A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHESTER NOMADS AFC

Our History

In the summer of 1902, a group of teenagers organised a few friendly football games for the coming winter. By October 1904, the first occasion for which written records exist, the club seems to have had an established fixture list, but neither a name nor a ground! Hence the name, NOMADS, decided upon during a train journey home after a match in Manchester, seemed entirely appropriate.

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The club was placed on a proper financial footing in 1906, and rules were drawn up. At first the club played in white cricket shirts, but soon took on the racing colours of the Duke of Westminster: Gold and Black; colours which have remained with Nomads for over ninety years - although now the gold has been modified to amber.

In 1913 the club moved to Boughton Hall, renting pitches from the Cricket Club, an arrangement which still continues, although we think that the right to graze sheep on the field is no longer part of the tenancy agreement!

Since that time the Nomads have gone from strength to strength, achieving success in local, county and national competitions, and, through the generosity of members in providing loans, being able to purchase our own ground in 1988.

Chester Nomads Association Football Club is among the oldest amateur soccer clubs in Chester, and is probably one of the biggest in England. Every Saturday we put out seven teams playing all over Cheshire, North Wales and Merseyside. The tradition of friendly football is maintained by four of the seven teams, while our First Eleven play in the Mid-Cheshire League, and the 2ndX1 and 3rdX1 play in the Chester & District League.

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The quality of the club is emphasised by the large number of ex-professionals who have played for the Nomads and continue to join. We also play as far afield as Yorkshire, South Wales and London.

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CHESTER NOMADS Junior Football Club

Formed in 1996 Chester Nomads JFC is the junior section of Chester Nomads one of the oldest and biggest clubs in Chester.

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Having secured the Charter Standard last year the Junior club prides itself on it's professional approach to providing football to the community of Chester and surrounding areas where it currently caters for over 200 children. There are teams from the age of 7 to 16 and a development club for 5 to 7 year olds. 

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Under the Charter Standard which is a form of quality control operated by the FA every coach has a FA coaching qualification and every person working with the children has been DBS checked and has attended a child protection course. There is also a committee with elected officers and formal accounts.

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The club also operates from Boughton Hall cricket ground which boasts facilities that are second to none and there are additional facilities at the Garrison ground in Handbridge.

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Whilst the club aims to be successful on the pitch, this is not at the expense of the welfare of the children and great emphasis is put on good conduct by all connected with the club. Ultimately enjoyment for the children is paramount