Inclusive, Inspiring, Equality FC for young people in the heart of the Lewes community

Providing football for over 300 girls and boys.

Welcome to Lewes FC Juniors

Lewes FC Juniors: Inclusive. Inspiring. Equality FC.

Lewes FC Juniors is more than a football club — it’s a community. Founded on the principles of Equality FC, we are proud to champion inclusivity, fairness, and equal access for all. Every member is valued equally, and every penny of membership fees is invested transparently to ensure all players receive the same high-quality experience.

Our club offers a safe, inspiring environment where children (aged 6 -18 years) can develop not only their skills and love for the game but also confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.

We are entirely volunteer-run, driven by the dedication and passion of parents, coaches, and the wider community. Together, we are building something truly special: a club that embodies the spirit of Equality FC and places fairness, inclusion, and community at its heart.

What makes us different

• Equality for all: At Lewes FC Juniors, every member receives the same access to top-quality facilities, coaching, and support. From our all-weather 3G pitch The Rookery to financial support for those in need, our ethos ensures fairness at every level.

• Transparency in membership fees: We believe in being open about where your money goes. Membership fees are carefully allocated to ensure every penny supports the experience and development of every player, no matter their background or ability.

• Commitment to inclusivity: Our commitment to "one team per gender per year group" reflects our dedication to growing football for girls, boys, and all players in line with our club's capacity. We actively work to break down barriers, ensuring football is accessible, fun, and equitable.

• A legacy of equality: Inspired by the work of the Lewes FC and Lewes Football Foundation, we focus on creating pathways for women and girls to thrive in football, increasing participation and ensuring equal opportunities for all players.

How to get involved

1. Join a team or play at Saturday Rooks
   We welcome players of all abilities, from U6 to U18, and work hard to provide opportunities for everyone. While our teams are often full, Saturday Rooks offers a fantastic drop-in option for players to enjoy football without the commitment of a full team. Visit our Membership & Registration page to learn more.

2. Volunteer with us
   Our club thrives on the dedication of volunteers. Whether you’re coaching, organising events, or supporting matchdays, you’ll find a role where you can make a difference. No experience? No problem — we’ll provide the guidance and support you need. Visit our Volunteering page to get started.

3. Support the club
   Beyond volunteering, you can support Lewes FC Juniors through sponsorships, fundraising, or donations. Your contributions help us maintain fairness and access for all. Contact our Secretary if you would like to help and she will forward your enquiry to the right person.

Lewes Football Foundation: our essential partner

Lewes Football Foundation is integral to everything we do. Their support enables us to provide high-quality facilities, equipment, and opportunities for all players. A key focus of the Foundation is growing football for women and girls in Lewes, ensuring equal opportunities, breaking down barriers, and creating pathways for all players to develop and thrive.

Through the Foundation’s work, we recognise the vital role football plays in building confidence, fostering community, and developing lifelong skills. Together, we’re committed to making football a space where everyone feels welcome. Learn more about their impact here.

Need hHelp?

Our website is designed to make finding information easy. Here’s what you can find:

• Membership & Registration: Guidance on joining a team or playing at Saturday Rooks.

• Policies: Our rules and guidelines to ensure fairness and safety.

• Responsibilities: Managing expectations for parents and coaches.

Equality FC and inclusion: at the heart of our club

At Lewes FC Juniors, we take pride in our commitment to inclusivity, inspired by the principles of Equality FC and enshrined in the Equalities Act (2010). We strive to create an equitable environment where every player, regardless of their protected characteristics, feels welcomed, supported, and valued. These characteristics include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Inclusivity isn’t just a principle for us—it’s a practice that guides every decision we make, ensuring that football is accessible to all.

We also understand that football is a journey, and not everyone will stay in the same team or role throughout their time with the club. While some players will stay with the club for life, we also celebrate the diverse ways in which children, parents, and volunteers contribute to the club’s community. We are here to support coaches and parents in fostering harmonious relationships within their teams, and we know that sometimes these relationships need a little help. That’s why we’re always open to honest conversations and informal chats to resolve challenges and keep things running smoothly. We want you to feedback !

For our volunteer coaches, we provide support and conflict resolution tools (or, as we like to say, opportunities to have a good chat over a cup of tea!) to ensure everyone feels heard and respected. We balance the needs of coaches who prefer a more competitive team selection process with those who welcome players of all abilities. While we’ll always stand firm against exclusion based on a protected characteristic, we’re here to help navigate the nuances of team dynamics, finding solutions that work for everyone. At Lewes FC Juniors, we’re committed to building strong relationships and an inclusive community that keeps children, parents, and volunteers engaged and thriving in the world of football.

Welcome to Lewes FC Juniors

Football is for everyone, and at Lewes FC Juniors, everyone plays a part. Join us as we continue to build an inclusive, inspiring club for the heart of the Lewes community.

Our history

Lewes FC Juniors traces its roots back to the early 1970s, when it was originally founded as Lewes Bridge View FC by George Feltham and former Portsmouth and Cambridge player Paddy Griffin, with the support of their wives, Jan and Maureen. The club began humbly with a single Under-8s team, which triumphed in its first game against Covet. From there, the club quickly grew, adding more teams and nurturing local talent.

Lewes Bridge View has a proud tradition of developing players who have gone on to achieve success in the professional game. John Robinson, who played in the Premier League for Charlton, represented Wales at international level, and first tasted footballing success with Lewes Bridge View after transferring from Newhaven Imps. Another standout alumnus is Paul Ifill, who played for Millwall, Sheffield United under Neil Warnock, and Crystal Palace, while former Fulham and Brighton midfielder Stan Brown is also part of the club’s rich footballing history. David Wheeler, who played professionally for Exeter City and later Queens Park Rangers, also came through the ranks at Bridge View. Over the years, the club has produced Albion Centre of Excellence players and many others who have continued their footballing careers in non-league teams.

Lewes Bridge View was known for its international connections, participating in tournaments in France at the Robert Pirès Playing Fields in Reims and in Holland. The club initially played at Malling School and the Stanley Turner Ground before settling at Malling Fields in the early 1980s. By February 2006, it had grown to over 600 members, a testament to its strong community ties and commitment to youth football development.

In June 2016, Lewes Bridge View FC merged with Lewes FC to form Lewes FC Juniors, uniting under the iconic red and black kit of Lewes FC. However, the legacy of Bridge View lives on through the orange lettering for "Juniors" beneath the main club badge, honoring the club's rich history.

Today, Lewes FC Juniors thrives as a cornerstone of the local football community, FA accrediting with Lewes FC and supported by the Lewes Football Foundation. The club plays its home matches at The Rookery 3G pitch and Priory School Fields, reflecting a growing partnership with Priory School that promises exciting future opportunities. This success would not have been possible without the dedication of hundreds of volunteers over the years, whose tireless efforts have built and sustained the club for generations. How long before we see our first Lewes FC first team female who played for the Juniors?