Cadbury Athletic: The team that call the chocolate factory home

Formed in 1994, Cadbury Athletic have seen some superb players come through their ranks since forming in 1994, founded on an ethos of community.

Their identity is built on the legacy of the Cadbury family name in Bournville: all of the income from the club is invested in the support of the local community to improve the lives of its members and their families.

Their home ground, unsurprisingly based in the heart of Bournville, is in the grounds of the world-famous Cadbury factory. The South Birmingham club is a non-profit organisation run solely by volunteers. 

The first team play in the Midland Football League Division Two, whilst the under 18s compete in the Midland Junior Premier League. 

The youth section has a further 13 teams competing across 10 age groups in the Central Warwickshire Youth League. The club has also incorporated walking football into the ranks meaning the playing body now ranges from the ages 6 up to 70+. 

The first team were Division Two champions and Birmingham County FA Saturday Vase champions in the 2022/23 season. 

Daniel Sturridge, Demarai Gray and Rico Henry have all played for the semi-professional club early on in their careers before moving up the football pyramid. 

Known as the ‘Chocolate Men’, manager Daniel Moses will hope that next season they will be able to improve on 11th in the Midland League Division Two. 

The Premier League partnered with the club to take on the challenge of recreating some famous goals.

The club play in the chocolate producer’s colours Cadbury purple and white for both the home and away jerseys.

Athletic FC were also Division One Champions in 2013/14, as well Challenge Vase winners 2000/01.

The ‘Chocolate Men’s’ best FA Cup performance came when they made it to the preliminary round in 2005/06. In terms of the FA Vase trophy they managed to reach the 4th round in 2018/19.

For more stories deeper down the non-league pyramid, click here.