BFC History

Back in 1979, half a dozen seven year-olds at Broadstone First School – by entirely their own volition – would regularly meet after school for a “kick around.” It wasn’t long before a couple of their dads became interested in what they were up to, and they decided to organise more formal training sessions. By 1982 there were 18 lads, one girl, and the two dads (plus quite a few onlookers!) regularly attending the weekly get-togethers. The two dads – Mick Rogers (who subsequently moved away from the area in 1984) and Dennis Chapman (who is now a Life Vice President of the Club following many years as Chairman and then President) took the decision to enter an Under 11 team in what was then the “Braytown League” (fore-runner of the Dorset Divisional Youth League) for the season 1982/83. And so was borne this Football Club – then known as Broadstone BOYS Football Club. When Mick moved away, Dennis became Team Manager, and Geoff Hare (now the Club Chairman) became Club Secretary. Back in those days it was very much a family affair, with Dennis’ wife Pam looking after the finances and Geoff’s wife Marilyn the meeting minutes.

Our very first team at Under 14’s (around 1986)

With five of the original team being a “year young,” they became the nucleus of the next season’s Under 11’s. In each subsequent year a new team was formed, such that by 1987/88 there was at least one team in every age group from Under 10 to Under 16. And what happened to the one girl? Oh yes, she went on to become an England Hockey International!

Subsequent to that the Club has expanded even more in all directions! It now boasts one, two or even three sides at every age level from Under 7 through to Under 18, and with effect from season 2003/04 introduced girls’ football, the latter currently playing at three different age levels. All of the teams play in leagues affiliated to the Dorset County F.A. or the Bournemouth Youth Football League. The Club now has a total player membership in excess of 350!

Along the way – partly to avoid embarrassment to the Under 18’s and partly to allow girls to participate – the Club became simply BROADSTONE FOOTBALL CLUB. The Club, which now has an annual five figure turnover of finances, continues to thrive, and has an excellent nucleus of reliable and enthusiastic personnel holding the reins and driving things along.

Early in 2002 the Club achieved the status of “Charter Standard Development Club,” being the first club in Dorset to have obtained this prestigious award from the Football Association. To reach this achievement, the Club has had to satisfy a number of conditions and qualities, including a five year development plan details of which can be found elsewhere on this web-site. To satisfy the need for an avenue into adult football, the Club has developed an association with Corfe Mullen United FC, an adult football club based at Admiralty House on the A31 at Corfe Mullen.

At the beginning of 2005, the Club was very proud to “recruit” local Member of Parliament Mrs Annette Brooke as its new President.

Broadstone FC prides itself in using mainly local players, and rarely goes beyond Broadstone and its neighbouring districts to recruit. We are a friendly Club which does not have a “win at all costs” attitude - which doubtless has limited the amount of silverware on the shelves! – and is content in the knowledge that we have a very happy bunch of players who are simply expected to give of their best.

Broadstone FC is indebted to a number of generous local sponsors, but is always open to more offers. Anyone willing and able to assist is invited to contact us by e-mail for a “you help us and we’ll help you” sponsor’s package.