Longlevens AFC in Gloucester has won £1 million on the Lotto after playing the same six numbers for more than three decades.
Club president Bill Davis, 73, bought the winning ticket after matching five main numbers and the bonus ball in a draw held last month. The numbers were chosen by six committee members when the National Lottery began and have been used in every draw since.
Davis has been part of Longlevens for around 50 years, having played for several of its teams before taking on committee roles and becoming president. He said the prize belonged to the club and should be used to secure its long-term future.
A lasting boost for a community club
One option under consideration is buying the facilities the club currently leases. Longlevens’ first team plays in the Hellenic League Premier Division, at step five of the National League pyramid.
The club is now planning a celebration, while members consider how to make the money work for the organisation over the long term. Davis said the club’s value went beyond football, pointing to its friendships, opportunities for young people and the volunteers who keep it running.
He also credited his family, including his wife Linda and sons Stephen and Andrew, who are involved with the club committee.
Why it matters for Britain
The win could give a long-established Gloucestershire community club greater financial security, potentially allowing it to own its facilities and protect the local activities built around them.
