Amateur football club wins £1m Lotto jackpot after 30 years of playing the same numbers

An amateur football team in Gloucester has secured a £1 million Lotto prize after its long-serving president bought weekly tickets for more than three decades on behalf of the club. Longlevens AFC matched five main numbers plus the bonus ball in a draw held last month to claim the jackpot. Club president Bill Davis, 73, bought the winning ticket, extending a personal connection to the side that spans over 50 years. Mr Davis said: "This is Longlevens AFC’s win. I’ve been playing Lotto for decades as a member of the club, not as an individual, and I couldn’t be happier. "The club has been such a huge part of my life for around half a century, and I can’t think of a better use for this money than helping secure its future for generations to come." Mr Davis, who worked in the manufacturing sector until his retirement, first joined Longlevens AFC in the 1970s and played for various teams throughout the club. Over the years, he has also served on the club’s committee in a variety of roles, including serving behind the bar, and is currently the club’s president. The winning ticket was bought by club president Bill Davis, 73, whose association with the team stretches back more than half a century (PA) “There have been three main priorities in my life – family, football and work,” he said. “My wife might have a few things to say about the order I’ve put those in, but whilst family will always come first, football comes a close second.” Paying tribute to his family that has allowed him to devote such energy to the club, he added: “There is absolutely no way I could have maintained that passion without their patience, support and encouragement, especially that of my wife, Linda. “She’s been behind me every step of the way and we’ll both enjoy the win, together with our sons Stephen and Andrew, who have followed in my footsteps and now bring their own passion and dedication to the club as members of the committee.” The winning Lotto numbers – 1, 9, 15, 21, 32, 51 – also have a story stretching back almost as long as Mr Davis’s association with the club. “When the National Lottery first started, six committee members each picked a number,” he said. “Some of those friends are sadly no longer with us, but we’ve kept playing that same line in every draw ever since. It’s incredible to think that after all these years, those numbers have finally come good. “There’s no reason whatsoever to stop playing now. We’ve proven anyone can win, but we might change the numbers up a bit.” Bill Davis, president of Longlevens AFC, said the money would be used to secure the club’s long-term future, and one possible option is purchasing the leased facilities (PA) Mr Davis said the money would be used to secure the club’s long-term future, and one possible option is purchasing the leased facilities. The first XI currently play in the Hellenic League Premier Division, which is at step five of the National League pyramid. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we want to make sure every pound delivers lasting benefits,” Mr Davis said. “The club is important to so many people, so we’re taking a long-term view about how this money can help safeguard Longlevens AFC for many years to come.” Members are now planning a celebration to mark the club’s good fortune. “Everyone involved with Longlevens AFC has contributed to making it the community club it is today and this feels like something the whole club can enjoy together,” he said. “I’ve always believed football clubs like Longlevens are about much more than football. “They are about community, friendships, opportunities for young people, and bringing people together. “As if to prove this point, our club only works because of the hard work, determination and passion of countless volunteers – this win is for all of them too. “If this windfall can help protect and grow what’s already been put in place for future generation through everyone’s hard graft, then that’s what really matters.” Andy Carter, from National Lottery operator Allwyn, said: “After 32 years of playing Lotto, Bill Davis’s £1 million win is truly remarkable, and the sort of story you’d expect to see on the big screen. “We’re delighted for them and know the prize will have a lasting impact on the club’s future.”