About us

Thorplands Club 81 FC is a community-rooted grassroots football club based in Northampton, established in 1981. With over four decades of history, the club has grown from humble beginnings into a thriving, multi-team organisation built on the core values of Pride, Passion, and Sportsmanship. Today, Thorplands is widely recognised not only for its dedication to competitive football, but also for its unwavering commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and local development.

TC81 provides a full football pathway for players of all ages and abilities—from children as young as three years old in our Tufty Club, all the way through to youth, adult, and veterans' teams. We proudly operate across three key locations: Lings Playing Field, Eastfield Park, and Round Spinney, which serves as the home of our youth teams. These venues are the heart of our club, where young talent is nurtured, friendships are built, and local football thrives.

Unlike many clubs, Thorplands Club 81 offers free training across all age groups, ensuring that every child and adult in our community has access to the game, regardless of their financial situation. This commitment reflects our belief that football is for everyone. Alongside our free training offer, we continue to explore ways to reduce barriers further—such as providing additional discounts for families on lower incomes, and offering voluntary pathways into coaching and leadership.

Our football programme includes mini-soccer, competitive youth teams, and adult squads including the Stags, Panthers, Vipers, and our over-35s Veterans team. Each team is coached by FA-qualified staff, with a growing number of UEFA-licensed coaches supporting technical development and individual growth. Our coaching structure also includes mentorship for new volunteers and young people transitioning into leadership roles, reinforcing our mission to build people, not just players.

Thorplands Club 81 also plays a proactive role in the wider Northampton community. We work with local schools, host football taster days, and build relationships with small businesses and community groups. From hosting family events to supporting wellbeing initiatives, TC81 goes beyond football to create a lasting community impact.

Our development plan includes a long-term vision to turn Round Spinney into a purpose-built community football hub, complete with upgraded pitches, changing rooms, and social spaces for families and fans. This facility will serve as a foundation for expanding youth football, supporting girls’ and women’s teams, and delivering community-driven events.

At its heart, Thorplands Club 81 FC is powered by volunteers, players, parents, and supporters who believe in creating something bigger than just a football team. It’s a club where local legends are born, where inclusion matters more than medals, and where everyone is welcome to play, grow, and belong.

Whether you're pulling on your boots for the first time or looking to give back to the game, TC81 is a club for all—united by passion, driven by community, and growing stronger every season.