Is AFC Richmond from Ted Lasso a real soccer team?

AFC Richmond is a soccer team at the heart of the popular television series Ted Lasso.

Ted Lasso, created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Sudeikis, Joe Kelly, and Brendan Hunt, has gained immense popularity for its heartwarming and humorous take on the world of professional soccer and its endearing characters.

Many fans have wondered whether AFC Richmond is a real soccer team or if it’s purely a creation of the show’s writers.

This article will explore the origins and status of AFC Richmond and clarify its fictional nature.

AFC Richmond: fictional team creation

AFC Richmond is entirely a fictional soccer team created exclusively for the television series Ted Lasso.

The team is portrayed as a struggling English club in the Premier League, and it serves as the backdrop for the show’s storyline.

The series follows the adventures of Ted Lasso, portrayed by Jason Sudeikis, who is hired as the team’s manager despite having little experience or knowledge of soccer.

The fictional nature of AFC Richmond allows the creators to craft a unique narrative and develop the characters and storyline in a way that serves the show’s comedic and heartwarming themes.

The real-life locations

While AFC Richmond itself is a product of fiction, the show makes use of real-life locations to give it an authentic feel.

The series is primarily filmed in and around London, England, using various stadiums, training grounds, and other soccer-related settings to create the illusion of a genuine soccer club.

This blending of fiction with real locations adds to the show’s immersive experience, even though the team itself is not real.

Ted Lasso AFC Richmond
AFC Richmond’s training scenes were filmed at the SkyEX Community Stadium

Fan engagement

Despite being a fictional team, AFC Richmond has garnered a significant following among fans of the show.

This includes fans who have created AFC Richmond merchandise, engaged in discussions about the team’s performance and players, and even formed fantasy leagues based on the show.

The level of fan engagement demonstrates the show’s ability to create a compelling and believable fictional sports world that resonates with viewers.

Inspiration from real soccer

With regard to the creation of AFC Richmond, the show also draws inspiration from real-life soccer and the culture surrounding the sport.

The creators have worked to capture the essence of English soccer, from the passionate fan base to the rivalries between teams.

Additionally, the series explores the personal and emotional aspects of both the players and the coach, reflecting some of the genuine experiences and challenges faced by individuals in the world of professional sports.

Conclusion

AFC Richmond, the fictional soccer team featured in Ted Lasso, is a creation of the show’s writers and producers. While it may not be a real team, it serves as a central element in the storytelling and character development of the series.

The show has managed to capture the hearts of viewers around the world, not only through its comedic and heartwarming storytelling but also by incorporating elements of real soccer culture and the emotions that come with it.

So, while AFC Richmond may only exist within the fictional world of the show, its impact on fans and its portrayal of the sport’s essence make it a memorable part of the television landscape.


Also Read: Is Ted Lasso based on a real-life figure?

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