page_title: Foxdale A.F.C.
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: Foxdale A.F.C. / History
caption_attribution_description: English: Foxdale AFC win The Miners Cup for the first time in 21 years in July 2018
context_page_description: Foxdale A.F.C. is a football club based in Foxdale on the Isle of Man. They compete in the second tier of the Isle of Man Football League.
context_section_description: In 1897, a group of rugby-playing miners turned their attention away from the game to focus on football. Foxdale Football Club recorded their first ever game against Castletown, losing the game 10–0 in 1898. A year later, during the 1899–1900 season, Foxdale entered the Isle of Man Football League. After narrowly missing out on becoming champions of the Second Division in 1900–01, Foxdale went on to only play one more season before folding at the end of the 1901–02 season.
  It was not until 90 years later that Foxdale was able to place their name to a footballing side. However, they were not able to find a home within the village as Foxdale had to play and train at Jurby for the first three seasons of their establishment. Foxdale's first game came against St. Johns United on 5 September 1992 which they lost 5–2. For this game, Foxdale's kit had not arrived in time and they had to rely on the generosity of Douglas Royals; who lent Foxdale a red, away kit for the game.
  After three years of ground-sharing with Jurby, Foxdale were able to move to their own ground, and current location, Billy Goat Park. The ground was purchased with funds that were raised through special events, supported by local business owners such as James Cubbon, David Crowe and a large contribution from Alan Lemaire, who went on the play for, then manage, the club.
  Since being established in 1991, Foxdale have won a total of three competitions, the Paul Henry Gold Cup, which they won in the 1993–94 season after beating Marown A.F.C. 7–2. That same season they were promoted to the First Division as Division Two champions but were relegated in the 1995/96 season.
  Foxdale narrowly missed out on the Woods Cup in 2000–01 after being beaten 3–0 by Ayre United A.F.C. in the final of the competition. They did, however, return the following season to win the same competition, defeating Colby 2–1 in the final.
  In the 2009/10 season, Foxdale entered the Kirby Estates Cowell Cup for the first and, currently, only time. They were placed in Group 4 alongside Castletown, Colby and DHSOB. They narrowly missed out on progression to the next round. Foxdale started their inaugural game well, beating DHSOB 5–0 at Blackberry Lane. However, the next game at home was less convincing, losing 4–1. They finished on a high however, beating Colby 4–2 away, but never progressed to the next round with Castletown beating them.
  Foxdale held their 20th anniversary on 5 August 2011 at the Palace Hotel. There was a dinner and a charity auction with 50% of the profit going to Wish Upon A Dream and 50% going to the football club itself. Guest speakers included: Richard Keys, Ronnie Irani and comedian Lester Crabtree. Former Scotland, Wolves and Everton F.C. striker Andy Gray was also due to attend but has had to withdraw because of a family commitment.
  In December 2015 Stuart Naisbitt designed a Foxdale FC TT Campsite Website catering for TT Camping fortnight. Further details visit their website: http://www.foxdalefc-ttcampsite.com/ card bookings can also be made at http://www.foxdalefc-ttcampsite.com/bookings-1.html.
  During the summer of 2016, Foxdale AFC were fortunate enough to be able to purchase new landcare machinery and equipment. The money was raised from fundraisers, selling previous equipment and, in part, a grant from the Isle of Man Football Association.
  On 16 July 2016, The Claremont Hotel in Douglas, played host to Foxdale AFC's annual awards for the first time. The venue and night would prove a success, leading to repeat events in the following years on 20 May 2017 and 21 July 2018.
  In July 2018, the club regained the Miners Cup for the first time in 21 years. The Miners Cup is a friendly competition between Foxdale A.F.C. and Laxey A.F.C. as both clubs are nicknamed "The Miners". The cup has not been contested since 1997 and Foxdale emerged the victors in a 5-0 win over Laxey at Billy Goat Park. A hat-trick from Jay Chatwood and a goal a piece from new signings Liam Parker and Andy Williamson sealed the trophy.
  Foxdale made history in the 2018/19 season by fielding its first
caption: Foxdale win The Miners Cup for the first time in 21 years
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