Category: Club News

Nominate a Young Fan

We have had a kind donation, from Matt Gerrard, of a spot in our Supporters Invitational Game and we want YOU to nominate a young fan to play. We are looking for a fan, aged 17-23 who deserves the chance to grace the Crabble pitch. Simply email [email protected] to make your suggestion, the winning fan (picked at random) will be announced at the end of the week.

We still have some spaces left for those interested in playing at Crabble on Sunday 14 July, 4:30pm. 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 and we will be screening the Euros Final in the Centre Spot after the game.

Players for Jake’s team include: Paul Hyde, Matt Carruthers, Roy Godden, James Rogers and our youth team coaches. More players will be revealed soon.

Chairman Interview

Watch the full interview here – https://youtu.be/BIKqo_Y4GeQ

Jim Parmenter wants Dover Athletic to start putting smiles back on the fans’ faces again.

The chairman took time out of preparing for a new campaign to speak to fans in an in-depth interview with The Sun’s chief EFL writer and lifelong Dover fan Justin Allen.

In the chat, Jim speaks about:

  • The new community direction the club are now taking
  • How much the two relegations in three seasons have hurt and what he and the club have learned
  • The club’s recovery from Covid
  • His admiration for clubs like former Dover player’s Crawley Town, who won promotion to League One despite not having a huge budget 
  • Why the club are not going to sign experienced journeymen players who are only interested in money and instead ones that want to play for Dover to improve the team and their own careers
  • Explains why Crabble will be a cashless stadium this season but allays any concerns from supporters who prefer to spend hard money at the ground
  • How he is still hoping to build a 4G pitch next to Crabble and looking at other possibilities in the area
  • His wish to grow girls’ football thanks to the hard work of Vikki Pawley and further improve the youth section
  • The club’s superb relationship with main club sponsor Megger and gratitude that Delivered News are on board again this coming season
  • His desire to see a football regulator appointed as soon as possible after the General Election to police football fairly so small clubs like Dover don’t get thrown by the wayside like they were during the pandemic
  • The club’s decision to reduce admission fees and his wish to see the 200 Club lottery draw grow

    Also in the 25-minute feature, recorded in the home dressing room at Crabble, Jim speaks about the team’s brand new home and away kits for the upcoming season.

    And he also assures supporters that his enthusiasm and passion for Dover Athletic has not been drained one bit – and now he is retired from his business he has more time to dedicate to helping the club grow.

    The Whites chairman also tells Justin that there will be many more signings in the coming weeks.

    He said: “Everyone thinks they are Ronaldo in June but then in July they become more reasonable — or at least agents think their players are.

    “We’ll be solid this season, we’ll be positive and I think we’ll do very well.”

Good Luck Freddie

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

FANS FUNDRAISING INVITATIONAL

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.

New VIP Advertising Package

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.

LUKE BAPTISTE SIGNS FOR 24/25

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.

Can you help get Crabble ready?

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.

24/25 Kit Launch

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

The Crabble Key

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.

Whites Sign Whitehawk Duo

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.