Chairman/Secretary James West
Assistant Secretary/Welfare Emily Lockett
Vixens Manager James West
Kits Manager Sarah Jenkins
Foxes Manager Dylan Patel
Kits Assistant Jodie Hill
Vixens Captain Emily Lockett
Kits Captain Georgia Sanders
Foxes Captain Ben Brown
Vixens Vice Captain Holly Jackson
Kits Vice Captain Vacant
Foxes Vice Captain Kyle Bates
Club Photographers Ben Cook & Imy Sanders
Commitee Members
James West
Ben Brown
Dylan Patel
Jodie Hill
Kyle Bates
Emily Lockett
Sarah Jenkins
Zoe Hill
The Story of Thurmaston DPC FC
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
• 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.
What a strange week it’s been! After all the hard work behind the scenes to make sure games could go ahead, both of our women’s opponents were unable to field sides last weekend — a real disappointment for everyone involved. There was a silver lining, though. The unexpected free weekend gave the Vixens the chance to enjoy a well-deserved team bonding night out, celebrating their heroic efforts in the FA Cup. We had a fantastic evening at Roxy Ballroom, where things got very competitive during a few rounds of curling — even if my team didn’t quite come out on top!
This weekend, our attention turns away from the league and onto cup football. The Vixens make the short trip to face local rivals Brookside Athletic, in what’s always a lively and competitive fixture. There’s been some interesting behaviour from their camp over the weekend — it seems they were particularly keen for me to be there! Meanwhile, the Kits will host Coalville Town Ravens, with a change of venue seeing them play at Wreake Valley this weekend. Both sides face tough challenges as they battle for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Unfortunately, our Men’s team continue to face serious fixture issues and, once again, have no game this weekend — despite the matter being raised with
the league three weeks ago. After much consideration, we have now submitted our official resignation from the Leicester & Charnwood Sunday Football League for the 2025/26 season. The ongoing mismanagement has left us with no choice, as my priority will always be the welfare and enjoyment of our players. This weekend also marks Remembrance Sunday, a day that holds great significance for our club. As always, we take the time to reflect and remember those who gave so much. Club captain Emily Lockett will represent DPC by laying a wreath at the Thurmaston Cenotaph, while I’ll be proudly taking part in the parade myself as part of a reunion band.
The women’s management team also came together this weekend to discuss how the club plans to build and strengthen our pathway for the future — and there are some exciting developments on the horizon! In the short term, we’re looking to make a few additions to both the playing and coaching teams. So, if you’re looking for a new challenge, a change of scenery, or simply want to try something new, we’d love to hear from you.
Here’s hoping that by Sunday evening, we’ll have two brilliant cup results to celebrate. Viva La Thurmo!
Leicestershire women’s & girls football league Women’s League Cup - Second Round Wreake Valley Academy, Parkstone Road, Syston. LE7 1LY Kick Off - 14:00
The Kits are back at home this weekend for League Cup secondround action, as they welcome Coalville Town Ravens to Roundhill.
Coalville have made an impressive start to their league campaign, currently sitting second in the table with just one defeat so far this season. The two sides have already met once this year, with the Kits suffering a tough 7–0 defeat away from home. However, the cup offers a fresh opportunity — and as we all know, in knockout football, anything can happen.
There’s also been a change in leadership this week, with Georgia Sanders officially appointed as team captain following Evie Ludlow’s decision to take the next step in her football journey. Evie moves up to join our Vixens side as she continues to develop her game,
and everyone at the club wishes her the very best. Congratulations also go to Georgia, who takes on the captain’s armband on a permanent basis after serving brilliantly as vice-captain.
In other news, the team have voted player-manager Sarah Jenkins as October’s Player of the Month. Sarah’s standout display came in the emphatic 19–0 victory over Melton Foxes, where she both scored and provided an assist. A well-deserved recognition for her consistent performances and leadership on and off the pitch.
With confidence high and a cup quarterfinal place up for grabs, the Kits will be eager to deliver a strong performance and show just how far they’ve come since that early-season defeat.
A CHAT WITH
Sarah is a huge influence on her Kits side as player manager but the players decided she was their player of the month for October. We thought it was about time we heard from her.
A – ALL-time favourite football player
Super Bobby Taylor - Absolute West Brom Legend.
