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:
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 8 surpassing 100.
6 men have scored over 50 goals.
On the women’s side, 10 players have made 50+ appearances, with Jadie Stone and more recently Libbie Taylor scoring 50 goals for the club.
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.
• Andy Dengate takes over the Kits side from 2026.
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 Thurmo Day!
We’re delighted to be hosting this year’s Thurmo Day at Asfordby FC, and it promises to be a brilliant Sunday of football for everyone involved with the club.
We kick off the action with a huge quarter-final cup tie for our men’s team. After a difficult start to the campaign, Dylan has worked tirelessly to stabilise the squad, and their efforts are now bearing fruit. The team has started 2026 in excellent form, showing resilience, unity and real quality in recent performances.
Before today’s cup clash, the players will be presented with their award for being voted Team of the Month for January. Thank you to everyone who supported them with your votes. That recognition reflects just how far the group has come and the significant progress they’ve made since the turn of the year.
a disappointing County Cup quarterfinal defeat last week, they’ll be determined to respond in the right way as they host Harborough Town.
The Vixens know they weren’t at their best last time out, but they’ll be eager to put things right. Harborough have improved significantly in the second half of the season, so this promises to be another competitive encounter.
Standing in their way this afternoon is a strong FC Poplar side. A well-established team that has been together for years, they combine experience with youthful energy and always fight for one another. It will be a tough test. However, our men have consistently shown they can thrive under pressure, often reaching the latter stages of cup competitions. They’ll be aiming to do exactly that again today.
Following the men’s fixture, the Vixens return to league action. After
The squad has been boosted by several new additions in recent weeks. Sophie O’Dwyer impressed on her debut last weekend, and we’re also pleased to welcome Amy Pownall back into the squad. With a demanding run of fixtures between now and the end of the season, having strength in depth will be crucial as availability and injuries inevitably play their part.
Our Kits will also be out in force on Sunday morning to cheer on the men before heading down the road to Asfordby Amateurs for what promises to be a challenging league fixture of their own. Andy has worked hard to strengthen his squad, and the team continues to improve week by week. Hopefully they can deliver another strong performance this weekend. We hope as many of you as possible can join us at Asfordby this Sunday and get behind all our teams. Your support makes all the difference!.
Viva La Thurmo!
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES
THE FOXES
Modern Men Movement Senior Cup Quarter Final
Asfordby Acres, Hoby Road, LE14 3TL
Kick Off - 10:30
We haven’t heard a great deal from the men this season, They have battled away under the radar but this weekend they are part of Thurmo Day at Asfordby, so we caught up with Manager Dylan Patel ahead of this weekend, here is what he had to say.
Let’s start with the big one this weekend! Quarter final at home on Thurmo day, this is exactly what the group deserves. I’ve been here since the start of the season and the progression and belief from the lads has massively improved and being undefeated in 2026 is the reward!
Being around the club since I was like 16/17 and finally been given the reigns after being an understudy for my time at the club to some great managers! It’s been tough and hard work however credit to the lads who have trusted me, helped me out and believed in what we are trying to create.
Let’s get into the semi finals of the cup and I hope to see as many of you as possible cheering us on and also staying to watch our vixens after on what looks to be an exciting day.
MensLEAGUE TABLE
LEICESTER & CHARNWOOD SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
FANATICS DIVISION 1
Stephen Allen
Kyle Bates
Macauley Bates
Jake Bird
Ben Brown
Cameron Brown
Joe Brown
Matthew Brown
Stuart Brown
Ashton Bullock
Jack Buxton
Alex Copeland
Matthew Cropper
SQUAD LIST
James Cross
Owen Dewing
Liam Doe
Patrick Dudley
Caylem Fraser
Euan Hewitt
Harry Jackson
Max Knight
Khyle Limmage
Frazer Mcmanus
Dylan Patel
James Pearce
Jason Ralston - Brown
Jamie Saunders
Liam Stafford
Niall Stafford
Lennon Stephenson
Harrison TringhamRoberts
Luke Underwood
James West
Piers Wheeler
Manager: Dylan Patel
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES
THE VIXENS
Leicestershire women’s & girls football league Division 1
Asfordby Acres, Hoby Road, LE14 3TL Kick Off - 14:00
The Vixens welcome Harborough Town this afternoon for an important Division One league fixture, as they look to respond positively following last weekend’s County Cup quarter-final defeat.
