Thurmaston DPC FC was founded in 2017 to meet the growing demand for local football — not just as a team, but as a safe space where men could forget their daily struggles, stay active, and support their mental wellbeing in a friendly, welcoming environment.
The club was launched alongside the Chairman’s business, Thurmaston Design & Print Co., which gave the team both its name and identity. From day one, the badge proudly featured a fox crest, representing its Leicester roots, paired with black and white as the club colours. To this day, the black and white socks remain a symbol of the club’s heritage.
In September 2017, James West led the first ever DPC side into competition in the Leicester & Charnwood Sunday Football League.
Finding a Home
Interest within the village of Thurmaston grew rapidly. Although the team initially played home fixtures at Thurnby Lodge, it quickly became a priority to bring football home. That breakthrough came at the end of the 2017/18 season, when DPC played its first fixture in Thurmaston — a cup tie at Elizabeth Park. Despite defeat, it marked a turning point.
Shortly after, an agreement was reached to relocate to Garden Street, giving the club its first true base. Support grew, crowds increased on Sunday mornings, and more players expressed interest. The club’s philosophy came to life: To provide competitive football for adults who want to play.
Expansion and First Silverware
By the third season, demand was so high that a reserve team was formed, allowing even more local players to represent the club. Around 50 adult men were now proudly wearing the DPC badge.
That same year, the club fundraised and purchased its own site cabin for Garden Street — transforming an empty pitch into a proper home with storage and changing facilities.
In 2020/21, the club underwent a structural reshuffle to create a better player pathway and ensure the First Team remained competitive. It paid off — under James West, the club secured its first-ever silverware, with captain Piers Wheeler lifting the trophy after a dominant cup final performance.
The Birth of the Women’s Section Momentum continued, and in 2021, a group of women approached the
club asking to start a ladies’ team. The answer was simple: Yes.
The 2021/22 season saw the launch of the third DPC team — the Women’s Section, managed by captain Piers Wheeler. Returning to Thurnby Lodge, they stunned everyone by winning Leicestershire Women’s Division 2 at the first attempt — the club’s first league title.
Meanwhile, the Men’s First Team reached two cup finals, showcasing just how far the club had come.
FA Cup Dreams & Relocation
In October 2022, FA Cup fever hit as the Men’s First Team entered the Sunday FA Cup for the first time, stepping onto the national stage.
However, growing challenges in Thurmaston — lack of facilities and limited support — led to a major decision: the club would relocate all teams to Necton Street, Syston, gaining brand new changing facilities and room to grow.
The move paid off. That season:
have made 50+ appearances, with Jadie Stone still the only woman to score 50 goals for the club.
A New Era (2024/25)
The Men’s Section made the bold decision to relocate to Asfordby FC, drawn by the exceptional facilities and support. Though further from Thurmaston, it represented a step forward.
• Men’s First Team won the Sunday Premier Trophy as underdogs
• Reserves won Division 2
• Women’s First Team battled strongly after promotion to Division 1
Records & Milestones
The club has seen 22 men reach over 50 appearances, with 6 surpassing 100.
6 men have scored over 50 goals.
On the women’s side, 8 players
The Women’s Section returned to Roundhill School, launching a development team — the Kits, opening the door for even more women to play. Founder James West took over as Vixens First Team Manager, managing both men’s and women’s first teams for the remainder of the season. When the Kits needed guidance, Sarah Jenkins stepped in as player-manager, providing both leadership and compassion.
Where We Stand Today
• Dylan Patel now leads the Men’s Team, keeping the spirit of competitive, inclusive football alive.
• The Vixens relocated to Asfordby, while the Kits remain at Roundhill.
• Most significantly, the club has entered the Women’s FA Cup for the first time ever — competing at the highest level available.
From a humble village team formed on a park in 2017 to competing on the national stage — Thurmaston DPC FC continues to prove what passion, community, and self-belief can achieve.
NOTES FROM THE GAFFER
JAMES WEST
What a month November has been! Apologies for the recent quiet spell— postponed fixtures and a challenging work–life balance made it difficult to keep everything ticking along, but here we are. We’ve made it through the month, and we round it off with the Vixens travelling to Saffron Dynamo for our next league outing.
