We welcome new members to the Amateur Football Combination — whether you are a new club, a referee, or a player looking for a team. With over 80 clubs and more than 215 sides playing Saturday afternoons from September through May, we are proud to be the biggest adult football league in Europe.
For Players & Referees
Players
New players should contact local clubs directly. Please use our Club Map to find teams in your area and reach out to them through their individual club pages.
Referees
We are always looking for new referees to join the league panel. Whether you are already qualified or interested in learning, we can find the right level of game to suit your age and standard. For more details, visit the [Referees Section].
For Prospective New Clubs
We always welcome applications from well-run clubs that are serious about their football. Our entry requirements are strict to maintain the high standards of the league. Please read [AFC Competition Rules] (specifically rule 4b) before applying.
Application Timeline & Process
1. Initial Expression of Interest (Deadline: December 31st)
Informal applications must be submitted to the League Secretary, Ciaran Fitzgibbon, by 31st December. Applications missing any of the following will not be considered:
- A completed New Club Application Form.
- Your County Affiliation Number (all clubs must be affiliated with a County FA).
- A list of results from the current season (at least 10 games played).
- Club Rules, [Disciplinary Code], and current season financial accounts.
- An estimated number of playing members.
- Details of your proposed home ground and hospitality venue.
2. The Vetting Period (January 1st – March 31st)
During this time, the Amenities Officer will review your application, inspect ground facilities, and check disciplinary records. Note: Applications arriving after December 31st are normally not considered.
3. Formal Application (Deadline: March 31st)
If approved by the Amenities Officer, you must submit a formal application to both John Maskell (Amenities Officer) and Ciaran Fitzgibbon (League Secretary) by 31st March.
This formal application requires:
- All information from the initial step.
- Letters from two existing Full Member Clubs of the AFC proposing and seconding your application.
4. Confirming Membership (May – June)
- May: The Amenities Officer recommends successful clubs to the AFC Executive Committee.
- June: Recommended clubs are expected to attend the AFC Annual General Meeting (AGM) for final election.
- Elected clubs enter the league on a 1-year “probation” period.
- Requirement: Accepted clubs must also affiliate with the Amateur Football Alliance (requiring a proposer and seconder).
Associate Membership & Transfers
Associate Membership
This status is designed for new clubs (especially Youth Clubs transitioning to Adult football) accepted on a trial basis to play friendlies before formally joining the league.
Benefits of Associate Membership:
- Club details published on the AFC website.
- Receipt of the weekly bulletin to arrange friendly matches.
- (Note: Associate Members cannot play league football and do not have voting rights).
Transferring from Other Leagues
Associate Membership is not a mandatory step for everyone. Established adult clubs transferring from other leagues generally do not need to play a season of friendlies. As long as transferring clubs meet the standard December 31st and March 31st deadlines, their applications will be processed normally.