A century-old, Member-owned football club where community spirit thrives, nurturing local talent and uniting fans through shared traditions and unwavering support.
On one of the most prominent walls in Mr Stavros Power’s home is a picture of his son as a two-year-old wearing a Newport County AFC shirt.
“That’s my little lad, only two years old in his first Newport County shirt,” said Power,” It’s like he’s been part of the club from the start, part of the family.”
This photo is more than just a cute snapshot; it symbolizes the deep-rooted connection between generations and the club that has become a second home for them. “Newport County is not just a team to us,” Power continues, “it’s a community where my son and I have made countless memories. The first time I brought him to a match, I saw his eyes light up, and I knew then that this was something we’d cherish together for life.”
Newport County Football Club is a professional member-owned football club in Newport, formed in 1912
Fan-owned clubs are characterised by the fact that supporters (rather than private owners or companies) hold the controlling interest. This structure ensures that decisions are made with the interests of the fans in mind, often prioritising long-term stability and community engagement over short-term profit.
“Newport County AFC is a prime example of how this model can foster a strong and loyal fan base, where the fans truly own and are proud of the club.“ said Stavros.
Commenting on the history and glory of the club, Stavros said with great pride:’’ We have over a century of glorious history, we have beaten Welsh clubs like Cardiff City and Swansea! “
For a small city like Newport with a club that operates in the lower leagues the carnival festival on a match day is unrivalled, according to Stavros. “You should see it, on match day, the town turns amber and black. Flags out of every window, kids running around in their jerseys. It’s like our own little festival every time.”
“Match days are always a boost for local businesses,” said Sarah Jenkins, owner of a café near Rodney Parade. “We see a surge in customers, and the atmosphere is electric. Newport County isn’t just a football club; it’s the heartbeat of the town. The fans bring life to the streets, and it’s wonderful to be part of that energy.”
“I grew up watching Newport County with my dad, and now I can’t imagine supporting any other club,” said 17-year-old Lewis Morgan, a lifelong fan. “It’s not just about the football; it’s about being part of something bigger, something that brings everyone in the community together. I hope to bring my own kids here one day.”
Currently, Newport AFC competes in EFL Division 2, the fourth tier of the English football league system.
“We might be in the fourth tier, but does that matter to us? Not one bit. It’s not all about being in the Premier League. It’s about our club, our community.” said Stavros.
According to Football Web Pages, the attendance and commercial value generated by the English leagues, other than the Premier League, rank among the highest in Europe.
Average attendances for the 22-2023 season were around 18,000 to 20,000, with certain clubs such as Sunderland averaging close to 39,000 for home matches, this figure is three to four times higher than in the Italian secondary leagues.
At the same time, Sub-league clubs generate considerable revenue through commercial sponsorship, advertising, and merchandising, English Football Championship clubs have a total income of about Pound700 million.
“Sub-league clubs often have strong links with the community and a solid fan base, with many having tens of thousands of season ticket holders,” said Kimberley Morris, member of the Newport Fans Association, “It’s the club’s community spirit, the fans still love the club even if the team can’t have a Premier League ranking.”
Fans are involved in club operations and community projects through volunteering. Newport County AFC is managed through a supporters’ trust to ensure that fans have a voice in the club’s decision-making processes.
Stavros said, “We are here for the team, through every match, every season. It’s our community, our family, and we can help the team with future decisions as well.”
Kimberley believes that community spirit is also reflected in youth development and the football academy, where the club helps the local community develop youth players.
“The Welsh superstar, Gareth Bale was eight years old when he played for a civil service six-a-side team in Newport then being noticed by scouts from Southampton,” said Kimberley,” His first stop was also a community club in such a community-focused environment highlights the importance of grassroots clubs like Newport County, where the emphasis is on nurturing local talent and fostering a sense of belonging.”
Newport County A.F.C. has an active youth camp. The club’s youth camp covers a wide range of age groups from U9 to U18 and has been certified as an EPPP (Elite Player Performance Plan) Level 3 Academy.
“Just a few years back, in the 2016/17 season, our U18 player won the EFL Youth League 1 champions, and it doesn’t stop there. We’re seeing more and more of our homegrown talents stepping up to the first team. It’s brilliant to watch these young players come through the ranks, knowing they’re the future of our club.” Said Stavros.
The club also organised a variety of community engagement events and recruitment days, which attracted a large number of young players from Newport, Gwent and the South Wales area on trial.
“The club organizes community summer football camps every summer to provide football training for children aged 5 to 11 years old, including a camp specifically for girls and a goalkeeper camp.” Said Kimberley.
Newport AFC officials have always placed a strong emphasis on philanthropy in the community. Newport fan Robert Ellul is battling cancer and the club’s charity football day to raise funds raised £6,000 for the McMillan Cancer Trust.
“It’s just like I always say, we’re not just fans; we’re family. When one of us is hurting, we all feel it. So, when my mate needed help with his cancer fight, it wasn’t just me; loads of us pitched in. Donations, support. That’s what this community is all about. We look out for each other, in good times and bad. It’s not just about football—it’s about being there for one another, no matter what comes our way.” Said Stavros
This sense of solidarity described by Stavros is emblematic of the deep-seated socio-cultural fabric that binds football fans across the country.
Football clubs, particularly those with strong community links like Newport County, often become the glue that holds this together, extending it from the stadium to all aspects of life.
“Socio-cultural aspects of English football fandom involve the collective solidarity of supporters’ groups, the bonds between clubs, supporters and their “home” communities,” said Richard Giulianotti, Professor at Loughborough University, “and the community spirit of belonging promotes amelioration of class, racial and gender prejudices.”
Newport County A.F.C. is involved in Show Racism the Red Card, a charity dedicated to fighting racism through education and football stars as role models. During warm-ups before matches, players wear red T-shirts with anti-racism messages to show the club’s strong stance against racism.
According to the report from Sky Sports, The Newport AFC had demonstrated their commitment to combating racism by imposing a lifetime ban on a fan for racist abuse during a match.
Richard believes that football is not just a sport in the UK, it is a symbol of culture and community cohesion.
“It’s a community where everyone knows your name, where you’re never alone, whether you’re celebrating a win or facing tough times.”
“Here in Newport, the club is the heart of the community, and every one of us feels connected, like part of a big, extended family.” said Stavros.