Climbing the Pyramid: AFC Liverpool

Back on many-a football enthusiasts mind this week was the return of Europe’s premier cup competition: the Champions League. European powerhouse, Juventus, were preparing to play in Glasgow against Celtic while Valencia hosted a Paris St Germain team doped by Arab oil and boasting new show pony David Beckham. Viewing figures were surely in the hundreds of thousands.

David Beckham chose Paris over Prescot…but was he right?

Meanwhile, a loyal band of 100 or so had congregated in Prescot’s 3200 capacity Valerie Park to watch a game of North West Counties Premier Division football. Resting in tier nine of the English football pyramid, clubs competing in this division would require eight consecutive promotions to compete with the likes of Everton and (big) Liverpool.

AFC Liverpool (A for Affordable) were founded in 2008 as a fan-owned club, with a goal of providing an alternative day out for football (especially red) fans. Tickets cost just £5 a game, roughly an eighth of the minimum required for a seat at Anfield. Both teams wear red and walk out to the iconic ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.

The pre match atmosphere at Valerie Park was electric

The opponents today are Barnoldswick Town. They’re trying to give their supporters something else to cheer about other than being the fourth longest place name in the UK that doesn’t use any repeating letters.

Though the quality of football on offer may be marginally less easy on the eye, the honesty and warmth makes AFC Liverpool more approachable than its older sibling. While the PA at Anfield is likely to be playing chart music before kickoff, AFCL use the occasion to advertise the clubs 2013 calendar. After all, opportunities are more limited; this was the first home game since Boxing Day to go ahead. And marketing calendars in mid-February requires the sort of dealing Harry Redknapp would be proud of.

Clash of the Titans: AFC Liverpool (red) vs Barnoldswick Town (yellow/blue)

The ground, with a single two tiered stand and pub on the ground floor, might have seen better days, but it was the pitch that craved the most attention. Instead of under soil heating and a state of the art drainage system, the groundsman generously dug out a few sandpits near the centre circle to deal with the boggiest section. Tea, coffee and pies are served through a little window connected to the main standing area. Beer isn’t allowed onto the terrace.

This couple proved that split loyalties need not wreck relationships

Even so, it’s unlikely you would find any trouble at AFC Liverpool. I made it through the single turnstile without my bag without being checked for explosives or worse, Everton memorabilia. Would-be-terrorists might have more high profile targets than the creaking Valerie Park. In fact the most likely health risk is posed by the chimneys of passive smoke you may inhale. A blind eye is turned to government legislation here.

If Manchester United are first in the current English league rankings, AFC Liverpool are joint 199th. But here at Valerie Park you get local, passionate supporters, goalkeepers as round as the ball they catch and the odd occasion the stadium announcer forgets player names. And all for a fiver.

Attendance: 106
Pie Factor: ***

Huge thanks to AFC Liverpool and particularly Alan Harrison who answered all my questions. Follow AFC Liverpool on Twitter @AFCLiverpool and for more information visit their website.

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