An American university student has bought an inactive local football club for just £15, bringing a historic team in the Richmond area back to the pitch after a 120-year absence. Matthew Evans, originally from South Carolina, is now the chairman of East Sheen F.C., a club first established in 1873.
Founded in the 1870’s, East Sheen F.C. was once a major football presence in the local area. The team lost its home ground in the early 1900s and largely faded from existence as the World Wars disrupted organised sports.
While studying at university, Evans knew he wanted to run a football club. Instead of creating a brand-new organisation, he looked for historic local teams that could be revived, eventually discovering East Sheen’s dormant status and securing the rights to the club.
The real-life Ted Lasso
The parallels between Evans and the fictional television character Ted Lasso have quickly become a local talking point. Like the Apple TV coach, Evans is an American managing an English team in the Richmond upon Thames area.
Locals frequently refer to him as the real-life Ted Lasso, a moniker he embraces. While some might use it as a joke, Evans considers the comparison to be a significant compliment.
The club’s recent open trial sessions, which drew over 200 attendees from the community, featured an unexpected crossover with the hit television show. While observing the players, Evans recognised one of the trialists as Joe Street, an actor who appeared in the Ted Lasso series, creating a surreal moment for the newly reformed club.
A historic return to the pitch
Now, after more than a century away from competitive play, East Sheen F.C. has finalised its squad for the upcoming season. The team played its first league fixture on September 12 against Wiseman West FC at their home ground in Rosslyn Park.
Evans views the project as a chance to restore a forgotten piece of local sporting history that once meant a great deal to the wider football community.
As the club gets its season underway, management is actively looking for new players, backroom volunteers, and supporters to help sustain the team’s long-awaited return.
