If you follow the English Premier League (EPL) at all, you may already be familiar with the blue chip teams – the big leagues, title contenders, biggest name brands. But...who’s got next? In traditional BAFC fashion,we’ve sought out dope stories that highlight soccer / football culture in unique and interesting ways – something both new fans and seasoned vets can vibe with. This season (2019 / 2020), we’re rolling with AFC Bournemouth.

Reason #5: - The Come Up

Starting a season with a 17-point penalty and £4 million in outstanding debts, to then rise three levels and debut in the Premier League 7 years later is nothing short of a Hollywood story. But this is the exact story of the ‘Greatest Escape’ season of 2008 / 2009.

It was ugly for AFC Bournemouth to say the least. The team started the 2008-2009 season with a -17 point penalty due to outstanding club debts and eventual penalties forced the team into relegation to the 4th tier of English Football (League Two). Facing relegation to non-league, the squad tightened up and went on an absolute tear winning 6 straight games.  In a great escape for the ages, the Cherries won their last home game of the season to avoid football obscurity (non-league).

Reason #4: - The Fans

The Bournemouth fans, bless their heart, have been through everythang!  On the brink of being booted up to heaven to becoming the Premier League sleeper is a big move. The fans have been riding with the Cherries through it all. You’ll find countless stories of everyday folks droppin a few hundred pounds just to keep the lights on in Dean Court.

Reason #3: David vs. Goliath

Y’all ever played big bank take little bank? That’s European soccer on steroids. Bournemouth only made £5m from home games last year, stadium capacity 11,464 (Old Trafford - 76,000), but bagged a £124m Premier League TV deal. What’s amazing is that even though the Cherries have the smallest stadium in the league and were on the verge of losing the team altogether, they now have the 28th richest football club in Europe.

Reason #2: For the Culture

Please believe with that added bread they have popped a few tags as of late. Recently-signed Arnaut Danjuma was born in Lagos to a Dutch father and Nigerian mother.  The 22-year-old was the nicest player in the Dutch second division and is a rising star. Lloyd Kelly is another amazing story. He was in foster care just 2 years ago, and went to his first foster home when he was 6. Lloyd ended up bouncing around a few different homes before turning pro. Respect to this young man for his dedication and perseverance.

The veteran Callum Wilson scored 14 goals in 30 Premier League matches last year and is poised for a monster 19/20. He’s the first player in Bournemouth’s 119-year history to start and score for England (Nov. ‘18 vs. US).

Reason #1: The Homie

Reggie McKie is the Capo of Footie Mob (ATL United Supporters Group) and reached out to us when we first started Black Arrow FC a couple of years ago. We ended up linking with him during our MLS All-Star Takeover last year in the A. After chopping it up for a few minutes, we quickly realized Reggie was the epitome of Black Arrow FC. He’s a black soccer fan that supports the hell out of his home team but also latched on to an unknown squad makin it happen on the South Coast of England. No bandwagon or hypebeast action, just pure love for the game and a genuine interest to learn about something new.