for promotion and relegation between divisions based on seasonal performance.
The Amateur Football Combination falls under the jurisdiction of the Amateur Football Alliance, a county football association in England established in 1907. This governance provides the league with official recognition and administrative support.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Amateur Football Combination (AFC) organizes adult football across multiple divisions based primarily on team skill level rather than age groups. Teams are strategically placed within divisions as determined by the Annual General Meeting (AGM) when new clubs join.
Unlike youth football systems such as Pop Warner in the United States, which utilizes six divisions determined by age/weight classifications, the AFC focuses on competitive balance within its adult league structure.
New teams applying to the AFC may request entry at specific division levels, but final placement decisions rest with league officials. This ensures appropriate competitive balance throughout the organization.
The AFC currently operates with 172 teams competing across multiple divisions. This extensive structure allows clubs of varying skill levels to find appropriate competition within the league framework.
Division assignments are reviewed seasonally, with promotion and relegation ensuring teams compete against others of similar ability. This system helps maintain competitive fixtures throughout all levels of the combination.
For clubs interested in joining with multiple teams, the AFC provides pathways for additional team entries beyond a club's primary squad. Each team is evaluated independently for appropriate divisional placement.
Football News
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Amateur Football Combination (AFC) is managed by a dedicated committee of volunteers who oversee various aspects of the league's operations. Key committee members include John Maskell who serves as the Amenities Officer, ensuring proper facilities for matches.
Simon Goldring holds the position of Development Chair, focusing on the growth and improvement of the league and its participating clubs. Andrew Cashmore-Till chairs the Awards Presentation committee, coordinating recognition ceremonies for outstanding achievements.
Steve Rawlinson works as the Representative Team Secretary, managing the league's representative sides. This role involves organizing fixtures and player selection for teams that represent the AFC in inter-league competitions.
The AFC also has several other important positions including:
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Bob Leeds |
| Referee Appointments | Contact via Club Directory |
| Registration Secretary | See official website |
Bob Leeds serves as both President and AFA Representative, maintaining important links with the Amateur Football Alliance. He can be reached at bobleeds@hotmail.co.uk or by telephone at 01707-850-339 or 07930-217-857.
Club officials can access additional committee contact information through the AFC's official handbook and directory sections of their website.
Teams
The Amateur Football Combination (AFC) is one of Europe's largest adult football leagues, hosting approximately 75 clubs and 200 teams competing on Saturday afternoons. This impressive scale makes it a significant part of grassroots football in southern England.
Teams in the AFC are organized into multiple divisions, creating a competitive structure that accommodates various skill levels. Many participating clubs field multiple teams, allowing for broader participation across different ability ranges.
Notable clubs in the AFC include:
- RC Old Boys
- Reigatians
- River Green
- Rob Roy Rovers
- Royal Sun Alliance
- Shene Old Grammarians
- Sinjuns Grammarians
- Southgate County
The majority of AFC teams have historical connections to educational institutions, corporations, or local communities. These connections often stretch back decades, with some clubs maintaining their original identity while adapting to modern football demands.
Teams compete primarily in Saturday afternoon fixtures, maintaining the traditional weekend football schedule that has been a cornerstone of amateur football in England. This scheduling helps create the distinct community atmosphere that characterizes the competition.
The geographical distribution of AFC teams is concentrated in London and the surrounding areas, making it a predominantly southern English league. This regional focus helps minimize travel times while maximizing local rivalries that enhance competitive interest.
Players
The Amateur Football Combination (AFC) provides opportunities for thousands of amateur players across Greater London, Essex, and Surrey. With approximately 75 clubs and over 200 teams competing on Saturday afternoons, the league represents one of the largest adult football competitions in Europe.
Players in the AFC come from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. Many are former youth academy members who continue their football journey at an amateur level, while others are simply enthusiasts who enjoy the competitive atmosphere of organized weekend matches.
The AFC attracts players of varying ages, typically ranging from 18 to 40+. Some clubs in the combination maintain multiple teams across different divisions, allowing players to compete at appropriate skill levels.
Match schedules are designed to accommodate working professionals, with fixtures primarily taking place on Saturday afternoons. This timing enables players to balance their sporting commitments with career and family responsibilities.
Player registration processes are managed through the league's administrative system. New players must be properly registered with their clubs before participating in official AFC fixtures.
The combination's extensive network of teams means there are constant opportunities for players looking to join clubs. Whether experienced footballers or newcomers to organized adult football, the AFC provides a structured environment for players to develop their skills and enjoy the competitive aspects of the game.
