Crusaders AFC, founded in 1953, aims to facilitate the organisation, promotion, and playing of Association Football and the promotion of social, cultural and educational activities according to the ideals and rules of the Football Association of Ireland.
Originally calling the-then Polebarry Park our home, Crusaders AFC competed mainly in schoolboys football for the first few years of our existence, reaching the Paddy Cooke Memorial Final in our first season. The article below from the Munster Express dated 7th August 1953 mentions the Crusaders’ affiliation application, and also notes many of the initial committee members, including Mr. Tom Horan (Chairman), Mr. Sean King (Secretary), Rev. Tom Ahearne C.C (Hon. President) and Mr. Louis Dolan and Mr. John Kearney (Vice Presidents).
In February 1960, the club achieved the great honour of winning the Evans Cup trophy, the national schoolboys cup. Players on that team included the great Paul Morrissey, Nicky Phelan, Silvy Lynch and Tony Roche. The article below from the Munster Express, dated 12th February 1960 captures exactly the importance of such a victory, Crusaders being the first to bring the Evans Cup to Waterford.
Across the 1960 and 70s, the club relocated on a number of occasions, from Kilbarry Park and Kilcohan to eventually purchasing our own grounds in Whitfield Park Butlerstown in 1980. Throughout the 60s and early 70s,, several trophies (both league and cup) were won across both underage and junior levels.
In 1980, after some time away from underage football, the club were victorious in the U-12 championship, fielding a team with several famous names and faces across the locale, including Stephen Frampton, Don McMahon, Paul Clooney and top scorer Richard McCarthy.
Today, we currently have two teams, in the 2B and 4th divisions of the Waterford & District Junior League. Our grounds at Whitfield Park have the potential to be amongst the most spectacular yet beneficial to the local community of Butlerstown and Kilmeaden. The committee is working tirelessly to deliver a set of long term goals and a vision that will see Crusaders AFC once again amongst the big players in local underage and junior football in the years to come.
Crusaders AFC Code of Conduct
Crusaders AFC members are required to adhere to the club’s Code of Conduct, which clearly defines the standards of behaviour expected of all members. The document (below) also reflects the modern expectations of diversity, equity and inclusion in amateur sports.
Crusaders AFC Privacy Policy
Our Privacy Policy is below and available for download for reference.
Crusaders AFC 