Lytchett Matravers Football Club was formed in the summer of 2018 by Mark Croft and Steven Risk. Previously members of Lytchett & Upton Red Triangle, when that club decided to move to Upton, they felt that they wanted to keep youth football in the village of Lytchett Matravers - and established Lytchett Matravers Football Club.
There is a long history of football in the village of Lytchett Matravers though. The original Red Triangle Football Club was formed by the schoolmaster, Mr F Gibbs in 1919. The red triangle logo was based upon the YMCA emblem of an upside down triangle as many of the founders of the club were associated with that organisation. The three sides of the triangle represent Spirit, Mind, and Body. A red triangle is still incorporated in the crest of Lytchett Matravers FC today as a nod towards the history that we share.
Red Triangle FC 1936-37
At first the Red Triangle Football Club had no permanent pitch and home games were played in various fields. Cowpats were often strewn across the grass - sometimes they would be cleared away but often they were considered more of a hindrance and hazard to the opposing team than to the home team, so they were left to cause what damage and inconvenience they could! The proudest moment of the Red Triangle team was winning the East Dorset Minors Cup and League Championship Cup in the same year 1936-1937 (pictured).
The Lytchett Red Triangle mens' team reformed in June 2019 for the centenary of football in the village and has become a part of Lytchett Matravers Football Club, whilst still playing under the Red Triangle name. They reached the semi-finals of the Dorset Minor Cup in 2020 before the season was abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Youth Football
A youth football club was first established in the village in 1976 under the Lytchett Red Triangle banner which, barring a hiatus of a couple of years in the 1990s ran successfully until 2018. In 2013, the club was renamed Lytchett & Upton Red Triangle Football Club to reflect the number of children attending from the Upton area. In 2017/18 the club moved to Upton to train and practice - and completed a wholesale move in 2018, leaving Lytchett Matravers without football and prompting the formation of our new club.
Lytchett Matravers Football Club
Steve and Mark formed Lytchett Matravers Football Club in May 2018 in order to keep football in the heart of the village. Their vision for a new, transparent, accountable football club quickly inspired other coaches and teams to join them. The club grew from nothing to be a home for a soccer school and ten teams in its first season - providing football fun for over 150 children.
Charter Standard Status
In January 2019, a mere 8 months after its formation, the club was awarded Charter Standard status by the FA. The FA Charter Standard accreditation is awarded to clubs who demonstrate they offer well-run and sustainable football, prioritise qualified coaching and safeguarding as well as the values of The FA’s Respect campaign as part of their game. It provides parents, players, leagues and volunteers an assurance that this is a club where people will want to play.