The club can confirm that midfielder Freddie Oliver has rejected a contract for the 24/25 season and is instead taking up the offer of a football scholarship at Tiffin University in Ohio, USA and will play for the Tiffin Dragons.

A graduate of the Dover Athletic Academy, Freddie Oliver was brought into the first team squad in 2022/23. Oliver made his debut in the 1-0 win away against Taunton Town in the February of 2023 and was then named in the Kent Sport Online Team of the Week following his robust performance.

Freddie has said:

I received a really good football scholarship so opted to take it, I’d like to thank Jake and Mike for everything they’ve done for me this season and everyone at the club. I wish the club and the fans all the best for the coming season. Cheers, Freddie

Freddie Oliver

The club can also confirm that the following players have rejected contract offers for the new season:

Bailey Akehurst
John Oyenuga
Jacob Mensah

Former players and current staff are going to be playing for Manager Jake Leberl’s Invitational XI in a fundraising match against a supporters squad at Crabble on Sunday 14 July with a 4:30pm kick off. The Euros final will be live in the Centre Spot after the game.

Players for Jake’s team will be revealed over the coming days, and if you are keen to play against them, here’s how to do it.

Two teams of supporters will play – one in the first half before the other plays the second, meaning 22 spots are available for anyone aged 17 and over.

Those interested in playing will pay £50. Included in that price will be a selection of DAFC merchandise, food and refreshments on the day and of course the chance to grace the hallowed Crabble pitch. All funds raised will go directly back into the football club. First come (+paid!), first served!

If anyone would like to be the manager for the supporters’ teams on the day and sit in the dugout, they can pay for that too – we also have the referees position up for grabs!

In order to play, simply email [email protected] with your shirt size, and the best contact number you can be reached on. Fans are very welcome to attend with admission by way of a donation.

Are you a business owner and want to support the Whites?

Check out our new VIP Platinum Package which includes a 3m pitch-side advertising hoarding and access to our premium lounge. This VIP Business package includes:

• Ground admission for eight people in our hosted lounge with TV.
• Perimeter 3m advertising board to your specification for one season (including cost of manufacture and installation).
• A table of eight for three course lunch pregame served at your table.
• Dedicated bar.
• Complimentary tea and coffee.
• Complimentary programme and team sheet.
• Reserved high level premium padded seating.
• All for £999 plus VAT

For more information please email [email protected] or phone the office on 01304 822373

There are also numerous opportunities to advertise your company on a much bigger scale or sponsor a stand or even a building at Crabble football ground. For more information and to discuss options please contact the football club. You can find a full list of commercial opportunities and hospitality options on the menu at the top of our website.

Dover Athletic Football Club are delighted to announce that midfielder Luke Baptiste has agreed terms to remain at the Megger Community Stadium for the 2024/25 season.

Luke is a product of the Dover Athletic Academy and made his first team debut during the 21/22 season in the National League and has since made 100 competitive appearances for the Whites. Luke scored 3 goals last season including in our final game of the season against Yeovil Town.

Assistant Manager and Academy Boss Mike Sandmann has said:

We are really pleased that Luke has agreed to stay for another season. Coming through the Academy and watching his development has been pleasing, especially reaching the 100 games milestone. Luke has also come on board with the Academy staff so having him around our current Academy group will be important, he is the perfect role model for our upcoming potential first team players

Mike Sandmann

Baptiste himself has said:

I’m excited for the season ahead and can’t wait to get back out there in front of the fans.

Luke Baptiste

There is still time to purchase your season ticket with our early bird discount, you can order your 2024/25 season ticket from reception at Crabble, online at our club shop, or download an application form by clicking here.

With a new season rapidly approaching, the club is looking for volunteers to help get Crabble ready for the kick-off.

The clean-up takes place between 12pm and 4pm on Sat 29 and Sun 30 Jun.

Food and refreshments will be provided. Jobs will be general tidying up/weeding, painting, cleaning etc.

So, if you are able to give us a helping hand, meet in the Centre Spot and/or contact [email protected] via email to register your interest or for more information.

All assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Dover Athletic are delighted to reveal our new VX3 home and away kits for the 2024 / 2025 season.

Our home kit keeps with our traditional and iconic white shirts with black shorts and socks, this time with a subtle green trim. Whilst we will be back in yellow and green for our away games.

