The history of football in Emley can be traced back to 1903. Over many decades, Emley AFC became the most successful non-league team in Yorkshire. Consistent success in the Yorkshire League led to the club becoming a founder member of the NCEL.
At a national level, an FA Vase semi-final appearance was followed a year later with a trip to Wembley for the final in 1988.
Ground improvements meant the step up to the Northern Premier League was eventually achieved after two successive NCEL Premier Division championship wins.
In 1997-98, the village club went on a historic FA Cup run to the third round proper, culminating in a trip to Premier League West Ham United in 1998.
That success was followed by an ultimately failed move to Wakefield.
When the club dropped ‘Emley’ from their name and disbanded the reserve team – which had continued to play at The Welfare Ground since the move- the club was reborn as AFC Emley in 2005 and after a single season in the West Yorkshire League, were elevated to the NCEL.
After a run to the 4th round of the FA Vase in 2012-13, there followed two successive ‘oh-so-nearly’ promotion pushes: firstly, losing out on sudden death penalties in a play-off final in 2016 and then missing out on goal difference, after a record points total of 95, the following season. Disappointment carried through to an unsuccessful play-off bid.
Following two seasons of mid-table finishes, the summer of 2019 saw major developments. The club reclaimed its old name of Emley AFC and a new management team was installed – Richard Tracey joined as Manager with Steve Nicholson, who played in the famous West Ham team, as his assistant.
Unexpectedly moved to the North-West Counties League, the team was very well placed for promotion, lying comfortably in the top 4, until the Covid-19 pandemic caused the termination and voiding of the season by the FA.
Back in the NCEL for the 2020/21 season, the season was curtailed again, after just 10 games, with Emley top of the league. The FA’s reorganisation of steps 4, 5 and 6 benefitted Emley and our PPG average was enough for promotion to the NCEL Premier Division.
After an initial settling in season Emley pushed for promotion in 2022-23, just falling short in third place. However, this disappointment was softened with the club’s first senior trophy in 25 years – recapturing the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup for a ninth time.
In 2023-24 Emley achieved their goal of reaching the Northern Premier League. This magnificent season included an FA Cup run to the third qualifying round, going out narrowly to Alfreton Town, and an exciting FA Vase run to the quarter final, eventually losing at Worcester City. The NCEL was secured with 3 games to go, and Emley became champions by 9 clear points to secure promotion.