The story of the modern Brinsley FC cannot be told without recognising the contribution of Adam and Claire Thomas and AT Coaching.
Long before the club adopted the Brinsley FC name we use today, teams representing the village competed as ATFA Brinsley. Under Adam’s guidance, what began as an opportunity to provide more football for local children developed into a thriving grassroots setup, with teams representing Brinsley across different ages and competitions.
FA and YEL records still provide a snapshot of that journey. Teams carrying the ATFA Brinsley name have included the Falcons, Bobcats, Devils, Dynamos, Raptors, Bullets and many more, representing the village throughout grassroots football.
More Than Just Football
Adam’s contribution to Brinsley has always extended beyond simply putting teams onto a football pitch.
That contribution was formally recognised when Adam received the Sporting Volunteer Award at the Broxtowe Volunteer Awards.
The award recognised Adam and his team of coaches for the work they had done developing football within Brinsley: coaching children, hosting matches, fundraising to help local groups and introducing an exchange for football boots and kit that youngsters had outgrown, allowing other children to get involved without families having to immediately purchase new equipment.
It was recognition not simply of a football coach, but of someone using football to make a positive difference within his community.
The achievement was also recognised closer to home. Minutes from Brinsley Parish Council in November 2023 record Adam receiving the Sporting Volunteer Award and the council formally congratulating him on his achievement.
A Lasting Connection With Brinsley
Although the football club has now developed into Brinsley FC, the relationship with AT Coaching remains an important part of who we are.
AT Coaching continues to be active within the village. Brinsley Primary & Nursery School currently lists AT Coaching Football amongst the activities available to its children, meaning another generation of youngsters are still getting their first experience of football through AT Coaching.
AT Coaching also continues to bring grassroots football into the heart of the village through its football tournaments at Brinsley Recreation Ground. In 2026, tournament weekends catered for age groups ranging from young children’s football through to U14s, bringing players, coaches and families from across the area into Brinsley.
From ATFA Brinsley to Brinsley FC
Clubs evolve.
Names change, teams grow and different people take responsibility for carrying them forward.
But it is important that, as Brinsley FC builds its own future, we remember the people who helped create the foundations on which it stands.
ATFA Brinsley provided opportunities for huge numbers of local children to play football, and Adam’s work helped establish the culture of grassroots football in the village that Brinsley FC is proud to continue today.
Our own aim remains remarkably similar: to provide a place where children of all abilities can play, develop, make friends, compete and most importantly enjoy being part of a football team.
That is why the relationship between Brinsley FC and AT Coaching remains such an important one.
We may now operate under different names, but we share a community, a home and a belief in giving local children opportunities through football.
Thank You, Adam
On behalf of everyone at Brinsley FC, we would therefore like to say a genuine thank you to Adam and Claire Thomas.
Thank you for the teams created, the coaches supported, the tournaments organised, the countless hours spent on football pitches and, most importantly, the opportunities provided to children in Brinsley.
The ATFA name will always form an important chapter in the history of our club, and we are proud that the strong relationship between Brinsley FC and AT Coaching continues today.
Different badges. The same village. And a shared passion for giving children the opportunity to play football. ⚽💙