My day job
I work as a Business Intelligence Manager, using data, reporting and problem-solving to help a business make better decisions.
The person behind Saturday mornings
Meet Oliver Palmer.
Northampton local. Grassroots football enthusiast, organiser and the person keeping The Tufty Club moving forward.
At the moment it's a team of one — but it's a community effort, with families and supporters helping make free football possible.
⚽ Grassroots football💚 Always free📍 Northampton
A bit about me
Football has always meant more.
I'm a Northampton local and I've spent years involved in grassroots football, helping to run both youth and adult teams. I've managed teams, taken on club leadership responsibilities — including serving as chairman of Thorplands Club 81 — and I also manage BOCA Northants Reserves.
What I've learned along the way is that football isn't just about winning matches. It's about belonging somewhere, having people who believe in you and being given a chance to enjoy the game.
The Tufty Club was originally shaped by Pete Brewin and Gary Palmer under Thorplands United, with a simple intention: make football available to young children without asking families to pay. When Tufty became independent, I wanted to carry that belief forward.
Today, I lead The Tufty Club, organise our Saturday sessions and work to make sure every child who comes along feels welcome, involved and confident enough to give things a go.
I believe football should always be accessible — and money should never stop a child from getting their first kick of a ball.
Beyond the touchline
What I do day to day.
Tufty is something I do because I care about it. Here's what life looks like behind the scenes.
Keeping Tufty running
I plan activities, organise kit and equipment, keep in touch with families and work with community supporters to make our free sessions possible.
Where it all comes together
You'll find me at Lings Playing Field, helping little footballers build confidence, have fun and make friends. That's the best part.
Why we do it
Same mission.
Every Saturday.
The aim is simple: give children aged 3–6 a free, pressure-free introduction to football, and a place where every little achievement counts.
No trials. No session fees. No need to book ahead — just register with us when you arrive, and a parent or carer stays throughout.