The history of football in Ashbourne goes back to times immemorial. The Shrovetide game has been played in the town since at least c1667 and its proud tradition is supported as strongly as ever.

When the Derbyshire Football Association was formed in 1883 among the founding members was Ashbourne. In the draw for the first round of the first ever Derbyshire Challenge Cup in that same year, Ashbourne was drawn at home to Darley Abbey.

Ashbourne Football Club was formed in May 2009 by merging Ashbourne United FC and Ashbourne Town FC. Those two clubs carried the football banner in the town for many years.

In the intervening years AFC has competed in several local leagues and recorded a respectable number of successes.

Currently the Club runs three teams: men’s first team men’s reserves and, from 2022/23, ladies. We have a membership of approximately 60 people.

Ashbourne Football Club’s nickname is “The Shrovetiders” in affectionate and respectful recognition of a glorious tradition.