Unfortunately, the Vixens suffered a heavy cup defeat to Brookside, who came out on top on the day as we continue to navigate a difficult run of injuries. Throughout the month we’ve worked hard to strengthen the squad, and with several exciting new signings joining us in recent weeks, we’re looking forward to seeing them pull on the white shirt and make their debuts in the coming matches. Many of you will also have seen the news that Sarah Jenkins has stepped down from her role as Kits team manager. We
are currently reviewing applications for her successor. Sarah took on the role during a challenging period and brought fresh energy, unity, and a real sense of family to the team. Her contribution over the past 12 months has been invaluable, and we’re delighted that she will continue with the Kits as a player.
As Christmas approaches—and with the winter weather already making scheduling difficult—we’re hoping to get as many fixtures played as possible before the festive break, starting with this weekend’s match. Stay dry, stay warm, and enjoy your weekend! Viva La Thurmo!
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES
THE VIXENS
Leicestershire women’s & girls football league Division 1
Kings Park, Cambridge Road LE9 1SJ Kick Off - 14:00
The Vixens find themselves playing catchup in the league, having managed only three fixtures so far. With postponements affecting matches across the county, last week was no exception. Before that, the Vixens travelled to Bottesford for the second round of the County Cup. On a cold and blustery afternoon, the team approached the tie with real professionalism. It proved to be a valuable chance to rebuild confidence and, importantly, to get much-needed minutes into the players’ legs after a stop-start beginning to the season. The result was a dominant performance, and against a weaker side we recorded
a remarkable 28–1 victory—the largest scoreline in the club’s history. Recent weeks have also brought new faces into the squad. Alongside new signings Lauren Cunningham, Megan Thacker, and Kelsey Smith, several members of the Kits team have joined first-team training after impressing with their performances and progress. Today, both Madi Warner and Lauren Hems step up from the Kits to join the Vixens squad. Full credit to them for catching the manager’s eye in recent weeks and earning their call-up. We wish them both the very best in today’s match.
A CHAT WITH
MARRIAM RAWEL
It was a huge boost in the summer when Maz announced she’d be available this season after finishing university. Despite her not being with the Vixens this weekend, we thought it was time to hear from her.
A – ALL-time favourite football player Oooo tough one but definitely has to be Stevie G.
B – What BOOTS do you wear & your preferred BOOT BRAND
I have always been a huge fan of Nike, and currently I’m wearing the Phantom GX II (Nike pls sponsor me).
C – Your go to CELEBRATION when you score?
I don’t really have one but I thinks it’s to just turn around and hug whoever runs up to me first, definitely need to organise a celebration with people.
D – Who is the worst DANCER in the squad?
I’ve not seen everyone dance but after our night out at the locker room I have to say Westy, that man moves but also can’t move…sorry Westy.
E – What do you like to
F – Who has the worst FASHION sense in the squad?
I honestly think everyone can dress, nobody has bad fashion sense.
G – What is the best GOAL you have ever scored?
I’d say the best goal I’ve ever scored has to be at Leicester when we were playing West Brom, I had controlled the ball from the goalkeeper keepers kick to then play a through ball into our striker who took a shot but it deflected and I hit it on the volley, into the bottom corner, the connection was so satisfying.
H – How do you keep yourself HYDRATED & HEALTHY throughout a season?
I’m probably the most unhealthiest person on the team, I vape like no tomorrow and most my meals have loads of oil in because according to my mum, you can’t cook ethnic food without a lot of it
J – Who is the biggest JOKER on the team?
There are a few jokers but the crown has to go to Honour, she’s just naturally funny and doesn’t even know it sometimes ahaha.
K – What KIT number do you love to wear & why?
I love the no.10 I think it comes from me loving messi and a lot of class midfielders wear that number.
L – What is the biggest LESSON that football has taught you?
To keep it light hearted because without that you get toxicity and nobody likes when it gets like that.
M – What is your go to pre match MUSIC?
Has to be Not Nice by partynextdoor or Like2 by CallMeTheKidd.
N – Who is the NICEST player in the squad?
Everyone’s so nice, I can’t choose!!
O – Can you describe your personality in ONE word? Calm.
P – What is your favourite POSITION to play?
My favourite position is CAM but I do like the freedom out on the wing.
Q – What is the best QUALITY you need in a teammate?
Someone who’s uplifting so that if we need picking back up they are there to do that.
R – How do you normally deal with a REFEREE’S tough decision?
