Pete Brewin & Gary Palmer
Two people with a shared ambition: to give young children a free, fun and welcoming introduction to football. Their idea laid the foundations for what The Tufty Club would become.
Where it started. Why it matters.
From one idea
to every Saturday.
Before there was an independent Tufty Club, there was a simple belief: children should be able to fall in love with football without cost getting in the way.
Founded on a simple ideaStill completely freeA place for everyone
The idea that started it all
Two people.
One purpose.
The Tufty Club's story starts with Pete Brewin and Gary Palmer. Under Thorplands United, they helped bring to life a place where young children could enjoy their first taste of football, make friends and grow in confidence — without families having to pay.
The badge, the people and the way we organise things may evolve. But the heart of the idea hasn't changed.
Free football. A welcoming environment. Every child deserves a chance.
The principles behind The Tufty Club
Our journey so far
The Tufty Club
timeline.
From its beginnings at Thorplands United to standing on its own, here's how the original vision continues today.
- The beginning
Where it all began - The early years
Under Thorplands United Little footballers, big opportunities
Within the Thorplands United grassroots football community, the idea took shape — creating a place for little ones to play and build confidence, without the pressure of competition or the barrier of session fees.
- As it grew
A growing community More than just a Saturday session
The club became about more than football. Volunteers, families and local supporters helped make a welcoming environment where friendships, confidence and participation mattered as much as kicking a ball.
- 2026
A new chapter The Tufty Club stands alone
The Tufty Club moved forward as an independent community football club. The aim was never to change what mattered — it was to protect it, giving the club the freedom to continue offering free football for young children in Northampton.
- Today & beyond
The original vision lives on Free football. Fun. Friends. Confidence.
Every Saturday, The Tufty Club welcomes children aged 3–6 at Lings Playing Field. With the support of volunteers, families and local partners, it continues to provide free football just as Pete and Gary intended.
Come along this Saturday ↗
The next chapter
The future is
still free.
As an independent club, we want The Tufty Club to be a lasting part of the Northampton community — somewhere families feel welcome and children get to love being active.
Local businesses, volunteers and supporters help us carry that promise forward.
Help protect the next chapter ↗