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Kelsall Football Club
[edit]Kelsall Football Club is an amateur association football club based in the small village of Kelsall England. Kelsall Football Club was formed in 1949 and disbanded in 2016. The club was later reformed in 2023. They compete in the Chester & Wirral Football League, one level below the English Football League System.
| Full name | Kelsall Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1949; 75 years ago (As Kelsall United FC) | ||
| Ground | Field of Dreams | ||
| Capacity | 3,000 | ||
| Coordinates | 53°12'41.6"N 2°44'00.2"W | ||
| Chairman | Daniel Eagle | ||
| Manager | Paul Eagle | ||
| League | Chester & Wirral Football League | ||
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Kelsall FC's first recorded competitive activities began in 1974, when they joined the CDFL. One of the club’s iconic figures from this period, Gary Prophet, joined the club at 14 and became a central figure in Kelsall’s growth and development. Prophet held various roles in the club, from player to manager, leading Kelsall through multiple league successes over his 41-year tenure. Gary was entered into the CDFL Hall of Fame in 2015 for his commitment to the club which he kept it in the CDFL for over 40 years alongside many other volunteers, most notably Kevin Depuis and Ray Carr.[1]
Kelsall Football Club most notable match was a senior cup-tie against a Chester reserve team that turned up at dog lane managed by cliff sear. Within the team that day was a certain Lee Dixon whose career at arsenal and now the media we all know about. They succumbed to Kelsall and were left sitting on the grass at the end of the game getting an almighty rollocking off cliff sear.
In 2023, Kelsall Football Club was re-established by Daniel Eagle and Jack Johnson, who aimed to rebuild the club from the ground up. Now based at the "Field of Dreams," the club secured new resources and sponsorships to improve facilities, including pitch upgrades and a car park. With a five-year plan in place, Kelsall FC is working towards achieving semi-professional status by adding upgraded amenities, such as floodlights, artificial training pitches, and a modernised clubhouse.
History
[edit]In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Kelsall United FC was a prominent amateur football team known for its success in various local cup competitions. The team was comprised of local players from the Kelsall area, including individuals with surnames like Pine, Wright, Hignett, Nicholas, Gidman, Walker, Craven, and West. These players contributed to a strong local sporting culture and numerous cup victories, which helped the team gain recognition within Cheshire amateur football circuits. Kelsall United FC continued to play and maintain a competitive presence until 1963.
Gary Phophet Era
[edit]Gary Prophet is one of the club’s most iconic figures who joined the club at 14 and became a central figure in Kelsall’s growth and development. Prophet was both a player and a manager for Kelsall FC, leading the team through multiple league successes over his 41 year tenure.
The Kelsall crest design
[edit]Kelsall FC’s minimalist approach to kit design is a hallmark of their unique tradition. While many clubs display badges prominently, Kelsall FC has generally opted out. The only badge associated with the club since 1973 is deeply tied to its history and community. The original badge, in yellow, featured an oak tree symbolizing the Royal Oak pub, where players would gather to change before games. This design included “Kelsall FC” on a vintage shield, encapsulating a sense of local pride. Recently, the badge has been modernised to stay current but retains these historic elements. This restrained approach reflects Kelsall FC’s commitment to tradition and their community-focused ethos, setting them apart from contemporary club branding trends.
This connection to the Royal Oak pub and minimal kit aesthetic speaks to the club’s roots and character, marking Kelsall FC as a club with a distinctive and enduring identity. Kelsall FC's badge has undergone a significant redesign, incorporating elements that pay homage to the club's heritage. The modern badge now features the iconic black and white stripes, symbolising a contemporary football aesthetic while celebrating tradition. Central to the design is a golden oak symbol, representing the historic Royal Oak pub, which has been an important part of the club's identity since its early days. Additionally, the badge includes the historic Kelsall crest in the background, further linking the club's present to its storied past.
This blend of old and new in the badge's design not only showcases Kelsall FC's commitment to preserving its history but also aligns with the club's evolving identity as it looks towards the future.
Managerial history
[edit]| Dates | Name |
|---|---|
| 1949 - 1963 |  Ernest James Pine
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| 1973 - 2015 | Gary Prophet
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| 2023 - 2024 | Jack Johnson
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| 2024 - | Paul Eagle
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Stadium
[edit]Dog Lane
[edit]Dog Lane Football Pitch in Kelsall, Cheshire, served as the home ground for Kelsall Football Club from 1974 until the club disbanded in 2016. This pitch was used by Kelsall FC for both league and cup matches across the Chester & Wirral Football League. The ground, located on Dog Lane, hosted a range of matches, with Kelsall FC achieving some memorable victories there, including high-scoring games documented in league records from the 2010-2011 season.
Field of Dreams
[edit]The Field of Dreams in Kelsall was established in 2009 by Johnny Walker. Walker’s purchase of farmland near the Kelsall bypass fulfilled a longstanding goal. Manchester United legend Brian McClair attended the opening, solidifying the pitch’s community value.
The site gained its name, inspired by Old Trafford’s "Theatre of Dreams," symbolising a home base for aspiring players. Since Kelsall FC's 2023 revival, the pitch has been central to their expansion goals, including enhancements like a car park, pitch maintenance, and plans for further upgrades to reach semi-professional standards.
The Field of Dreams was purchased in 2016 by Geoff Newsome, a local farmer who is also known for operating the Kelsall Steam Rally. This event covers the Field of Dreams, integrating the site into the community’s cultural activities. After acquiring the pitch, Geoff made a commitment to maintain the grounds for community use, ensuring that it remains accessible for local sports and activities.
To further support this, he established an agreement with Kelsall Football Club for the maintenance and management of the facility. This partnership has allowed the club to continue its activities at the Field of Dreams while contributing to the upkeep and development of the ground and club.
Staff
[edit]| Position | Staff |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Daniel Eagle
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| Director | Charlotte Goodacre
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| Sporting Director | Jack Johnson
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| Manager | Paul Eagle
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| First-team coaches | Luke White
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| Kit man | Chris Pierce
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| Volunteers | Kay Eagle
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Current Squad
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Honours
[edit]| Competition | Titles | Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| Chester Amateur Cup | 1 | 1945/50 |
| Tarporley Hospital Cup | 10 | 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960 |
| Chester & District League | 2 | 1952, 1954 |
| McDermott Cup | 2 | 1949, 1956 |
- ^ "CWFL » Hall of Fame – Gary Prophet". Retrieved 2024-10-27.