Adebayo Akinfenwa joins FC Farsley as shareholder in ambitious new chapter

Adebayo Akinfenwa has a new role in football – as a shareholder for ambitious Step 7 newcomers FC Farsley.

The 44-year-old former AFC Wimbledon and Wycombe Wanderers legend, has teamed up with long-standing friends David and Katie Stockdale in helping to raise the profile of the club established off the back of Farsley Celtic’s sad demise.

The move reunites Akinfenwa, nicknamed ‘The Beast’, with his former Wycombe teammate Stockdale, who is manager and director of the football for the side who will play in in the Yorkshire Amateur Football League Supreme Division in their maiden season.

Stockdale’s wife Katie is the chair of the Throstle Nest club.

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Excited

Across a professional career spanning more than two decades, Akinfenwa made over 700 senior appearances, becoming one of English football’s most recognisable and respected personalities, renowned for his larger-than-life character and passion for the game.

Off the pitch, Akinfenwa has built a successful business portfolio and become a respected voice within football, using his platform to inspire players, support communities and promote opportunities within the game.

His experience, profile and values closely align with FC Farsley’s commitment to creating a sustainable, ambitious and community-focused football club.

Akinfenwa said: “When David and Katie told me about their plans for FC Farsley, it was impossible not to get excited.

“I’ve known them both for many years, and I know the passion, honesty and hard work they put into everything they do.

“This isn’t just about football – it’s about building a club that genuinely serves its community and creates opportunities for people.

“Becoming a shareholder was an easy decision because I believe in the people leading the club and the vision they’ve created.

“I’m looking forward to helping wherever I can, meeting the supporters and being part of what I believe is going to be a really exciting future for FC Farsley.”

Belief

Manager Stockdale added: “I’ve known Adebayo for a long time, and we shared some fantastic years together in professional football.

“I know exactly what he brings – not just because of the player he was, but because of the person he is.

“He’s someone who cares deeply about football, about people and about giving back to the game.

“When we spoke about what we’re building at FC Farsley, he immediately understood what we were trying to achieve.

“The fact that he’s chosen to become a shareholder says everything about the belief he has in the project.

“Having someone of his calibre involved is brilliant for everyone connected with the club, and I’m excited to continue this journey alongside him.”

Chair Katie Stockdale added: “Adebayo has been a close friend of ours for many years, so this isn’t simply someone joining the club – it’s someone who genuinely believes in what we’re trying to achieve and wants to be part of the journey.

“From the very beginning, we’ve spoken about creating a football club that puts people and the community first.

“Adebayo shares those values completely, and we’re excited to have someone of his experience, passion and personality helping us continue to grow both on and off the pitch.

“His belief in our vision means a great deal to us, and we’re looking forward to building the future of FC Farsley together.”

Positive atmopshere

Supporters will be able to watch FC Farsley’s first season under their new identity through a new “Pay What You Feel” admission model for the 2026/27 campaign.

The club launched the initiative today as part of its commitment to strengthening community links and ensuring football remains accessible to all, regardless of circumstance.

Rather than charging a fixed entry fee, the club will ask supporters to contribute an amount they feel is appropriate, giving fans greater flexibility and encouraging wider matchday attendance at Throstle Nest.

FC Farsley believe the approach will help remove barriers to entry, increase engagement and create a more inclusive atmosphere around the club as they continue to build on and off the pitch.

David said: “Football is at its best when it brings people together, and that’s exactly what we want to achieve.

“Creating a positive atmosphere around the club is incredibly important, and having more supporters, families and young people attending matches can only help strengthen what we are building here.

“We want players to represent a club that is connected to its community, and we want supporters to feel a genuine part of the journey.

“Hopefully this initiative encourages even more people to come along, enjoy their football and get behind the team throughout the season.”

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