A huge thank you to Megger, our front of shirt sponsors and to News Team our back of shirt sponsors. 

VX3 will also supply training wear for Jake Leberl’s first team and staff as well as the Academy. Our youth sides, including our girls teams, will also be wearing our new kits.

In addition to our new home and away kits, this season we will also have new leisure wear available including T-shirts, jackets and our very own DAFC beach towel.

Gill will be opening the club shop tomorrow (Thursday) 5pm-7pm for all our new gear. 

You can also purchase online at dafcdirect.com

Adult shirt – £44 

Kids shirt – £37 

Beach Towels – £26.95

T- Shirts – £23.95

Presentation Jackets – £49.00

Polos – £29

Introducing our new cashless Crabble Key.

With plans in place for a cashless Crabble, fans will now be able to get the Crabble Key (provided free when first loaded with cash) from the club office and load with cash if they are unable to use regular card payments around the ground.

The card can then be used in our shop (at the ground and online), the Centre Spot, food outlets and at DAFC events. They can also be used on the turnstiles.

The card can be topped up using cash at the office, or online using a debit or credit card.

We hope the new Crabble Key provides a simple solution for those that carry cash and would like to spend in our cashless stadium.

Dover Athletic are delighted to announce the signings of former Whitehawk duo Joe Tennent and Luca Cocoracchio. 

The pair formed a solid partnership last season, alongside Mitch Walker, finishing with the joint-fourth best defensive record in the division! 

Prior to Whitehawk, Tennent made thirty two appearances for Three Bridges in 22/23, after returning to the club for a second spell. He moved back to Jubilee Field after starting the campaign with VCD Athletic, where he played ten times. At the end of the 23/24 campaign he was named as Whitehawk Managers’ Player of the Season.

Luca, a product of the Brighton and Hove academy and former Worthing man, joined Whitehawk in January 2023 and was part of their promotion winning side. 

Boss Jake Leberl has said

We are delighted to have signed them both. The two lads had very good seasons last year both individually and as a defensive unit. Luca and Joe have great experience at this level and most importantly are both top guys who wanted to come and believe in our rebuild project.

Jake Leberl

There is still time to purchase your season ticket with our early bird discount, you can order your 2024/25 season ticket from reception at Crabble, online at our club shop, or download an application form by clicking here.

Developments for our new pizza and beer outlet at the Megger Community Stadium are well under way and we are delighted to announce its name – Pizza the Action!

The new outlet will be in place of the current Town End Tea Hut and we can’t wait to get it up and running.

Thank you to everyone that entered the competition to help decide the name. We had a few entries for ‘Pizza the Action’ and randomly selected a name – Congratulations to Melanie Thorpe who has won a block-of-5 ticket and a free pizza at all of those five games attended. Those that also suggested the name have won 1x Free Entry to a game of their choice and a pizza at that game. Winners have been contacted via email.

We look forward to updating you with a name and further progress soon!

Archie Hatcher, Dover Athletic Academy graduate was part of the core academy side that achieved the 22/23 League Title, FA Youth Cup Round 3 and the Kent Schools Academy’s Cup.

Hatcher signed his first contract with the senior team earlier in the 23/24 campaign after a couple of substitute appearances, before making his first start in the FA Cup at home to Hastings United. With a Man of the Match winning performance, he then started in the league away to top of the table Bath City, where Hatcher scored our Goal of the Season with a superb strike from outside of the box and subsequently won Player of the Month for October.

Hatcher made 18 appearances across the season scoring 3 goals and has since gained interest from league clubs, including a trail spell at Blackburn Rovers. His contract has been extended into the 24/25 season.

Academy Boss and First Team Assistant Mike Sandmann has said:

Archie will only continue to improve and we look forward to seeing him continue to develop with us in the new season.

Mike Sandmann

Hatcher wants to give you all the following message:

Hi Dover Fans. Thank you for your unbelievable support last season, it really makes a difference to us on and off the pitch. Having finished my first season in senior football, I have learnt so much and can’t wait to improve my game. On a personal note, scoring on my league debut away to Bath was such an amazing feeling and can’t wait to hopefully score many more goals next season and get us back to where we belong. Looking forward to seeing you all back at the Crabble for the new season. Hatcher

Archie Hatcher