Ely City FC and Ely City Crusaders FC are proud to announce the completion of the merger that will see both clubs united under a single banner from the 2025/26 season onwards.
This exciting new chapter will see the historic Ely City FC and the thriving youth development club Ely City Crusaders FC come together to form a single, fully integrated football pathway from youth to senior level.
The merger marks a significant step forward for football in the local community, aligning the strengths of both clubs to create a more cohesive, supportive and ambitious environment for players, coaches, and supporters alike. The new structure will provide a clear development pathway for young players, allowing them to progress from grassroots football through to adult competition while remaining within the same club framework.
Under the united club, Ely City Crusaders’ teams will transition into the Ely City FC structure, with all youth teams adopting the Ely City FC name and branding (over a transition period). The newly expanded club will offer opportunities for players from under-7s through to first-team level, strengthening the club’s future and enhancing its role within the local community.

Preparations are already underway for a smooth transition, including aligning coaching structures, club operations, and community initiatives. The merged club will continue to play its home games at Ely City Football Club, as well as various community pitches around Ely.

---------------------------------------------------------------

As part of the club’s restructure, both the youth and senior committees will expand to include newly defined roles designed to support the growing youth setup. A new Chair and Vice Chair of Youth have been appointed to lead this exciting development.
Vicky Sizer, the driving force behind Ely City Crusaders for over two decades, has stepped down from her role as Secretary. Her tireless dedication across a variety of roles has been instrumental to the club’s success.
Carl and Marlene Lockwood, who have served as Chairman, Youth Treasurer, and Welfare Officer respectively, will now join the expanded Senior Committee. Carl will take on the role of Vice Chair, whilst Marlene will take on the role as Welfare Officer for the senior teams, bringing their valuable experience and deep rooted commitment to the clubs future.

The newly united Ely City FC and Youth system invites players, supporters, and the wider community to be part of this exciting journey.

Club representatives have expressed their excitement about the move:

"This is a fantastic moment for football in Ely," said Ely City FC Chairman, Alan Alsop, "By bringing the two clubs together, we’re creating a sustainable and ambitious future for the game in our city. We’re excited to welcome all the Crusaders’ players, coaches and families into the Ely City family."
Departing Crusaders Chairman, Carl Lockwood added: "The Crusaders have always prided ourselves on developing young talent and fostering a love of the game. This merger gives our players the best possible chance to grow, improve, and play — all while staying connected to their home club. I had some great years as Chairman for Crusaders, but this new era needs some new blood and change to take this even further. I look forward to supporting this and seeing our youth players come through and hopefully earn opportunities to play for the senior Men and Women’s sides in time as now Vice Chairman of Ely City FC."

Newly Appointed Chairman of the Ely City Youth Committee, Mike Younger had these words of encouragement to share, as well as his own personal pride:
"It’s an honour to be the new Chairman of Ely City Football Club Youth. Our club makes a real, positive difference to children’s lives — helping them build a lifelong love of football, and supporting their development not just as players, but as young people.
Ely City FC sits right at the heart of our community. And a community doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built through people chipping in, showing up, and doing their bit.
We’re here to shape a positive, welcoming club culture where kids can enjoy football from the youngest minis through to U17s — a place where they feel part of something, grow in confidence, and just love playing the game.
As a committee and club, our role is to make sure the right foundations are in place: that welfare and wellbeing are front and centre, that all voices are heard, and that the club keeps the best interests of every child at its core.
It’s an exciting time for Ely City Youth — and I’m proud to be part of it.

Chris Abbott from Cambs FA, who helped guide the clubs through its merger said; The merger puts the club at the heart of the community and gives players a pathway from their first football experience to senior football…