A Brief History of Dunston UTS F.C.
For the people of Dunston, football has always been more than just a sport. It has been a way of life, a source of joy, and a reason to come together. And, while the village has seen several football clubs rise and fall over the years, none have captured the hearts and minds of the locals quite like Dunston UTS F.C.
Dunston UTS Football Club is a semi-professional football club based in Gateshead, England. The club was formed in 1975, and in its early days, it played home games at the St Cuthberts High School Ground. The club initially started off as Dunston Community Association Football Club and played in the Tyneside Amateur League. However, the club quickly outgrew the league and found itself moving up to the Northern Alliance League in search of sterner tests.
The club’s success was built on the community spirit of the village of Dunston. The villagers came out in their droves to support the team and provide the necessary financial backing. The club decided to rebrand and adopt the name Dunston Federation Breweries in 1988, with the brewery funding the club’s rise up the footballing ladder. This was a turning point for the club’s fortunes, and in 1999, the club was admitted to the Northern League Division 1, the pinnacle of non-league football.
The Northern League Division 1 was a tough proving ground for Dunston, but the club held its own and even lifted the League Cup in 2003. In 2005, the club was relegated, and the following year, the brewing company pulled its sponsorship, causing severe financial difficulties, and leading to the club almost folding. However, the club, with the help of the local community, managed to raise almost £40,000 in a fundraising campaign, which ultimately saved the club from going out of existence. The club was rebranded once again to Dunston UTS Football Club, with a new badge and identity, which it continues to use to this day.
In 2012, the club’s fortunes began to turn around, and they embarked on a period of unprecedented success. The club won the Northern League Division One in the 2011/12 season without losing a single game, a record that still stands to this day. They then went on to win the Northern League Division 1 again in the 2016/17 season, as well as lifting the FA Vase Trophy at Wembley in a thrilling 4-0 victory over Cornwall-based club Cleethorpes Town F.C. This victory was celebrated as a historic moment for the club and the community, with thousands of Dunston residents travelling down to London to watch the game, and thousands more taking to the streets to celebrate the club’s success.
The club had become the pride of the village, and it was now considered one of the most successful non-league clubs in the country. The club was also invited to participate in the FA Cup for the first time in its history and managed to reach the first round of the competition, causing a national shock by defeating National League side Gateshead 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout. The club’s remarkable achievements also earned them several accolades, including the Gateshead Council Community Group of the Year award in 2017.
Dunston UTS Football Club is now firmly established as one of the most well-supported non-league clubs in the country. The club has continued to be successful, and during the 2018/19 season, they finished as runners-up in the Northern Premier League Division One East, narrowly missing out on promotion. The club is now focused on continuing its upward trajectory and securing promotion to higher leagues, while also maintaining its strong links with the local community.
The club’s survival through adversity and rise to prominence is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the village of Dunston. The club has come a long way since its humble beginnings, and its success can be attributed to the dedication of the fans, the hard work of its many volunteers, and the commitment of its players, coaches, and staff. Dunston UTS Football Club has proven that with hard work, determination, and a sense of community, anything is possible. Long live Dunston!