The Devon Football League kicks-off tonight and we have very proud hosts in Totnes & Dartington Football Club, who welcome Kingsteignton Athletic for the opening game in the South & West Division.
For Chairman Andy Newson, Vice-Chairman Alan Blake, Club legend Charlie Stephens and the Committee at Totnes & Dartington, tonight’s game represents the culmination of three years of consolidation, having opted to drop down from the South-West Peninsula League to focus on work behind the scenes and building a comprehensive junior section.
The hard graft has been done and it is now all about the football, as two historic clubs in the County game prepare to kick-off a new adventure.
“The work has been done behind the scenes to prepare us for this new level and we’re delighted and honoured to host the first game in the Devon Football League,” said Alan.
“Three years ago, we decided to come out of the Peninsula League after enjoying a lot of success, winning the Devon Premier Cup and two Throgmorton Cup finals. We won three major trophies but the committee made the decision to go back to our roots in local football, with a view to building to the level of football that we wanted.
“The creation of the new Devon Football League has been perfect for us. We were promoted from Division One in the South Devon League to the Premier and did well last season, so this means everything to us.
“The new league is a perfect stepping stone to where we want to be and we’re comfortable with this level. We don’t pay players’ wages or expenses, we’re a community club and our heart and soul is in the junior teams and disability teams, because that grows our senior team.
“We’re back into the County league against clubs we know well and some that are new to us. We’ve done a lot of work in the past few years and every penny goes into the club. We’ve upgraded our facilities to include a new small stand, improvements to the clubhouse and the pitch is in fantastic condition.
“Our second team has been restarted with a lot of young players, rooted in local football to bring through the next generation. We have consolidated over the last three years and hopefully now a stronger club for this league.”
There is also a nice symmetry for Alan to be welcoming Kingsteignton for this inaugural fixture, having played against them in his first and last games as a local footballer.
“In 1970, I made my debut for what was then called Dartington United Football Club and it was against Kingsteignton,” said Alan. “In my early fifties, I played my last game in South Devon League football against Kingsteignton Reserves.
“Charlie Stephens, who is the lifeblood of our football club, has been involved for 49 years, same as me. We’re convinced he lives at the ground because he does so much work and it’s fantastic for all of us to welcome Kingsteignton in the first game. Charlie was honoured for his incredible long service by the South Devon League last season.
“We’re off to Ottery St Mary on Saturday, who we’ve played in the Peninsula League, but also very excited to play against new clubs, such as Bere Alston, Tavistock Reserves and new grounds for Totnes & Dartington.
“To be given the honour of the first game is fantastic for us and we’re looking forward to the evening.”
The game kicks-off at 6.30pm at Foxhole Sports Field, TQ9 6EB