News, Events and updates

THE AFC WAY

Shaping people, not just players. Building a club our community is proud to call home.

AFC Wolves is one of the region’s largest, fastest-growing community football clubs, soon to be operating 25+ teams, a thriving Development Centre, and full pathways from U7 through adult football. Our success is not an accident, it comes from a shared philosophy we call The AFC Way.

The AFC Way is the identity of our club: how we train, how we play, how we behave, and how we support each other on and off the pitch.

1. OUR PURPOSE

Football for all. Opportunity for every player. A community where everyone belongs.

We exist to:

• Provide inclusive, high-quality football for boys, girls, men, and women.
   
• Build confident, resilient, respectful young people.
   
• Offer performance pathways: MJPL, Girls, Floodlit, Women’s — alongside accessible grassroots teams.
   
• Represent Wolverhampton with pride, professionalism, and community values.
  
   

2. OUR PRINCIPLES

Player-Centred Development

Every player is valued as an individual.
We focus on learning, enjoyment, confidence, and long-term growth over short-term results.

A Consistent Playing Philosophy

Across all teams:

• We encourage bravery in possession
   
• We build from the back where appropriate
   
• We value creativity and decision-making
   
• We compete with intensity and respect
   

Positive Coaching Standards

Our coaches commit to:

• Creating safe, inclusive learning environments
   
• Role-modelling the behaviours we expect from players
   
• Encouraging effort, teamwork, and resilience
   
• Using age-appropriate, modern coaching methods
  
   

Respect for All

Players, coaches, referees, parents — we’re all one team.
We follow FA guidelines on behaviour, safeguarding, and social media conduct.

3. HOW WE TRAIN

Structured, Progressive Sessions

All teams follow a seasonal coaching framework shaped by:

• Technical development
   
• Tactical understanding
   
• Physical literacy
   
• Psychological development (confidence, resilience, leadership)
   

Quality Coaching Pathway

We invest in continuous development:

• CPD workshops
   
• Mentoring
   
• Opportunities for aspiring coaches
   
• Support towards FA qualifications
  
   

 4. HOW WE PLAY

Our Playing Identity

Regardless of age or ability, AFC Wolves teams are encouraged to play with:

Bravery – take risks, be creative, make decisions
Energy – work hard, press, support each other
Togetherness – communicate and play for the badge
Respect – for coaches, officials, opponents, and each other

5. OUR EXPECTATIONS OF EVERYONE

Players

• Show respect
   
• Work hard
   
• Listen, learn, and try your best
   
• Be a great teammate
   
• Represent the club with pride
   

Parents & Carers

• Support positively
   
• Allow coaches to coach
   
• Never criticise children, other players, or referees
   
• Communicate with coaches respectfully
   
• Follow FA safeguarding and digital safety guidance
  
   

Coaches

• Plan purposeful sessions
   
• Role model our club values
   
• Communicate clearly and positively
   
• Prioritise welfare and inclusivity
   
• Follow FA and Club policies
  
   

6. A CLUB FOR THE FUTURE

"The AFC Way" feeds directly into our long-term strategy: more teams, more opportunities, better facilities, and a permanent home for the club.

AFC Wolves is building something special , and every player, parent, coach, and volunteer is part of that journey.

100 Youth Leadership Spaces to Inspire the Next Generation

AFC Wolves CIC is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Coaches Club CIC, joining their nationally
recognised "Coaches Club Passport to Work" programme.
 

This initiative, funded through the National Lottery Community Fund, represents a major step forward in AFC Wolves'
mission to develop young people, grow our volunteer workforce, and build a sustainable community football and
leadership pathway.
 

The Coaches Club Passport to Work provides accredited Youth Leaders Awards designed to equip participants with
the skills, confidence and experience to volunteer and work in sport, education and community development.
 

Through this partnership, AFC Wolves has secured 100 course spaces, with support from the National Lottery Awards for all funding.
 

Each participant will complete a minimum of 25 hours volunteering, supporting areas such as:
- Coaching and session delivery
- Social media and content creation
- Club administration and events
- Marketing, media and community outreach
 

This means every learner contributes directly to the growth of AFC Wolves, our Development Centre and the wider
community.
 

Luke Thompson, Strategic Director, AFC Wolves CIC said:

"This partnership is about more than football - it's about giving young people purpose, skills and confidence.
The Passport to Work programme helps us build a workforce that supports the
club, the community, and the next generation of leaders across Wolverhampton."

James Bragg, Director, Coaches Club CIC, added:

“We’re thrilled to be working alongside AFC Wolves CIC to open up real opportunities for young people in Wolverhampton.

The Passport to Work initiative gives participants the chance to gain experience, develop leadership skills and make a difference in their own communities.

It’s exactly the kind of collaboration we want to see — local organisations investing in people and creating pathways for the next generation.”
 

Pilot Phase: 11 November - 19 December 2025
Full Launch: January 2026
Proposed Venue: TBC
 

To register your interest or find out more, visit www.afcwolves.com or contact@afcwolves.com.

 

🔊 COACHES WANTED – JOIN AFC WOLVES! 🐺⚽
Are you passionate about football, people, and making a positive impact in your community? AFC Wolves is on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals to join our coaching team — no previous experience required!

We have exciting opportunities available across the club:
✅ Mini Soccer Coaches
✅ Youth Team Coaches (including MJPL squads)
✅ Women’s First Team Manager & Coaches
✅ Community Coaches for local projects

If you're committed, motivated, and eager to grow, we’ll help you become the coach you aspire to be.

👉 Express your interest now: REGISTER BELOW

📧 Questions? Contact us at contact@afcwolves.com or message 

 🌟 Women’s Football – Open Training Sessions at AFC Wolves 🌟
Are you a woman who wants to get involved in football—whether it’s to compete, play casually, or simply try something new?
AFC Wolves is hosting open training sessions for women of all abilities. Whether you're completely new to the game or have previous playing experience, you’re welcome to join us!
We’re passionate about getting more women and girls involved in football. Whether you're looking to be part of a team, get fit, meet new people, or just have fun on the pitch, there’s a place for you at AFC Wolves.
✅ All abilities welcome
✅ Supportive and inclusive environment
✅ Opportunities to play competitively or socially
✅ Be part of a growing women’s football community
Come along, give it a go, and see what we’re all about!
📅 Thursdays  6.30pm-8pm
📍 City of Wolverhampton College, Wellington Road, Bilston, WV14 6BT
👉 To find out more or register your interest, contact us at contact@afcwolves.com or register your interest pressing the button below
Let’s grow the game—together. ⚽💛 

Join AFC Wolves Girls Development Centre for the 2025/26 season! We're on the lookout for new players aged from Year 2 (Under 7) to Year 6 (Under 11). At AFC Wolves, we pride ourselves on offering inclusive football sessions designed to cater to players of all abilities. 

To join AFC Wolves Girls Development Centre for the upcoming season, simply complete our registration form and one of our coaches will be in touch.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of our vibrant football community!

Join us at AFC Wolves and let's kick off an unforgettable football journey together!

We are delighted to announce that we have achieved 3 star accreditation with the Football Association. Thank you to all who made this achievable.