Gateshead A.F.C. (Association Football Club) is a professional football club based in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England. The club was founded in 1977 and is commonly known as "The Heed." They currently compete in the National League, the fifth tier of the English football league system. Their home ground is the Gateshead International Stadium.
History
The club has a complex lineage tracing back to the original Gateshead F.C., which itself was a re-formation of South Shields F.C. The current club was established in 1977 as Gateshead '77 following the dissolution of the previous Gateshead F.C. in 1973 and a subsequent attempt to revive it as Gateshead United. The new club started in the Wearside League, quickly moving into the Northern League. In 1980, the club was renamed Gateshead A.F.C. to reflect its status as the primary football club for the town.Gateshead experienced a steady climb through the non-league pyramid, achieving promotions that eventually saw them reach the Conference Premier (now National League). A significant period of success came in the late 2000s and early 2010s, which included reaching the Conference Premier play-off final in the 2013–14 season, where they narrowly lost to Cambridge United at Wembley Stadium.
The club faced financial difficulties in the late 2010s, which led to a points deduction and relegation from the National League in 2019. However, under new ownership and management, they began a resurgence, achieving promotion back to the National League as National League North champions in the 2021–22 season.
A major milestone in the club's history occurred in the 2023–24 season when Gateshead A.F.C. won the FA Trophy, defeating Solihull Moors on penalties in the final at Wembley Stadium, marking their first major national honour.
Colours and Badge
Gateshead A.F.C.'s traditional home colours are blue and white. Their kit typically features blue shirts, white shorts, and blue socks. The club's crest incorporates elements representing the town of Gateshead, often featuring the Tyne Bridge or other local landmarks.Stadium
Since its formation, Gateshead A.F.C. has played its home matches at the Gateshead International Stadium. This multi-purpose athletics and football venue has a capacity of approximately 11,800, though only a portion of this is typically used for football matches. It features both seated and terraced areas.Supporters and Rivalries
Gateshead has a dedicated local fanbase known for their passionate support. Due to their league position, traditional rivalries are often with other North East non-league clubs, although historical links and proximity to major clubs like Newcastle United and Sunderland often see fans with allegiances across both non-league and professional football.Honours
- FA Trophy:
- Winners: 2023–24
- National League North:
- Champions: 2021–22
- Northern League:
- Champions: 1982–83
- Northern Premier League:
- Champions: 1985–86, 1989–90
- Division One Champions: 2008–09