{"id":1873,"date":"2025-02-20T17:54:33","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T17:54:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/downhamtownfc1.com\/?templately_library=kickstar-news-page"},"modified":"2026-02-27T17:25:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T17:25:42","slug":"kickstar-news-page","status":"publish","type":"templately_library","link":"https:\/\/downhamtownfc1.com\/?templately_library=kickstar-news-page","title":{"rendered":"Kickstar News Page"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Announcement from 1st team Manager Dale Stokes<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Morning,

I just wanted to put a message in to update everyone of my situation.

About 3 weeks ago I accepted a job in California. At the time I wasn\u2019t told of the start date and assumed it was August\/September. It then transpired on 6th Feb that they wanted me to start on March 9th, which I was told is non negotiable. This obviously gives me very little time. As it stands it still isn\u2019t 100%, due to the visa process which could easily be rejected under the current regime. However, I told the players before the game yesterday as I didn\u2019t want to keep putting it off.

This isn\u2019t a message to say goodbye or anything, I\u2019ll do that properly if and when it happens. It\u2019s just to make people aware as I\u2019ve told been told there were some rumours going around back in January. (No idea where from as I didn\u2019t even know this myself at that point)

I\u2019m gutted to be leaving the club, it\u2019s taken over my life for 7 years \ud83d\ude02. But those that have known me a while will know it\u2019s something I\u2019ve wanted to do for years and it\u2019s now or never!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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U16<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Mid-Season Round-Up: Downham Town FC U16s

Newly promoted to the Norfolk Combined Youth Football League Championship Division, Downham Town FC U16s have exceeded all expectations in the first half of the season.

The team have settled seamlessly into life at a higher level, excelling in league competition and remaining unbeaten to date. Their performances have been built on hard work, excellent teamwork, and a consistently high standard of football.

Cup competitions have provided further highlights. Impressive runs in two separate cup competitions have seen the side overcome Premier League opposition, securing well-deserved places in the quarter-finals of both the Norfolk County Cup and the 4Trophies League Cup. The squad is highly motivated by the challenge these latter stages will bring.

Every player has contributed to a strong all-round team performance, with commitment, resilience, and quality evident across the pitch week after week.

The coaches and players are excited about what the second half of the season holds and are aiming high as they continue to build on an outstanding first half of the campaign.

A special thank you goes to our kit sponsors Persimmon Homes and Toppesfield for their continued support.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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U15 EJA<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Downham u15 EJA

2025 \/2026 season mid season review .

Season started in July for us with friendlies as a new side going into what is possibly the toughest youth setup leagues within the eastern side of the country .

We were new as a side having a mixture of a few sides coming together .
The lads soon became a team and bonded very well , the friendlies set up were of the very highest standard , due to us needing to be ready for the league , we had a mixed bag of results , playing as far and as white hart lane ect .

We trained hard working on passeges of play and trying to incorporate an ethos to play football regardless of the opponent, and find an identity.

The league started in September and the team was still evolving\/ changing , a few casualties of the level.
Results have been mixed with both wins and losses , nights under the lights ect , but one thing is for sure even the very top teams know we can play and a 3-1 loss to the league favourites with a lot of missed opportunities sparked a belief that although tough we are deserving of the opportunity.
Now we need to work on the naivety of local football mindsets, as the boys realising the best teams are the toughest teams .
The boys are ready 100% and give everything to the badge .

With players still coming in but remaining loyal to the ones who jumped on board early we will see a great 2nd part of the season for sure .<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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U13 Blues<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Norfolk combined division 2.
Mid season report
We are currently lying 11th in the league, having played 11 games.
1 win
2 draws
8 loses<\/p>

Top scorers
Nancy Turner 5
Matthew king 2<\/p>

Top assists
Kody Thompson 1
Nancy Turner 1<\/p>

Overall, it has been a tough first half of the season, the u13’s have shown some great football but haven’t seen the rewards they deserved. Hopefully the second half of the season will see all the u13’s hard work turn into positive results.
We as coaches have been so proud of our team, after being moved up a division they have battled to the last seconds of every game, never once letting their heads go down and always taking on the next game with the same enthusiasm as the last. Well done team.\ud83d\udc4f<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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U13 EJA<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Downham U13 Season Report

As a newly formed team competing in the strongest youth league in East Anglia outside of academy football, the first few months of the season have been nothing short of outstanding.

With many expecting Downham U13s to struggle near the bottom of the table, the boys have surprised everyone. They have shown an excellent standard of football and, just as importantly, have quickly gelled together as a unified team.

In moments of adversity, the players have stood by one another and worked collectively, showing real character and togetherness. Huge credit must go to the coaching staff, whose dedication and guidance have helped shape this group into a very strong footballing side.

The season began with some impressive victories, and although an early exit from the cup was disappointing, it allowed the team to fully focus on the league campaign. That focus has paid off. With over half of the games now completed, Downham currently sit second in the table and are determined to push league leaders Newmarket all the way to the end of the season.

Goals have been shared throughout the squad, but special mention must go to Harrison, who is currently the leading top scorer at his new club. Captain Jim Bob has also been outstanding, leading the team by example and fully embracing his role.

