Introduction to the
Dorset Premier Football League
The league was formed in 1957 and was initially called the Dorset Football Combination League.
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.
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.
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.
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
4
19th August 2023
News Item
Holt United made it 3 wins from 3 as they beat Sherborne Town Reserves 4-0 at Petersham Lane, scoring for the hosts were Sonny Wilkinson, Scott Bungay, Ali Garard & Sam Bennet. Blandford United came from behind to beat hosts Westland Sports at Alvington 3-1, trailing to a Malik Kamal goal, Steve Smith equalised from the penalty spot just before HT, before further 2nd half goals from Ellitt Manson & Joe Kempster secured the points for the "Royals". Sturminster Newton picked up their 1st win of the season after they beat Swanage T&H 7-2 at Barnetts Field, scoring for the hosts were, Billy Bright, Neil Sweatman, Nick Thompson, Jamie Danoris, Will Guppy (x2) & Elliot Bevis, replying for the visitors were Ocean Smith & Remy Coddington. Merley CS gained a 3-1 win at home against Bridport Reserves who took the lead courtesy of Joe Ethrington but goals from Dan Reeks, Josh Buck & Luke Stone secured the 3 points. Balti Sports were another side who came from behind as they beat Poole Borough 2-1 at Cranford Avenue, Liam Smith scored for the visitors but 2nd half goals from Dan Andrews & Sam Nicholls secured the points for the hosts. Bournemouth Sports and Portland United Reserves played out a 1-1 draw at Chapel gate, James Bergin had given the hosts a 1st half lead with Tom Butcher restoring parity in the 2nd half. These are worrying times if you are a Sturminster Marshall fan as they again today were on the wrong side of another big defeat, losing 10-0 at the County Ground against hosts Hamworthy United Reserves, scoring for the "Hammers" were Alfie Matthews, Billy Phillips, Lennon Claydon, Dan Kelly (x4) Eric Richardson (x2) & Owen Rennie.
Useful Links
Fixtures, Results and Tables
We now provide links to the Full Time Website - Click Below
League Handbook 2019/2020
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 |
|---|---|---|
Start of season 2022 / 2023 | Saturday 13th August 2022 at 15:00 |