Bideford A.F.C., nicknamed “The Robins,” is a non-league football club based in Bideford, Devon.
Established in 1947, they currently compete in the Pitching In Southern Football League Division One South, which is part of the eighth tier of English football. The team calls The Sports Ground their home ground.
Known as “The Robins” due to their red shirts, the club has predominantly played at the Sports Ground on Kingsley Road since the early 1900s. The club enjoyed early success in North Devon before going into hibernation during World War II. A notable historical moment was in 1927 when Cardiff City’s FA Cup-winning captain Fred Keenor visited Bideford with the cup.
Post-World War II, Bideford reformed in the 1947/48 season as “Bideford Association Football Club,” entering the Exeter and East Devon League. Under manager Fred Pincott, they rapidly progressed through the divisions, eventually joining the Western League and achieving notable success, including a memorable FA Cup run in 1964/65. They played thirteen FA Cup games in the 1974–75 season, setting a record for the most games in a single campaign, an achievement that remains unmatched due to rule changes. Financial difficulties in the 1980s led to a re-formation in 1987 as Bideford AFC (1987) Ltd.
Under the management of Sean Joyce since 1998, Bideford has won multiple Western League titles and enjoyed significant success in various cup competitions, including the FA Vase and Devon St Luke’s Bowl. The club achieved promotion to the Southern League Premier Division in 2012 and recorded their highest league finish in 2013/14. Despite relegation in 2015/16, Bideford has a rich history of developing players who progressed to the Football League and has seen former internationals play for the club. Their achievements include ten Western League titles and numerous local cup victories.
BIDEFORD AFC (1987) Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales under company number 02113750 .