Draft:Dearne & District Football Club

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Dearne & District FC'
The club was established as a Junior football club in 1982, competing in the junior Barnsley District League. It originally formed as Thurnscoe Boys under Winks and initially played at the Ogden ground in Thurnscoe.

Dearne & District FC is a semi-professional football club based in the Dearne Valley region of South Yorkshire, England. The club competes in Northern Counties East League, representing the local community in regional football competitions.

The club supports both boys and girls at Junior Level, with at least 1 girl and 2 boys through to U13. It also has U14 - U18 teams. It has two adult men's teams and one adult ladies team.

The junior Teams are entered into various Saturday and Sunday leagues. Sheffield and District Junior Football League, Barnsley and District Junior Football League, Doncaster and District Junior Football League, Selby and District Junior Football League, The Junior Premier League and the Sheffield and Hallamshire Girls and Womens League.

History
Established in 1982, Dearne & District FC has a rich history rooted in the passion for Junior football within the Dearne Valley area. The club has undergone several transformations throughout its existence, evolving from grassroots origins to its current status as a respected Semi Pro Adult football team.

While the club was established as a Junior football club in 1982, it competed in the junior Barnsley District League. It originally formed as Thurnscoe Boys under Winks and initially played at the Ogden ground in Thurnscoe.

In 1993 it was renamed Dearne & District Junior Football Club and moved to Recreation ground under the guidance of Pete Trodden. In 2004 Steve Holmes took the reigns and introduced girls football teams. At this time the teams played in the Sheffield Millennium Junior League, the Charles Rice Junior League and also the Sheffield and Hallamshire Girls League.

In 2010 Antonio Jamasb took over as Chairman when Steve stood down, at the time the club had around 6 boys and girls teams.

In 2012 the club moved to the Dearne ALC secondary school to play its matches and for training. It also moved the majority of its boys teams to the Doncaster and District Junior League.

In 2014 the club achieved FA Community standard accreditation which was the highest level of accreditation associated with grassroots clubs.

In 2017 the club decided it was time to part ways with the School and invest in own infrastructure, it also struck a deal with Aldi for it to become its club sponsor. The club took over leases of the Kingsmark Ground and the Recreation Ground.

In 2018 with 20 teams it expanded further and took over leases of the Welfare and Pavilion grounds in Goldthorpe. It also started its new men's team and restarted its ladies football team which had ceased in 2016.

In 2019 under the advice of the FA due to the size of the club, it was incorporated as a Non Profit Company Limited by Guarantee and at the time had 23 teams. Also in 2019 and it built its new Pavilion at the Dearne Pavilion ground, which was a great addition to the club.

In 2022 work commenced on developing the Welfare Ground, this was subsequently renamed the Welfare Community ground and has a capacity of 850. It has had installed changing facilities, stands, dugouts, utilities and floodlights. In April 2023 it received FA ground grading and was passed for Step 6 football.

The men's team won the Central Midlands Premier North in the 23/24 season, beating Doncaster City to top spot. The men's second team, currently play in the Central Midlands Division 1, 23/24 season. The ladies team, currently play in the Sheffield and Hallamshire Girls and Women's League Division 3, 23/24 season.

Mens 1st History
19/20 - Doncaster & District Saturday League (Step 10) Standing 5th Management: Corrie Winks & Shaun Williamson

20/21 - Doncaster & District Saturday League (Step 10) Standing 4th Management: Keelan Hall & Brett Bate

21/22 - Central Midlands Premier North League (Step 7) Standing 12th Management: Keelan Hall & Jimmy Ghachiem & Lee Turner

21/22 - Central Midlands Premier North League (Step 7) Standing 2nd Management: Keelan Hall & Jimmy Ghachiem & John Stannicliffe

22/23 - Central Midlands Alliance Premier North League (Step 7) Standing 1st Management: Jason Blunt & Phillip King & Nick Buxton

Mens Development History
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Achievements
Dearne & District FC has achieved notable successes throughout its history, including:- Last 16 Sheffield Association Cup 22/23 Finalist of the Montagu Cup in 22/23. Winning the Central Midlands Premier North in 23/24.

These accomplishments reflect the dedication and talent of the players, coaching staff, and management involved with the club.

Stadium
The club plays its home matches at Welfare Community Ground, located in Goldthorpe. The stadium serves as a hub for local football enthusiasts and provides a vibrant atmosphere for supporters to cheer on their team. The Welfare Ground was Originally home to the Dearne Miners Welfare Football Club.

The Junior Teams play at the Dearne & District Recreation Ground, Kingsmark Way Ground and the Dearne Pavilion Ground, which is also shared with Dearne Cricket Club.

Community Engagement
Dearne & District FC actively engages with the local community through various initiatives and outreach programs. These efforts aim to promote the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and physical activity while fostering a sense of belonging among residents of the Dearne Valley area.

Notable Players
Over the years, Dearne & District FC has been home to many talented players, the area of Dearne Valley is very notable for producing talent. Among these individuals are

Harrison Neal, Terry Kennedy, Dale Tonge, Gavin Bassinder, Jason Blunt, Corrie Winks, Kirk Jackson, Billy Whitehurst, Ray Mountford, John Dungworth, Brian Marshall, Paul Turner, Brian Hemstock, Alan Warboys, Brian Conley, David Blunt, Arthur Ashmore, Ken Turner, George Jagger, Brian Fawcett, Joe Hilton, Eddie Lockwood, Ron Shaw, Joe Thomas, Stan Jefferson, Jack Short, Zeph Thomas

who have showcased their skills on the pitch and garnered recognition both locally and beyond.