Title triumph for Duki

Last weekend was a historic one for Dukinfield Town, as their first team lifted the Manchester League Premier Division trophy for the first time in the club’s 78-year history. 

On their remarkable route to becoming champions, the Yew Tree Lane side only suffered two defeats through the entirety of the campaign, netting 73 times in the process.   

Having already wrapped up the title, the stage was set for big celebrations following their final day clash with Pennington, and while a heavy downpour saw the match postponed, this didn’t dampen their spirits. 

The day was immensely special for all involved, but none more so than club captain Jake Fenton, who has been with the club since the tender age of four. 

Also there to celebrate was club stalwart Jimmy Gledhill (pictured), who has been involved with Dukinfield Town & Youth for close to 60 years. 

To add to the success of the men’s first team, Dukinfield’s ladies’ side have also tasted silverware this season, winning the top division in the Manchester Women’s Flexi-League in only their second season. 

And the side are far from finished, with a both a cup semi-final and cup final on the horizon. 

“I’m so proud of everyone involved,” said club chairman Adam Ridings, who also manages the men’s and ladies’ first teams. 

“Unfortunately, the men’s first team are unable to get promoted due to us not having the correct facilities. 

“But we have been working with the council to try to get a facility that we’re able to develop to meet the requirements in the future. 

“We have planning permission granted for a new clubhouse on our Yew Tree Lane site, and we’re hoping to secure funding through the football foundation and potentially other funding sources.” 

As well as the men’s and ladies’ sides, the community driven club boasts 40 teams of local girls and boys, with around 400 playing members currently on their books. 

“Our biggest barriers are facilities and numbers of volunteers,” Adam told the Reporter.  

“As the club continues to grow year on year, we fear we will outgrow our facilities, and will have to start turning girls and boys away due to space and lack of coaches to run the teams.” 

For more information, visit the club’s website: https://www.dukinfieldtownandyouthfc.co.uk/