I normally laugh signalling that they don’t know what they’re doing.
S – Which football club did you grow up SUPPORTING?
Liverpool, and no I was not a glory supporter I was a fan (for some reason) when we were constantly 8/9th in the premier league.
T – What TV-SHOW are you currently watching?
I’m rewatching Tell Me Lies, a show that everyone needs to start watching because it’s amazing. S3 is coming out in jan so just reminding myself of all the drama that happened.
U – What is the most UNFORGETTABLE moment of your football career?
I’d have to say the cup goal, the celebrations were unreal, it was the moment that I felt the love of the club Thurmaston that would be scoring in my debt vs Coalville! Or when Jodie fell into the pond, that’s pretty unforgettable.
V – VACATION spot you’d love to visit after the season?
Atm I’m thinking of going to Berlin in the new year with a few mates I made on my internship, should be a lot of fun.
W – WHO is your best friend in the team & why?
I wouldn’t say I have a single best friend but Annie, Honour and Jess have to be up there, love you guyssss xx
X – What is the worst injury (X-RAY) of your football career?
Surprisingly I haven’t had a really bad injury from football, touch wood that doesn’t happen now
Y – How many YEARS have you played football for?
I have been playing football since I was around 8 but didn’t start playing for a club till I was 14.
Z – What is your ZODIAC sign and do you believe it matches your personality on the pitch?
I am a Virgo and I don’t think it does, Virgo’s are meant to be perfectionists, wait actually maybe it does because I always think I’m having a bad game
Sponsored by
Marriam Rawel
AN UPDATE WITH
THE KITS
There is no fixture for the Kits this weekend, offering the team a well-earned rest. Last week they put in a strong and determined performance in the County Cup against AFC Market Bosworth, but unfortunately fell to defeat. Following the match, Sarah Jenkins stepped down from her role as manager, and the team is now beginning the search for her replacement.
Despite the setback, there are plenty of positives to take forward. Rosie Spencer delivered an impressive display last weekend—particularly noteworthy as it was her first time playing 11-a-side football. Several other players have also caught the eye of the Vixens’ management team, with Madi Warner and Lauren Hems earning places in the Vixens squad for this weekend’s game.
The Kits are keen to welcome new players into the group and encourage anyone interested to come along to a training session on Wednesday evenings at Elizabeth Park in Thurmaston. If you’d like to get involved, you can contact West on 07734 629113. No previous experience is required—the team is always happy to welcome new faces with the enthusiasm to learn and develop!
2025/26 SQUAD
EVIE’S SUPERFANS
ABBIE SANDLE
LUDLOW
MORGAN BIRD MOLLY CARTER
NIALL CARTER
ANNIE BARNES
HOLLY JACKSON
MARRIAM RAWEL
LAUREN BRACEY
HONOUR SLATER
2025/26 SQUAD
SOPHIE HOWARD
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RAHIMA MOHAMED
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AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP VICKY MARRIOTT
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KATIE STONE
NADIA KARMADA
FREYA COOKE
JODIE HILL
SARAH JENKINS
DANIELLE LEE
LIBBIE TAYLOR
KYRA OLDFIELD
LAUREN HEMS
2025/26 SQUAD
KAISEY HIGGOTT
CASEY ALLEN DEMI ANDREWS
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP MADISON WARNER
DANIELLE HAY
SOPHIE HOWARD
HONOUR SLATER
LEAH WHEELER
IMOGEN SANDERS
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BROGAN
CANDICE-MARIE HATHAWAY
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JADE HOWDEN
CHLOE MCDERMOTT
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NATALIE FRIDAY
2025/26 SQUAD
FRANCES MILLER
CHLOE MAITLAND
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GRACE ALLEN
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SOPHIE SBARDELLA
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP MEGAN THACKER
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AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP LAUREN CUNNINGHAM
ROSIE SPENCER
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KELSEY SMITH
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A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR CLUB SPONSORS
CLUB & DEVELOPMENT SPONSORS
VIXENS HOME KIT SPONSOR
KITS HOME KIT SPONSOR
AWAY KIT SPONSOR
CREATIVE SPONSOR
We would also like to offer a huge thank you to Both Blues Home Improvements and Bridge Car Services. Thanks also go to all of our other donators for their generosity and kindness in supporting the club during the difficult period following the fire damage to our cabin.
