Historic Nelson Road stadium in South London’s Richmond-upon-Thames borough has been home to AFC Richmond’s Greyhounds for well over a century. For generations, Richmond faithful have packed the supporters stands at “The Dogtrack” to cheer for their neighborhood team.

Hounds team crests are flown proudly in shop windows, including local pub The Crown & Anchor, which hosts raucous crowds during each and every home match, and is considered so connected with the team that the entire squad recently held a meeting on the property.

Newly appointed Richmond gaffer Ted Lasso lives within walking distance of Nelson Road.

“The Curse”

Nelson Road’s training room is infamous for carrying a curse that causes inexplicable injuries to players. On November 18, 1914, posters were placed in the Richmond neighborhood surrounding the stadium, calling for open tryouts for the club. When soccer hopefuls arrived, they did not get a chance to show their athleticism, rather, they were asked to join the war effort. Of the 400 men that shipped off to the trenches of WWI, few returned. After they signed up, their physical was performed in the same training room in use today.