Who is Tamworth FC?

Lots of non-British people are asking this question these days, as this club from England’s fifth tier, the National League, has made the 3rd Round of the FA Cup.

So in advance of their game hosting Tottenham of the Premier League, four tiers above them, let’s get to know this little club that is reminding us all of the “magic of the cup.”

Where is Tamworth: Tamworth, Staffordshire, England, which is about 14 miles north-east of Birmingham

Tamworth FC Contacts: tamworthfc.co.uk, +44 01827 65798

Tamworth FC Nickname: The Lambs

History of Tamworth FC

Football in Tamworth first began with Tamworth Castle F.C. until they closed up shop in 1933, to be replaced by the current Tamworth FC. Tamworth moved into their current stadium, Lamb Ground, prior to their second season and they began playing in the Birmingham Combination before moving to the Birmingham and District League (now known as the West Midlands League).

Tamworth first began to experience success in the 1960s when they won the league in 1964 and 1966, as well as winning West Midlands League Cup, Birmingham Senior Cup and Staffordshire Senior Cup during the same decade. Tamworth won the West Midlands League title again in 1972 and achieved a promotion to the Southern League. Despite their promotion, the club began to struggle financially due to falling attendance and were relegated in 1984. They bounced back after 4 years with a promotion back to the Southern League in 1988.

The following year, they went to the final of the FA Vase and were crowned champions following a 3-0 replay win over Sudbury Town. Almost a decade later, they won the league and were promoted to the Premier Division, their highest position in the football pyramid at the time. In the early 2000s they nearly achieved another promotion, but failed to on the final day of the season. They rebounded the next year to smash the competition and finish first in the league with a 13 point difference between them and second place; that season they also reached the final of the FA Trophy.

In 2oo6, the club narrowly avoided relegation but also reached the 3rd round of the FA Cup for the first time. They continued to struggle the next season and were relegated to the National League North. They made it back up after two seasons and in 2012 they reached the 3rd round of the FA Cup again before being bounced by Everton.

By 2022 they had been relegated to the Southern League Premier Division Central and had little hopes of promotion. Despite this, they went on to secure two back to back promotions, landing them in the National League at tier 5 for the 2024-25 season.

Tamworth in the 2024-25 FA Cup

During the 2024-25 FA Cup, Tamworth have made a great run, reaching the 3rd round for only the fourth time in their history.

Their journey started in October’s Fourth Qualifying Round, when they won big at home against Macclesfield of the Northern Premier League, tier 7.

That got them to the FA Cup First Round Proper, where they played at home, this time against Huddersfield Town of League One, which is two levels above them in the English football pyramid. Tamworth beat the visiting Terriers, 1-0, off of a first half own goal. In the Second Round they drew their local rival Burton Albion of League One, edging out a close win on penalties away from home.

They will host Tottenham on January 12, with a chance to advance to the 4th round, which would be the first time they’ve ever done so.

Tamworth FC 2023-24 Season: 1st in the National League North (Promoted), FA Cup 4th Round Qualifying.

Tamworth FC 2o24-25 Season: National Leagu, FA Cup 3rd Round (so far)

Tamworth FC Rivalries: Tamworth has a local rivalry with both Burton Albion and Nuneaton Town FC, however, both teams are not in the National League so their derby games have been put on pause. Tamworth has not played Nuneaton Town since 2023.

Women’s Team: Tamworth FC Women were created in 2020 and play in the West Midlands Regional Women’s Football League.

Stadium: Tamworth FC plays their home games at The Lamb Ground in Tamworth, Staffordshire, England. The club was founded in 1933 and has played at the Lamb Ground since 1934. The ground takes its name from the pub, the Lamb Inn, which formerly stood on the entrance to the ground on the Kettlebrook Road. Capacity is around 4,000, including 518 seats in the Main Stand.

Tamworth FC Tickets: Tickets can be purchased for £15 to £30 directly from the club. Tickets are not available on Tamworth FC’s website and must be purchased at their home stadium. The home game against Tottenham is well sold out.