Halifax Football Club
About:
Halifax Football Club, officially known as FC Halifax Town competes in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. The club was founded in 2008 following the demise of the former Halifax Town A.F.C., which had been in existence since 1911 but was wound up due to financial difficulties.
Despite its relatively recent formation, FC Halifax Town has quickly rebuilt itself and established a strong presence in non-league football. The club is often referred to simply as “The Shaymen,” a nickname that originates from their home ground, The Shay Stadium.
The Shay, located close to Halifax town centre, is a historic ground that has been home to football in Halifax since 1921. It has undergone significant redevelopment in recent decades and is shared with the Halifax Panthers rugby league team. The stadium has a capacity of around 14,000, though it typically holds a few thousand for football matches, creating an intimate but passionate atmosphere.
Since its rebirth, FC Halifax Town has enjoyed several successes. The club earned promotion to the National League in the 2012–13 season and has remained a competitive force ever since. One of its greatest achievements came in 2016, when the club won the FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium, defeating Grimsby Town 1–0—an emotional moment for fans, especially given the club’s recent history.
Under the guidance of several capable managers, the club has maintained its ambition of returning to the Football League. In recent seasons, Halifax has regularly competed in the top half of the National League table and has made play-off appearances, showing steady progress and resilience.
The team plays in a distinctive blue kit, and its fan base, though modest in size, is deeply loyal and passionate. The club places a strong emphasis on community involvement and youth development, and it has built a reputation for nurturing talent that often moves on to higher leagues.