In the beginning...

Erdington AFC was formally established in 1996 when it was first entered into the Sutton & District League. Prior to this, a core of Erdington-based players, including Neil Smith, Adam Markham, Paul and Mark Shaw and Kevin Cooke, had competed in various junior tournaments as 'Erdington AFC' from around 1986.

Entry into Sunday football was achieved thanks to contributions (on and off-field) from several individuals. In addition to the Erdington contingent mentioned above (most of whom remain with the club today as Coaches or Officials), the original 'benefactors' also included former club captain Darren Burke, goalscoring winger Andy Newman and midfield dynamo Anthony Taylor - the club's all-time appearance record-holder. All three have now officially retired, however their contribution to the club's history - like that of strike duo Parker & Pollock - will never be forgotten.

The early years

Erdington began Sutton Sunday in Division 6. During this first season, Shane Gray joined the club as manager and remained in the position for several seasons. After finishing 4th at the first attempt, the club was placed in Division 5 as the League was condensed. Under Gray's leadership, the 1997/98 campaign saw the club just miss out on the 'double', finishing Runners-up in Division 5 having lead the way for much of the season, while also reaching the Hine Cup Final at Sutton Town. In 2000, promotion to Division 3 was achieved with Erdington claiming the runners-up spot in Division 4. Two seasons in mid-table in Division 3 followed with Erdington reaching a Divisional Cup final again in 2002.

2003/04 - no time for losers

The summer of 2003 saw a number of developments after a difficult season following the club's rise to Division 2. By now the club had relocated from La Reserve in Sutton Park to Holly Lane / Grange Rd - the club's spiritual home. The restructuring saw the installation of Adam Markham as Manager and the arrival of several key additions to the playing squad, including Paul James, Ian Pugh and Mykel Beckley. Under the guidance of Markham, the club realised its ambition of achieving its first ever silverware, winning the Division 2 title in 2003/04. In a memorable season, all-time top goalscorer 'Fred' Parker notched his 100th Erdington goal in what was to be his final season before retiring, while the outstanding Beckley was voted Manager's and Players' player of the season after his 38-goal haul.

Into the premier

Erdington started the 2004/05 season in the Premier division for the 1st time in its history. Despite a shaky start, the club soon found its feet at the top level. Beckley was again the catalyst, his 33 goals helping the club achieve a very respectable 4th place, it's highest ever league finish. Unfortunately the following campaign saw the club hit rock-bottom - quite literally. A cruel run of injuries contributed to a dismal season which saw the club relegated for the first time.

The 2006/07 campaign saw Erdington return to the Premier at the first attempt with a 3rd placed finish. Perhaps the highlight of this season was the prolific Mykel Beckley overtaking Parker to become the club's all-time leading goalscorer, his 43 goal haul giving him a total of 114 in 3 seasons with the club.

The future

Paul Shaw and Adam Markham have both worked tirelessly to develop the club year on year in recent times - both in terms of the quality of the playing squad and in establishing a vibrant club that people want to come to. The club now has one of the youngest squads in the league, many of whom also play Saturday football at a decent level.

On the back of this progression, the club now run two midweek training sessions and were able to establish a Reserve team in 2008, a move which has greatly benefitted the 1st team and will continue to do so.