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 welcomed Assistant Manager Mollie Jowett, boosting the coaching setup.
• 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
Welcome to this week’s programme!
It’s been a quieter few days around the club after the Vixens’ FA Cup journey came to an end — but what a day that was. I can’t thank everyone who came to support us enough. With around 100 fans in attendance, the sea of flags and constant cheering created a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
The Kits were back in style too, securing a brilliant 9–2 win over Melton to book their place in the second round of the League Cup. With their earlier 12pm kickoff last weekend, they were able to make the short trip over to Asfordby and join the crowd for our FA Cup showcase.
A huge thank you to Asfordby FC for their outstanding hospitality — it was a special moment for the club, and their support helped make the day run seamlessly.
With the Vixens enjoying a week off, attention now turns to the Kits as they welcome Blaby & Whetstone to Roundhill today. They’re new to the league but feature some familiar faces, and we’re looking forward to a competitive fixture.
I hope you’ve all had a great week — here’s to another fantastic weekend of football!
Westy, Viva La Thurmo!
A CHAT WITH
KATIE STONE
Kit/Kate/Katie - whatever you want to call her! She’s a much loved member of the club and with her help and experience being used to suppport the Vixens in the FA Cup this season, she is now back with the Kits team this weekend.
A – ALL-time favourite football player Cristiano Ronaldo.
B – What BOOTS do you wear & your preferred BOOT BRAND
This season I’ve got Adidas Predators but Nike Mercurials are my favourite, again Ronaldo influenced me.
C – Your go to CELEBRATION when you score?
Just a smirk.
D – Who is the worst DANCER in the squad?
Me, I hate dancing. I doubt anybody is worse than me.
E – What do you like to EAT before a game?
Porridge with Peanut Butter and Banana.
F – Who has the worst FASHION sense in the squad?
Sorry Demi, she bought the whole Thurmaston Catalogue plus accessories
G – What is the best GOAL you have ever scored?
The most nerve wracking was the penalty to secure us the win against Coalville in the FA Cup. I don’t take penalties, ever. But I managed to stay calm and composed.
Not sure about the best, but this was the most meaningful for the team.
H – How do you keep yourself HYDRATED & HEALTHY throughout a season?
Electrolytes & creatine daily, eating plenty of protein and lifting weights in the gym.
I – Who is the biggest INSPIRATION in your life & why?
My son Lennon inspires me to be the best version of myself. To stay present, live a healthy lifestyle to keep up with his endless energy. Every day he reminds me to continue being that person.
J – Who is the biggest JOKER on the team?
Freya always interrupts the Group chat with something daft and funny. Sarah is the quiet joker who just observes then pops up with something hilarious.
K – What KIT number do you love to wear & why?
I’ll take any top that isn’t the size of a parachute.
L – What is the biggest LESSON that football has taught you?
Discipline - success doesn’t come from talent alone, but from consistency and hard work. Also, teamwork – nobody succeeds alone. It’s about team work, trust and lifting eachother up.
M – What is your go to pre match MUSIC?
I like anything, whatever is on Radio X on the way to the game and then whoever takes charge of the speaker in the changing room. Although some I’ve never heard of!
N – Who is the NICEST player in the squad?
Everybody is so nice, but something that sticks with me is when I first Joined Thurmaston.
Sarah gave everybody a daffodil on Mothers Day because we all sacrificed our Mothers Day to play football. Also, on Easter Sunday Sarah Bought us all an easter egg and she even got a white chocolate one for my son! So Kind!
O – Can you describe your personality in ONE word? Reliable.
P – What is your favourite POSITION to play?
One the wing.
Q – What is the best QUALITY you need in a teammate?
A team mate who shows up and gives it their all. I don’t think you can ask for much more. Everybody is sacrificing their Sunday away from their family to be here.
R – How do you normally deal with a REFEREE’S tough decision?
Stay respectful and usually and focus on what I can control – my attitude and performance & usually let the louder players deal with it.
S – Which football club did you grow up SUPPORTING?
Leicester City, where I was born
T – What TV-SHOW are you currently watching?
Bluey, Peppa Pig, Mr Tumble...
U – What is the most UNFORGETTABLE moment of your football career?
Definitely the FA cup Journey. I loved being part of it.
V – VACATION spot you’d love to visit after the season?
Oops, I’m going Barbados DURING the football season
along best with Jodie and have the most in common with her. And Freya, G & Evie are the cool younger ones I try and get in with haha! Not sure about all the Tik Toks they want us involved in though (Freya)!!
X – What is the worst injury (X-RAY) of your football career?
W – WHO is your best friend in the team & why?
I don’t have a best friend in the team as such but I would say I get
I’ve been lucky that I’ve never had any serious injuries but when an opposition’s metal studs sliced my knee open and I had to have 20 stitches.
Y – How many YEARS have you played football for?
Just over 20 years
Z – What is your ZODIAC sign and do you believe it matches your personality on the pitch?
Aries. I don’t think it’s completely me as I am not a natural leader but I am fearless on the pitch. If someone is bigger and stronger than me I won’t give up or back down.
Katie Stone
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THE KITS
Last week, the Kits travelled to Melton for the first round of the League Cup. After a narrow win the previous weekend, the break from league action offered the perfect opportunity to kickstart a cup run. They arrived as favourites — a privilege that also brought pressure. Melton have clearly been improving and working hard for results, so the Kits knew they couldn’t afford to take anything for granted.
But they handled the challenge brilliantly.
A resounding 9–2 victory on the road saw five different goal scorers and seven players providing assists — a true allround team performance. Player-manager Sarah Jenkins led by example, calmly converting from the penalty spot, adding
another goal from open play, and assisting one more. Regular contributors Kasey Higgott and Nadia Karmada were involved yet again, continuing their fine form.
It was also fantastic to see Candice Hathaway on the scoresheet. Her development over recent months has been outstanding; she’s worked relentlessly, earned a recent Player of the Match award, and now capped it off with a welldeserved goal. We couldn’t be prouder.
This week, we host Blaby & Whetstone in what promises to be an early top-ofthe-table showdown. With both sides level on seven points and joint second in the league, it’s a massive six-pointer!
2025/26 SQUAD
EVIE’S SUPERFANS
ABBIE SANDLE
LUDLOW
MORGAN BIRD MOLLY CARTER
NIALL CARTER
ANNIE BARNES
HOLLY JACKSON
MARRIAM RAWEL
LAUREN BRACEY
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OLDFIELD
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RAHIMA MOHAMED
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KATIE STONE
NADIA KARMADA
FREYA COOKE
JODIE HILL
SARAH JENKINS
DANIELLE LEE
LIBBIE TAYLOR
KYRA
LAUREN HEMS
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KAISEY HIGGOTT
CASEY ALLEN DEMI ANDREWS
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DANIELLE HAY
SOPHIE HOWARD
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LEAH WHEELER
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NATALIE FRIDAY
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A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR CLUB SPONSORS
VIXENS HOME KIT SPONSOR
CLUB & DEVELOPMENT SPONSORS
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.
