Inside Ashington AFC: The reality of running a Historic Non-League Club Against the Odds

ASHINGTON AFC BBC Documentary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002ypk3

In this episode of The Business of Football, David Chimbaza sits down with Nicola Sanders Cooper, the chair of Ashington AFC, to explore what it really takes to help run one of Northumberland’s oldest football clubs. Ashington AFC was formed in 1883, is closely tied to the town’s football heritage, and sits at the heart of its community, making this a conversation about much more than football on the pitch. 

Nicola shares how she moved into the role through her work on the board, initially supporting commercial growth and sponsorship before stepping up as chair, and she reflects on the reality of leading a step four non-league club with a volunteer-driven structure. She discusses the financial pressure of running the club, the challenge of long away travel across the Northern Premier League East Division, and why sustainability matters as much as results.

The conversation also looks at the wider impact Ashington AFC has beyond matchday, including its community role, volunteer base, and the importance of raising awareness for the work done behind the scenes. Nicola explains how the club uses football to support local people, from mental health initiatives to food bank collections, and why the documentary about the club has helped increase awareness, attract sponsorship, and encourage more people to get involved. 

This episode is a thoughtful look at non-league football, community leadership and the hidden work that keeps a historic club alive. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in football operations, grassroots sport, or the people working quietly to protect the future of their club.