While the result didn’t go their way, the performance once again underlined the strength and progress within the squad. The Vixens continue to show that they are capable of competing at a higher level, and today presents the perfect opportunity to return to form and secure a strong league result.
Vixens’ control and possession began to take their toll. In the end, they ran out 4–0 winners — a convincing scoreline that didn’t fully reflect how competitive the contest had been.
We are very familiar with Harborough now. There are friendships and rivalries between the two sides, but once the whistle blows it’s all about the football. Earlier this season, Harborough provided a stern test. The Vixens spent much of the first half under pressure, with Harborough pressing high and looking to force an early breakthrough. However, the Vixens showed patience and composure, finding a crucial gap before half-time to take a 1–0 lead.
The second half was a constant battle, but as the game wore on, the
This time around, we expect another tough encounter. Harborough will arrive determined to put things right, and the Vixens will need to be at their very best to claim all three points.
There are some fresh faces in the squad this weekend, adding valuable strength and depth. We’re particularly pleased to welcome back Amy Pownall. Amy admitted she hasn’t properly kicked a ball in two years since leaving us, but after returning to training this week she looked as though she’d never been away. It’s fantastic to see the squad growing. In previous seasons, a smaller group sometimes made things challenging, so having additional options will be a huge boost as we head into the final stretch of the campaign.
Let’s get behind the girls this afternoon and cheer them on to victory!
A CHAT WITH
ZOE HILL
From broken wrists to penalty shoot-out heroics, Zoe always has a story to tell. She adds humour with a sprinkle of kindness to the dressing room and the Vixens mother goose is in the hot seat this week.
A – ALL-time favourite football player?
Lucy Bronze! Although growing up I was a hugeee Michael Owen fan!
B – What BOOTS do you wear & your preferred BOOT BRAND? Adidas predators everytime.
C – Your go to CELEBRATION when you score?
Probably pass out.. be a miracle if I scored as a goalkeeper! My assist this season was enough!
D – Who is the worst DANCER in the squad?
This is hard.. I’m sorry Westy, after a few bevvies your moves become very questionable.
E – What do you like to EAT before a game?
Cheese and Pickle Sandwich.. usually made by my Mum and I pick it up on the way to the game
F – Who has the worst FASHION sense in the squad?
Everyone has such unique fashion in our team. I’m gonna say myself, I’m old, dress for comfort nowadays.
G – What is the best GOAL you have ever scored?
Being the only girl in the lads team when I was about 10, playing centre back, volleyed the ball from just inside their half and somehow scored. Was meant to just be a clearance.
H – How do you keep yourself HYDRATED & HEALTHY throughout a season?
Believe it or not I do actually try.. I try to be as active as I can with my boy Harry and I drink a lot of juice during the day.
I – Who is the biggest INSPIRATION in your life & why?
Bit cringe but my son Harry, He’s just my little best mate.
J – Who is the biggest JOKER on the team?
Everyone has such a giggle but I love some of the random stuff Abbie comes out with. The one liners with her posh accent really tickle me.
K – What KIT number do you love to wear & why?
1, because if Westy gave me any other I’d hurt him.
L – What is the biggest LESSON that football has taught you?
To be patient with myself! More so since getting back into the sport around 4ish years ago. Practice makes perfect and there is always something new to learn.
M – What is your go to pre match MUSIC?
Got to be some old school drum and bass or 90’s r&b
N – Who is the NICEST player in the squad?
My squad are my family, love each and every one of them. Got to say I love Bracey’s little texts of compliments after each game, they make me smile!
O – Can you describe your personality in ONE word?
Oh jeez. Erm.. there’s a few popping into my head but let’s go with, thoughtful.
P – What is your favourite POSITION to play?
Keeper!
Q – What is the best QUALITY you need in a teammate?
Reassurance, for me this is huge, I’m still relatively new to playing in goal and it’s so easy to get inside my own head. One bad kick or a slightly bad position can lose you the game. So when my girls reassure me that I did a good job, or did all I could, it really helps.