B – What BOOTS do you wear & your preferred BOOT BRAND
I currently wear Puma Kings and prefer Puma boots in general. Growing up I wore Reeboks - they were cool at the time!
C – Your go to CELEBRATION when you score?
I mean, it’s a rare thing but just depends on how impressed I am at the time. I like to congratulate whoever gave me the ball to score mostly.
D – Who is the worst DANCER in the squad?
That’s tough, I don’t think ive seen anyone dance! Although Georgia does this spaghetti with thing with her arms and legs sometimes!
E – What do you like to EAT before a game?
I – Who is the biggest INSPIRATION in your life & why?
My partner, Emma! She makes me a better person daily and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her love and support!
J – Who is the biggest JOKER on the team?
Generally I like to make a good “healthy” fry up before the game days. I’m a feeder and have to make sure everyone in the house is fed before I get home to make a roast!
F – Who has the worst FASHION sense in the squad?
Pha! I could go down the Demi route but that poor girl has taken some blows - Definitely Demi
G – What is the best GOAL you have ever scored?
I didn’t pick up goal of the season for a toe poke - it would have to be that goal for me.
Definitely Freya, she cracks me up!
K – What KIT number do you love to wear & why?
I use to love wearing number 2. But now I’m not so bothered and will take any.
L – What is the biggest LESSON that football has taught you?
Teamwork - can’t get anywhere without it.
M – What is your go to pre match MUSIC?
Depends how I feel on the day - could be anything
N – Who is the NICEST player in the squad?
H – How do you keep yourself HYDRATED & HEALTHY throughout a season?
I’m terrible at keeping hydrated. Healthy, again terrible but I use the home gym occasionally!
The whole squad past and present have been the best bunch of girls. I couldn’t just pick one.
O – Can you describe your personality in ONE word?
No, I will need about three!
P – What is your favourite POSITION to play?
Substitute! Once a defender always a defender.
Q – What is the best QUALITY you need in a teammate?
Communication - on and off the pitch.
R – How do you normally deal with a REFEREE’S tough decision?
Tell them that they are a really nice person - with a few F bombs
S – Which football club did you grow up SUPPORTING?
West Bromwich Albion - don’t judge, it’s in my blood!
T – What TV-SHOW are you currently watching?
MAFS! I am obsessed.
U – What is the most UNFORGETTABLE moment of your football career?
Football would be playing at the Gay Meadow in Shrewsbury for my school in the cup final. That was amazing!
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?
Hoping to go to Japan for a big birthday next year!
W – WHO is your best friend in the team & why?
Jodie! She got me back into football and brought me to Thurmaston. Always there for me as a friend and teammate. Legend!
X – What is the worst injury (X-RAY) of your football career?
Touch wood, never had one!
Y – How many YEARS have you played football for?
Longer than the ages of some of my teammates - 25+ years
Z – What is your ZODIAC sign and do you believe it matches your personality on the pitch?
I am a Libra - I have no idea if it matches but mystic Meg always got it right!
Leicestershire women’s & girls football league Women’s League Cup - Second Round Necton Street, Syston. LE7 1HF Kick Off - 14:00
The Vixens endured a frustrating weekend off after last Sunday’s fixture was postponed, with the opposition unable to field a side. While not the way anyone wanted to spend a matchday, the pause did offer a silver lining — a valuable chance for players to rest up, recover knocks, and reset after a busy run of games. Despite a few absences this weekend, the squad welcomes back some much-needed returning faces who are fit and ready after time out.
Today we make the short trip to Syston once again to face Brookside Athletic in the League Cup. Manager James West
made no secret in preseason that this competition is a major target for the club, and you can be sure the team will be fully switched on and hungry for a result.
A local derby always carries a bit of edge — and fresh off Bonfire Night, we’re expecting a few sparks on the pitch too. With pride, progression, and bragging rights all at stake, there’s every reason to believe this one will light up Sunday football!
This week the Vixen’s player of the month for October was voted for by the team and the winner was Annie Barnes who has been relentless!
HONOUR SLATER
OLDFIELD
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RAHIMA MOHAMED
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KAISEY HIGGOTT
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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.
SUNDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2025
Women’s County Cup Weekend
Bottesford Women v Vixens
AFC Market Bosworth v Kits
