Wallingford & Crowmarsh Football Club, nicknamed “The Wally,” is a non-league football club based in Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
Established in 1922, they currently compete in the Cherry Red Records Combined Counties Premier Division North, which is part of the ninth tier of English football. The team calls Hithercroft their home ground.
The club emerged from the merger of Crowmarsh Youth Football Club and Wallingford Town AFC in the 2022/23 season. Wallingford Town, founded in 1922, initially competed in the Hellenic League and became notable in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They won the Chiltonian League in 1997-98 and then the Combined Counties League in 2001-02, but despite their successes, they were denied promotion to the Isthmian League due to inadequate ground facilities. Efforts to upgrade their facilities were partly successful with a £100,000 grant, but player turnover in 2004-05 led to a decline, culminating in relegation. The club rebounded in 2005-06, securing promotion to the Hellenic League Premier Division. In 2011, they introduced junior teams, and in 2013, the club reverted to its original name and colors to better represent the town.
Crowmarsh Youth FC originated in the 1960s, starting with local enthusiasts and entering the North Berks Boys competitions by 1963-64. Their early success included reaching the under-15 cup final in their debut season and winning league and cup titles the following year. The club expanded, adding more youth teams and moving facilities several times due to local developments. By the early 1990s, they settled at a new recreation ground in Crowmarsh. The club continued to grow, offering football for boys and girls from under-7 to under-16 at subsidized costs. Their annual six-a-side tournament became a major fundraising event, helping sustain their activities. Crowmarsh Youth FC earned a reputation for good organization and sportsmanship, with some players advancing to professional football, including the Premier League.
The merged entity, now AFC Wallingford, continues to build on the legacies of both parent clubs. They compete in the Hellenic League and have seen managerial changes, with Glenn Goudie succeeding Duncan Mitchell and then transitioning to Chairman. Lee Matthews took over as manager for the 2021-22 season. The club has maintained its commitment to youth development and community involvement, striving to provide quality football experiences at low costs. This enduring commitment ensures the club remains a vital part of the local football landscape.