Every single player deserves recognition for their effort, commitment, and teamwork. From a coaching perspective, it is impossible to be anything but immensely proud of what this group has achieved so far.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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U12<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Mid-Season Team Report \u2013 DTFC Under 12s

Following an excellent season last year, expectations were high for the DTFC Under 12s heading into this campaign. However, the start of the season proved extremely challenging, with the team suffering seven consecutive losses. Confidence was low, and it was clear the group needed a change to help rediscover belief, rhythm, and enjoyment in their football.

In response, the coaching staff made a decisive adjustment by splitting the squad into two teams. This reduced the number of substitutions, allowing players increased game time, improved confidence, and better on-field fluidity. The impact of this decision was immediate and significant.

The turning point came with our first win of the season against Cringleford, a superb 4\u20132 victory that showcased the team at its very best. The effort, determination, and togetherness displayed that day were nothing short of magical and served as a reminder of the squad\u2019s true potential.

Since that breakthrough performance, the team has gone from strength to strength. DTFC Under 12s have won three of their last four matches, with the only defeat coming against the current league leaders. Performances have improved week by week, confidence has returned, and the players are now playing with belief, energy, and purpose.

As a result, we are climbing the league table at an impressive rate and are excited to see how high this group can finish in the second half of the season. With continued hard work, commitment, and teamwork, the future looks very bright for this talented squad.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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U10 Reds<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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What a brilliant first half of the season for Downham Reds u10s. The team have continued to grow and develop together and have kicked on yet again this season. They\u2019ve played some good football, fought hard for each other and show great team spirit. Huge credit to every single one of the team. Massive thanks as ever to Adam at SCL for sponsoring the team and supporting us throughout. Big shout out to all the parents who are there come rain or shine backing their boys and the whole team. Well done U10 Reds. Onwards to the second half.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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U10 Blues<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Downham U10 Blues have had a fantastic first half of the season playing really competitive football resulting in some exciting games. The team has developed its skills with a solid defence and some delightful one two touches in attack. The team continues to make more than its fair share of chances in all games.

Big thanks to our kit sponsor Hyperion Security<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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U9 Reds <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Halfway through their first season at 7 aside Downham U9 Reds have shown what a cracking team they can be. Finding their feet in a larger pitch, they have started to pull performances together and are now growing in confidence as each week comes by. The start of the season has produced some magic moments and also some valuable lessons to be learnt. All in all a fantastic start to the next step in their football career! Well done Reds \"\ud83d\udd34\"\"\u26aa\ufe0f\"\u00a0gillickcoaching glovergroup<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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U9 Blues<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Downham Blue U9s half season report:


A fantastic season from the blues so far !
A slightly shakey start but we soon got things underway with some very promising performances , against some solid opponents.
The development of the squad from last year has been a pleasure to watch,\u00a0 each and every player has worked hard at training and at the matches, and now they are now reaping the rewards of their efforts. I am extremely proud of them all.
\u00a0My assistant, Rob, and I would also like to extend my gratitude towards the parents who are always positive and very helpful , and also the club , who are always there to support and guide us. We’re all looking forward to the second half of the season after a very promising start

Up the Downham blues !!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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U8 Blues<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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DTFC Under 8 Blues –
Great first half of the season for these little fellas! Getting some very good results and closing the gap on teams they were outplaying us last season! The progress the boys have made over the last few months is a testament to themselves and having a great attitude in and off the pitch!
Really looking forward to the second half of the season to watch them all push themselves even more!

A big shout out goes to all the parents\/family members and spectators that come to cheer the team on week in week out!

I would like to thank all the people behind the scenes at DTFC for all your hard work!
All very much appreciated!

Big thank you aswell to our sponsors
British Sugar & G\u2019s Fresh Produce

Lastly I would like to thank everyone for helping me personally through the difficulty of losing my father in October and also for allowing a minutes silence for him across 3 matches! This was very heart warming for my family and I so thank you very much!

\u201cWe Go Again\u201d \ud83d\udc99

Good luck to all the other Downham teams for the second half of the season<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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U8 Reds<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The DTFC U8 Reds have enjoyed an outstanding first half of the season, proving just how far hard work, teamwork and belief can take you. The boys have secured some excellent results and, even more impressively, have shown huge development in all areas of their game. Their goalkeeping, defensive work, midfield play and finishing have all come on leaps and bounds.

This has come from commitment, courage and a brilliant attitude both on and off the pitch.

Every single player has shown real progress over the past few months. Their confidence on the ball, their understanding of the game, and their willingness to support each other have all grown massively. They should be incredibly proud of themselves. As coaches and supporters, we certainly are.

A huge thank you goes out to our parents, family members and loyal supporters. Your dedication week in, week out, in all weathers, makes such a difference. The encouragement, the lifts, the cheers, the patience\u2026 it all helps create the positive environment these boys thrive in. Thank you.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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U7s<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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What a fantastic first half of the season it’s been for our amazing U7s team! \ud83c\udf1f\u26bd\ufe0f We’ve seen so much incredible effort, teamwork, and big smiles every week. It’s been brilliant to see these players grow in confidence and skill on the pitch. A massive shout out to the all the parents and carers for your support, cheering from the sidelines. We’re all looking forward to the second half of the season, more fun training sessions and more great games! Keep up the great work, team! \ud83d\ude42\u26bd\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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