Thornton Cleveleys Football Club is a vibrant community‑focused club based in Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire. Founded in 1987 as a works team for ICI Thornton, the club has since grown into a well‑established local institution now competing in the North West Counties Football League Division One North. After winning back‑to‑back West Lancashire League titles (2021–22 and 2023–24), they earned promotion in 2024. Their modern home is a £1 million complex at Gamble Road -including a newly installed 100‑seat stand -adjacent to Fleetwood Town’s Poolfoot Farm training ground.
With strong community roots, the club supports multiple squads (men’s, women’s, juniors, Wildcats, Soccer School), operates a lively clubhouse (Salthouse Bar, Wembley Suite, The Hatch), and is an FA‑Community‑Standard Chartered club under the Lancashire FA.
Implementation & Use of the App
Thornton Cleveleys FC adopted the Community Club App early in the previous season to consolidate and elevate their digital and social presence. They’ve used it to:
- Announce new pre-season signings (e.g. midfielder Josh Few);
- Share match reports across first teams and junior sides;
- Reveal their new 100‑seat stand at Gamble Road;
- Promote clubhouse events and community initiatives.
Results & Benefits
According to press officer Derick Thomas:
“The use of the Community Club App has boosted our online presence in one, easy‑to‑use application… feedback is useful through the ‘thumbs up’ facility… I’d recommend the app to any club looking to enhance their online presence.”
Key outcomes include:
- Centralised communications – news, signings, match reports, and livestreams now streamline through a single channel.
- Improved supporter interaction – features like the “thumbs‑up” feedback button foster community engagement.
- Sponsor visibility – app content offers regular showcase opportunities for sponsors and business partners.
- Efficient updates – quick promotion of major milestones like game results, squad news, and stand unveiling.
Why It Works for Thornton Cleveleys FC
- Fits their growth phase: As they step up into higher league tiers, consistent, engaging digital presence is essential.
- Aligns with club values: The app supports their community ethos—from youth initiatives to social events.
- Cost-effective & easy: No steep learning curve yet delivers professional-level communication.
- Strengthens sponsorships: Clubs can offer sponsors in-app visibility alongside traditional branding, ideal for small to mid-tier clubs.
Key Takeaways
| Benefit | Impact |
| Consolidation | All club updates in one app for fans and players |
| Engagement | Instant feedback features foster community ties |
| Sponsor support | Digital showcases add value for partners |
| Ease of use | Club staff can update content seamlessly |
Final Word from Derick Thomas:
“The app is easy to use, and feedback is useful through the ‘thumbs up’ facility… We have recently promoted a major new signing and provided supporters with news of our brand new, 100‑seat stand.
I’d recommend the app to any club who are looking to enhance their online presence.”
In Summary
For clubs like Thornton Cleveleys FC -ambitious, community-driven, and growing -the Community Club App delivers a user-friendly, cost-effective, and impactful platform that centralises content, sharpens engagement, and boosts sponsor visibility. A compelling model for non-league clubs aiming to professionalise their communications without complexity.
