The story of Thorplands Club 81 Football Club is a tale of community, resilience, and the power of grassroots sport. The club’s legacy stretches back over 40 years, a legacy built from the hard work of passionate individuals and the merging of local football clubs. Today, Thorplands Club 81 stands as a pillar of local football, a beloved team that has grown and evolved through the decades.

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It all began in 1980 when two friends, Collin Lee and Steve Clark, came together in Western Favell to create a football club. Originally formed by a group of employees from Tesco, the club was initially known as Tesco Favell Football Club. The team worked tirelessly to establish itself in its first year, quickly proving its potential. However, after a successful debut season with one win under their belt, the club hit a roadblock—Tesco, their employer at the time were unwilling to provide any sponsorship.

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Undeterred, the club’s founders were determined to keep their dream alive. In the following year, the team decided to go independent. They raised the necessary funds through their own efforts, rebranding the club as Club 81, a fresh start with a new identity. It wasn’t long before the club’s single adult team was joined by a reserve side, growing the squad and solidifying their presence in local football.

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In 2001, Club 81 entered into a pivotal partnership. After extensive negotiations, the club merged with the well-established Western Park Football Club, founded in 1974. The new entity, Westone Club 81, was born. This merger marked a major milestone in the club’s growth, but the evolution didn’t stop there. In 2005, Club 81 achieved another significant achievement when it was officially recognized as a F.A. Charter Standard Club, a designation that brought with it a host of benefits, including the ability to display the McDonald’s three-line logo on official documents.

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The next big change came in 2010, when Club 81 merged with Thorplands United, a club that had been a staple in the community. This merger was facilitated by key figures Steve Rowan and Gary Palmer and brought a new dimension to the club. With the integration of Thorplands United, the club added junior teams to its ranks—three junior sides and one adult team from Thorplands United. The club now boasted a more comprehensive structure, with four Sunday teams, a Saturday side, and three junior teams, all united under the Thorplands Club 81 banner.

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Today, the club is known as Thorplands Club 81, a name that honors its past while looking toward the future. With its roots deep in the local community, Thorplands Club 81 continues to serve as a testament to the power of football to unite and inspire. From humble beginnings in Western Favell to its current status as a local football institution, Thorplands Club 81’s legacy is one of growth, perseverance, and an enduring love for the beautiful game.