A.F.C. Richmond is a fictional English professional association football club featured in the comedy-drama television series Ted Lasso, which premiered on Apple TV+ in 2020.
A.F.C. Richmond is portrayed in Ted Lasso as a historic English football club founded in 1897 in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.[4] The club is said to have a long-standing tradition in English football, often oscillating between the Premier League and the Championship. Within the show’s fictional universe, Richmond has developed a loyal fan base, deeply embedded in the local community, and plays its home matches at the fictional Nelson Road Stadium.[2]
The club's modern history begins with the appointment of American football coach Ted Lasso as manager in the first season of the show. Hired by owner Rebecca Welton—initially as part of a revenge scheme against her ex-husband—the decision shocks both fans and players due to Lasso’s complete lack of experience in association football.[5] Despite early skepticism, Lasso's optimistic leadership and unorthodox coaching style begin to transform the team dynamic, emphasizing trust, empathy, and personal growth among players and staff.
Joe Biden and Jill Biden with “Ted Lasso” and Rebecca Welton presenting them with AFC Richmond jerseys on March 20, 2023
In Season 1 of Ted Lasso, Richmond faces numerous challenges on the pitch, culminating in a heartbreaking relegation from the Premier League after a dramatic final-day loss. However, the relegation becomes a turning point. During their season in the Championship, the team regains form, unites under Lasso's leadership, and earns promotion back to the top tier.[6]
The club's rivalry with West Ham United becomes a focal point in Season 3, especially after former assistant coach Nathan Shelley joins West Ham as their new manager under the ownership of Rupert Mannion, Rebecca’s ex-husband. This rivalry deepens the narrative stakes as AFC Richmond battles both on the pitch and in the media spotlight, striving to prove themselves as contenders and not underdogs.[7]
A significant and emotionally charged match for A.F.C. Richmond in Ted Lasso takes place in Season 2, Episode 8 ("Man City"), during the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City F.C. Held at the Etihad Stadium, the game results in a heavy 5–0 loss for Richmond, emphasizing the disparity in skill and experience between the two teams.[8]
Although the match ends in a decisive loss, the emotional aftermath prompts an exchange between assistant coach Beard and head coach Ted Lasso, while also triggering personal revelations for several players. Notably, Jamie Tartt confronts his abusive father in a tense locker room encounter, which becomes a catalyst for his personal growth and contributes to a renewed sense of unity within the team.[9]
The match against Manchester City also reinforces the show's exploration of mental health, emotional vulnerability, and the importance of support within a team setting. Ted’s struggle with panic attacks and Jamie’s confrontation with his traumatic past are central to the episode, signaling a tonal shift from the show’s earlier comedic focus to a more emotionally nuanced approach to character development.[10]
Although fictional, the depiction of Manchester City reflects their real-life dominance in English football, reinforcing the authenticity of Ted Lasso’s footballing world. The match further enhances the credibility of A.F.C. Richmond’s underdog narrative as the team continues its journey toward redemption.[11][12]
Stadium
A.F.C. Richmond plays its home matches at Nelson Road Stadium, a fictional football ground located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.[13] Within the Ted Lasso universe, Nelson Road serves as the club’s historic home and a central setting for many key moments in the series. The stadium is portrayed as a traditional English football ground with a passionate fan base, often seen filled with supporters donning the team’s signature claret and blue colors.[14]
While Nelson Road itself is fictional, the scenes set at the stadium are filmed at Selhurst Park, the real-life home of Crystal Palace F.C.[15][16] in South London. The production team digitally modifies the stadium to match the show’s aesthetic and to represent Richmond’s home venue, blending authentic football atmosphere with the series’ storytelling.[17]
Nelson Road is depicted as a classic English ground with close-up seating, raucous fan support, and a strong sense of community. The stadium becomes a symbol of Richmond’s identity, hosting everything from decisive matches to emotional character arcs, including Ted’s speeches, Jamie Tartt’s return, and Roy Kent’s final games as a player.[17]
Kit and sponsorship
In the third season of Ted Lasso, A.F.C. Richmond is portrayed as entering a kit sponsorship agreement with the sportswear company Nike.[18][19] This partnership coincides with the team's return to the Premier League within the show's storyline and includes updated uniforms incorporating Nike’s branding. The fictional deal represents a transition from previously unbranded kits to those associated with a well-known manufacturer, symbolizing the club’s increased prominence in the series’ narrative and its expanding presence among the show's fan base.[20][21]
Nike also released official A.F.C. Richmond merchandise, including replica home and away kits, which became available for purchase through select retailers and Apple’s online store. This real-world tie-in has contributed to the show's immersive fan experience, blurring the line between fiction and reality for supporters of the series.[22][23]
Key Characters
Ted Lasso – Head coach hired from American college football.
Rebecca Welton – Club owner.
Willis Beard – Assistant coach.
Roy Kent – Retired captain, then assistant coach.
Nathan Shelley – Former kit man, then assistant coach. He then becomes the head coach of West Ham United F.C., until quitting mid-season and returning to his former club.
Fictional players
Current squad
As depicted in the television series Ted Lasso, the following fictional players are part of A.F.C. Richmond’s first team:
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
A.F.C. Richmond, though fictional, has developed a real-world following thanks to the popularity of Ted Lasso. Merchandise, including kits and scarves, have been released under official license.[24][16]
In 2023, AFC Richmond was included as a playable team in FIFA 23,[25] the video game by EA Sports,[26] marking one of the few times a fictional club was featured in the franchise.[27][28][29]
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