AFC Fylde have been sent support by Prime Minister Theresa May for reaching Wembley twice this season – and for their excellent work in the community.
The Prime Minister made her comments after the club’s success was raised at Prime Minister’s Question Time by Fylde MP Mark Menzies.
He said: “Mr Speaker, the whole House and, indeed, the nation knows that you are an Arsenal superfan, but other teams are available. One such team is AFC Fylde, who have reached Wembley not once, but twice this season.
“May I ask the Prime Minister to join me in congratulating and wishing them well, not just for their performance on the pitch, but for their excellent work in the schools and prisons in my community, and may I urge the Government to support AFC Fylde in their endeavours?”
The Prime Minister told him: “My hon. Friend is absolutely right to congratulate AFC Fylde, who I believe are known as the Coasters, on their recent success.
“We wish them the best for the play-off final at Wembley.
“AFC Fylde is a very good example of how clubs can engage with their local communities. We want to see these partnerships taking place, as they lead to excellent work in communities.
“We are currently investing more money than ever in community football programmes and facilities, and we fully intend the funding levels in this area to continue.
“We have regular meetings with the FA and Premier League to encourage this activity at a local level, but my hon. Friend is right to congratulate AFC Fylde not only on their success on the pitch, but on the changes that they are making to lives in their community through the work they are doing there.”
The AFC Fylde Community Foundation has worked in schools across the borough to improve sporting participation from those who may not have been keen to take part before. The Foundation also operates a rehabilitation and community mentoring programme providing support for those leaving prison.
The Coasters play in the FA Trophy final against Leyton Orient at Wembley, and face Salford in the playoffs for promotion to League Two.