Introduction to the
Dorset Premier Football League
The league was formed in 1957 and was initially called the Dorset Football Combination League.
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The 2019/2020 Season will be contested by 17 teams covering the entire county of Dorset and neighbouring Counties.
The objective of the League on its formation was to increase the standard of football in Dorset, an ideal that still holds true today as the League currently sits at Step 7 of the FA's National League System.
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The DPL is proud to have been awarded it's FA Standard Charter League Status.
DPL League Management Committee Decision - 26 February
FA Update - 22nd February 2021
We welcome the UK Government’s update today regarding the Covid-19 roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions which means we can look forward to the safe return of grassroots football from 29 March for both adults and children.
With this new clarity around timings, we will continue to work with Government on plans for a safe return for grassroots football across England and will communicate updated guidance as soon as we can.
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We can also confirm that the 2020-21 grassroots season has been extended until the end of June in order to provide additional flexibility and time for leagues to complete their fixtures this season if they wish to do so.
Please note: the extension does not apply to the National League System (NLS) Steps 3-6, Regional NLS Feeder Leagues and the Women’s Football Pyramid from Tier 3 and below, including County Leagues at Tier 7, as the process to determine the preferred route forward for these competitions is currently ongoing. We will provide a further update on this in due course.
Summary of decision - Click below for full letter
After discussion around a host of issues with extending the season until the end of June, given we are normally used to finishing on/by the 2nd Saturday in May, I have listed below some of the issues amongst others raised;
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Club availability in line with recent survey Results conducted over concluding season
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Availability of Pitches, Players, Match Officials, Club Volunteers etc.
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NLS Season curtailed at Steps 3-6
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Additional matches in lower Sat & Sun Leagues impacting on Availabilities
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Additional Costs incurred – given No Current Income Streams
The Decision taken UNANIMOUSLY by the LMC is to NOT EXTEND the Season after May 31st 2021 and it was further discussed and UNANIMOUSLY decided to therefore CURTAIL the 2020/21 League season with Immediate Effect, the rational for Curtailing the League season is as follows, given we will not be extending into June.
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In the meantime, we are committed to offering Competitive Football in the form of a Supplementary Cup Competition throughout April & May, the format will be decided once the below questionnaire has been received back from ALL Clubs by 5pm on FRIDAY 5th March 2021 due to needing replies from each member Club, League Rule 5D(I) will be enforced.
This Competition is optional to you and there will be No penalties for not entering nor will membership of the DPL for season 2021/22 be compromised, and given the released Roadmap, I am confident that next season will see a Full Pre Season in July ready to kick off in August on time and see a Full League & Cup Program completed in Full. (fingers crossed)
Covid 19 Match day protocols will remain in place until instructed otherwise.
I must also remind you that player Qualification rules will still be in place - League Rule 18 I
Match Day Roundup
9
3rd October 2026
News Item
š 12th September 2026 @ š” 6:30pm
Cobham Sports are back at the summit after a 3-0 home win over Dorchester Sports saw them reclaim top spot. Asa Phillips set Cobham on their way with the opening goal before the interval, and the hosts made sure of the points in the second half through Luke Burbidge and Sam Lench. Their return to the top was helped by Bournemouth Electric dropping two points at home, as the previous leaders were held to a 1-1 draw by Gillingham Town. Kareem Solomon was on the scoresheet for Electric, but Bradlee Sheppard's penalty ensured Gillingham left with a share of the spoils. There was no such shortage of goals at Hamworthy Recreation Res, although unfortunately for the hosts the majority went the way of Westlands Sports. Phil Ormrod enjoyed a remarkable afternoon with four goals as Westlands ran out 7-1 winners, with Lucas Corley adding a brace and Jamie Green also finding the net. Harrison Taylor grabbed Hamworthy's consolation on another tough afternoon for Rec, who remain bottom without a point after eight games. The Bulls were in fine form at Petersham Lane, where Holt United eased to a 4-0 win over Portland United Reserves. Ali Williams, Ollie Wilson, Ben Hands and George Ashby all got in on the act as Holt combined four different scorers with a clean sheet. Wareham Rangers, meanwhile, rounded off an excellent week with their second victory, overcoming Hamworthy United Reserves 4-1. Johnny Powell struck twice, while Jordan Churchill and Jayco Phillips added the other Rangers goals. The visitors' solitary reply came via an own goal. Will Pryor was the difference in Swanage, helping himself to a hat-trick as the hosts defeated Bournemouth Sports 3-1. George Harper replied for Sports, but Pryor's treble made sure the points stayed in Swanage, meanwhile, at the College, Balti Sports also enjoyed a 3-1 success, with Troy Walbridge, Matt Chambers and Ryan McKechnie finding the target against Verwood Town. Dave Kerr provided Verwood's response. There was a much tighter affair across the border in Wiltshire, where Wimborne Town Reserves edged past Mere Town by the only goal of the game. Jake Collett-Carr proved to be the match-winner, his strike enough to secure a 1-0 victory and send Wimborne home with all three points.
Useful Links
Fixtures, Results and Tables
We now provide links to the Full Time Website - Click Below
League Handbook 2019/2020
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DPL MATCH COMPLIANCE FORM
To be completed by both sides prior to a Match and sent by the Home side to Giles electronically, photo or email, BEFORE the game kicks off. Download from the below link.
Diary Dates
Event | Date | Venue |
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Start of season 2022 / 2023 | Saturday 13th August 2022 at 15:00 |