Business Details
9 Years
experience
Community-Owned Football Club in Lewes
We are a pioneering football club committed to using the power of sport for social change. Established as the world's first gender-equal football club, we combine competitive football with a mission to promote equality, community ownership, and environmental sustainability. Our community-driven model allows over 2,500 global owners to shape the club's direction through democratic governance. With teams across men's, women's, and youth football, we demonstrate how sport can drive progress both on and off the pitch. Our innovative approach includes anti-gamblification policies, environmental initiatives, and community outreach programs that extend football's impact beyond the game itself. 
Services
Men's Football
Women's Football
Youth Development
Community Outreach
Match Day Hospitality
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We pioneered gender equality in football with equal resources for men's and women's teams since 2017
- Our community ownership model gives fans direct influence over club decisions
- We implement environmental sustainability practices across all operations
- Our anti-gamblification policies maintain football's integrity for future generations
- We offer exclusive owner benefits including live match streaming and voting rights
What people say
Gender equality leadership
Community ownership model
Environmental initiatives
Youth development programs
Services
Men's Football
Competitive men's football team competing in the Isthmian Premier League. Our squad combines local talent with professional development pathways. We maintain equal standards with our women's team while delivering exciting matchday experiences for supporters.
Women's Football
Professional women's football team in the FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division. We broke new ground in 2017 by achieving equal resources with our men's team, setting a global benchmark for gender equality in sports.
Youth Development
Comprehensive youth football programs nurturing future talent across Sussex. Our academy system provides structured pathways from grassroots to senior levels, emphasizing both technical development and character building through sport.
Community Outreach
Initiatives using football to address social challenges and promote inclusion. Programs include anti-discrimination campaigns, environmental sustainability projects, and partnerships with local organizations to strengthen community bonds through sport.
Match Day Hospitality
Unique matchday experiences at The Dripping Pan, our historic stadium. We offer accessible facilities, local food and drink options, and family-friendly environments that create memorable days out for all supporters.
People
Craig Nelson
Manager
Appointed manager in 2025, Craig brings extensive football management experience to lead our men's team development and competitive strategy.
Lucy
Owner
Representative owner advocating for the club's ethical business model and community-focused approach to football governance.
Questions
What makes Lewes FC unique?
We're the world's first gender-equal football club with equal resources for men's and women's teams since 2017.
How can I support the club?
Become an owner, purchase merchandise, attend matches, or participate in our community initiatives.
What community initiatives do you run?
We run anti-discrimination campaigns, environmental sustainability projects, and local partnership programs through football.
How are decisions made at the club?
Our community owners vote on major decisions through our democratic governance structure.
What are your environmental policies?
We implement sustainability practices across operations and promote environmental awareness through football.
How can I attend matches?
Purchase tickets online for our home games at The Dripping Pan stadium in Lewes.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Joe Reid
Dec 16, 2021
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Great local football team for all. Probably one of the most middle class grounds due to the food choices. Can drink in stands except for FA cup games. Dog friendly
Gwilym Williams
Sep 22, 2021
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Wonderful local football...no divas ...or divers...just players ...well done Lewes for being real
Kevin Brown
Aug 14, 2021
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Great place to be on a match day when in the ground, but will you be able to get the parking sorted out with the college again for this season.
Terry Doherty
Dec 19, 2020
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The dripping pan is a memorable ground set in a natural bowl and is situated near to the train station and town centre. Parking is limited where a 10 minute walk maybe needed to the college parking down the road.
Lewes is a lovely town with plenty of unique shops and many pubs and restaurants. A tour of the nearby Harveys brewery is worth a visit where samples of their wares are on offer !
Lewes is a lovely town with plenty of unique shops and many pubs and restaurants. A tour of the nearby Harveys brewery is worth a visit where samples of their wares are on offer !
