Workington

Club Overview

Workington AFC, known as the Reds, are a historic Cumbrian football club with a proud past in the Football League and non-league pyramid. In 2026/27, Workington compete in the Northern Premier League Premier Division at Step 3. The club has moved from its long-time Borough Park home to the Fibrus Community Stadium, the home of Workington Town Rugby League, while a new shared Cumberland Sports Village is developed.

Quick Facts

Full name: Workington Association Football Club
Nickname: The Reds
Location: Workington, Cumbria
2026/27 home ground: Fibrus Community Stadium (Derwent Park)
League: Northern Premier League Premier Division
Step: 3
Ground address: Derwent Park, Workington, Cumbria, CA14 2HG
Official website: workingtonafc.com

Stadium Guide: Fibrus Community Stadium

Workington’s 2026/27 home is the Fibrus Community Stadium, traditionally known as Derwent Park, which is also home to Workington Town RLFC. The temporary move followed the club’s farewell to Borough Park at the end of the 2025/26 season. Borough Park is being redeveloped as the site of the future Cumberland Sports Village, a planned shared stadium for the football and rugby league clubs.

This is an important practical change for visiting supporters: do not rely on older guides that direct fans to Borough Park. Check Workington AFC’s official website before travelling for the latest ground, ticketing, access and parking information.

Club History

Workington Reds began in the late nineteenth century and were re-founded in 1921 after an earlier spell of senior football. The club joined the Football League in 1951 and spent 17 seasons in the league. One of the most memorable occasions came in January 1958, when Manchester United’s Busby Babes visited Borough Park for an FA Cup third-round tie in front of a record crowd of 21,000.

Workington’s Football League era included promotion from the Fourth Division in 1963/64 and a League Cup quarter-final appearance. The club returned to non-league football in 1977 and continued to compete in northern competitions. More recent honours include the North West Counties League Premier Division title in 1998/99 and Northern Premier League play-off success in 2004/05. After securing their Step 3 status in a dramatic run-in during 2025/26, the Reds entered a new era away from Borough Park in 2026/27.

Honours and Achievements

  • Football League Fourth Division promotion: 1963/64.
  • North West Counties League Premier Division champions: 1998/99.
  • Northern Premier League play-off winners: 2004/05.
  • FA Cup fourth-round appearance as a non-league club: 1933/34.
  • Record Borough Park attendance of 21,000 against Manchester United in January 1958.

Club Records and Memorable Moments

The 1958 FA Cup tie against Manchester United remains a defining moment in Workington’s history, while the Football League years gave the Reds a national profile. The final match at Borough Park in 2026 marked the end of another major chapter, with the temporary move to Derwent Park preparing the club for a future shared stadium.

Famous Players and Club Figures

Workington’s official history highlights figures from the club’s Football League years, including Bill Shankly, Joe Harvey and Keith Burkinshaw, as well as long-serving players from different eras. The club’s hall of fame provides a source for individual appearance and goal records.

Rivalries

Workington’s Cumbrian location brings local interest to fixtures against clubs from across Cumbria and the north-west. The Reds’ history also includes notable competitive meetings with Carlisle United and other clubs from their former Football League and non-league eras.

Matchday Guide

  • For 2026/27, check the club’s official channels for the Fibrus Community Stadium / Derwent Park as the match venue.
  • Do not use Borough Park as the current matchday destination; it is being redeveloped.
  • Confirm the address, ticketing, parking and accessibility information before travelling.
  • Check for shared-ground matchday guidance from Workington AFC and Workington Town.

Football League Heritage

Workington AFC, known as the Reds, were elected to the Football League in 1951 and remained members until 1977. That period gives the club a distinctive place in the history of English football, and Borough Park remains closely associated with generations of supporters who followed the team through league and non-league eras.

The club’s return to the non-league pyramid brought a different pattern of regional fixtures and travel. Borough Park continues to be the focal point for home matches. Check current fixture announcements for ticketing, entry arrangements, parking and any venue changes, particularly for cup matches or rearranged games.

Club History and Key Milestones

Workington AFC are nicknamed the Reds and play at Borough Park. The club spent time in the Football League from 1951 to 1977 and remains one of Cumbria’s best-known football names. Its history includes a long tradition of senior football in the north-west.

Matchday Notes

Check the club’s latest official announcement for the confirmed venue, kick-off time, admission prices and payment methods. Supporters should verify parking and public transport options and plan the return journey after evening fixtures. Historic ground names and old ticket information can become outdated.

NonLeagueReview

Workington’s story spans the Football League, famous FA Cup nights and a changing home ground. The move to Derwent Park is a major part of the club’s current story, while the planned Cumberland Sports Village points towards a new shared future for football and rugby league in the town.