R – How do you normally deal with a REFEREE’S tough decision?
Throw a ball at the opponents head? No sorry I made this mistake once.. I usually just have a moan and crack on.
S – Which football club did you grow up SUPPORTING?
When I was younger I was just mad on the international team and was a tad obsessed with England. Didn’t really follow any other. I did rock a Watford shirt once upon a time!
T – What TV-SHOW are you currently watching?
Everwood. It’s really soppy and boring but I’m hooked.
U – What is the most UNFORGETTABLE moment of your football/Thurmaston career?
Got to be the FA cup journey this season. Literally going in as the underdogs each game and getting where we did will stay with me forever. In particular the penalty shoot out with Coalville and making THAT peno save.
V – VACATION spot you’d love to visit after the season?
I’d like to take Harry back to Tenerife.
W – WHO is your best friend in the team & why?
There’s my OG girls & Westy, but equally I’ve made some really lovely friendships recently.
X – What is the worst injury (X-RAY) of your football career?
Erm, I seem to enjoy breaking wrists playing football. Did the exact same to my right wrist last season as I did when
I was about 9. I’d say the most recent wrist break was the worst as I had such bad FOMO not being able to play.
Y – How many YEARS have you played football for?
Since I was 4, wow I’m old. 28 years, minus a few years gap to play Hockey.
Z – What is your ZODIAC sign and do you believe it matches your personality on the pitch?
Just had to Google this. So I’m a Libra, and it’s pretty accurate tbh, says I desire to please everyone. That’s so me, such an overthinker! It also says that I’m loyal and dislike being alone.. again this is bang on!
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES
THE KITS
Leicestershire women’s & girls football league Division 2
Welby Road, Melton Mowbray LE14 3RD Kick Off - 14:00
The Kits won convincingly at home to Melton Foxes at the weekend, running out 11-0 winners.
Despite starting brightly, with Sarah Jenkins converting a header from an early corner, the Kits were unable to convert a number of chances in the first half. Nonetheless, the Kits held a convincing 4-0 lead going into half time. The second half saw the Kits continue to dominate the ball. The back line continued to stand strong, recycling the ball when needed to keep play primarily in the Foxes half.
Goals from Sarah Jenkins x 2, Tammy Betts x 3, Kaisey Higgott x 2, Demi Andrews x 1, Casey Allen x 1, Vicky
Kabacinska x 1 & Katie Stone x 1 saw the Kits run out 11-0 winners.
Finally, a big shout to the Melton Foxes, who continue to improve every time we play them, and are always a lovely group of ladies who always play the game in the best spirit possible. We wish them all the best for the rest of the season and look forward to playing them again next season!
This week the kits head to face Asfordby Amateurs which will be another great test for the reformed kits team!
ROSS COLLINS
2025/26 SQUAD
EVIE’S SUPERFANS
HONOUR SLATER
SOPHIE HOWARD
ABBIE SANDLE
EMILY LOCKETT
JESS SEATON
GEORGIA SANDERS
ZOE HILL
EVIE LUDLOW
MORGAN BIRD
ANNIE BARNES
HOLLY JACKSON
MARRIAM RAWEL
LAUREN BRACEY
2025/26 SQUAD
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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 OLDFIELD
LAUREN HEMS
VICKY MARRIOTT
DEMI ANDREWS
DANIELLE HAY
CASEY ALLEN
2025/26 SQUAD
KAISEY HIGGOTT
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SOPHIE HOWARD
HONOUR SLATER
ROSIE SPENCER
LEAH WHEELER
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ALYS BROGAN
CANDICE-MARIE HATHAWAY
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ANALEICE WILKES
CHLOE MAITLAND
JADE HOWDEN
CHLOE MCDERMOTT
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NATALIE FRIDAY
2025/26 SQUAD
FRANCES MILLER
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP GRACE ALLEN
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SOPHIE SBARDELLA
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP CLAIRE BALL
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AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP TAMMY BETTS
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LAUREN CUNNINGHAM
MEGAN THACKER
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP LAUREN GARNER
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP HARRIET QUITTENTON
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP KELSEY SMITH
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP WIKTORIA KABACINSKA
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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.
