Welcome to Pyramid Footballs Dorset Premier League 2025/2026 Preview.
The Dorset Premier League (officially the Dorset Premier Football League) is a county-level competition at Step 7 of the English football pyramid. This summer, the league announced the full fixture list for the 2025/26 season. All match dates are confirmed on the FA’s Full-Time site and the league’s official communication channels. Notably, the season kicks off on Saturday 9 August 2025. Club officials and fans immediately began discussing key matchups. For example, local derbies like Holt United FC vs Dorchester Sports and Cobham Sports vs Sherborne Reserves will draw extra attention. According to the DorsetPL forum and social media, the schedule is balanced so that no team has an unduly easy start.
Below is the complete fixture list for Saturday 9 August 2025, the first match day of the season. This lineup confirms that every team plays simultaneously on Day 1, promising competitive balance from the outset:
| Date | Fixture |
|---|---|
| 09 Aug 2025 | Balti Sports FC vs Hamworthy Recreation FC Reserves |
| 09 Aug 2025 | Bournemouth Electric FC vs Bridport FC Reserves |
| 09 Aug 2025 | Cobham Sports FC vs Sherborne Town FC Reserves |
| 09 Aug 2025 | Dorchester Sports FC vs Holt United FC |
| 09 Aug 2025 | Gillingham Town FC vs Bournemouth Sports FC |
| 09 Aug 2025 | Hamworthy United FC Reserves vs Verwood Town FC |
| 09 Aug 2025 | Poole Borough FC vs Portland United FC Reserves |
| 09 Aug 2025 | Swanage Town & Herston FC vs Blandford United FC |
| 09 Aug 2025 | Wimborne Town FC Reserves vs Westland Sports FC |
Supporters should note that kickoff times will be set later (typically early afternoon) and some fixtures may be moved to Sunday or midweek if needed. This means teams have only four days before their Tuesday fixtures, so squad rotation will be important.
Midweek Fixtures (12 August 2025)
| Date | Fixture |
|---|---|
| 12 Aug 2025 | Bournemouth Electric FC vs Hamworthy Recreation FC Reserves |
| 12 Aug 2025 | Cobham Sports FC vs Blandford United FC |
| 12 Aug 2025 | Holt United FC vs Wimborne Town FC Reserves |
| 12 Aug 2025 | Poole Borough FC vs Hamworthy United FC Reserves |
| 12 Aug 2025 | Bridport FC Reserves vs Balti Sports FC |
| 12 Aug 2025 | Gillingham Town FC vs Dorchester Sports FC |
| 12 Aug 2025 | Swanage Town & Herston FC vs Portland United FC Reserves |
Besides the Saturday slate, this midweek round includes high-profile matchups. For instance, Bournemouth Electric hosts Hamworthy Recreation Reserves, Cobham Sports faces Blandford United, and Holt United plays Wimborne Town Reserves. A strong showing here can give clubs early momentum. The compact schedule – two games in five days for each team – will test squad depth right away.
Looking back at the 2024/25 campaign, Bournemouth Sports FC emerged as league champions, a fact officially reported by the Dorset PL committee. The title race was fierce and the top three were tightly bunched. Bournemouth Sports clinched the title by securing crucial late-season wins. For example, they recorded important victories against Holt United & Hamworthy United Reserves and having a goal difference of +58, underlining their attacking strength.
Turning to the cups, Hamworthy Recreation’s reserve side lifted the Dorset Premier League Cup with a 3-1 win over Dorchester Sports, showing mental toughness in finals. Cobham Sports defeated Bournemouth Electric in the supplementary cup final. These cup successes hint that the same clubs carry momentum into 25/26. Overall, the tight races and recent champions mean no team is guaranteed an easy path this year.
Dorset Premier League 2025/26 Title Contenders
Bournemouth Sports FC, as defending champions, will be under the spotlight. Founded in 2009 through a merger of local youth clubs, the Parley-based team quickly built a full youth structure. Nearly every member of last season’s squad came through their academy. Their ascent has been rapid: from lower-division football to back-to-back Premier League titles in a few seasons. Last year they posted a spectacular goal difference (their forward line was relentless) and even clinched the title with games to spare. Indeed, Bournemouth Sports kept the same core squad and coaching staff from 24/25, suggesting continuity. As captain Eddie Myers received the trophy in May, the club signaled that its winning leadership remains intact. On paper, Bournemouth Sports look well-positioned to challenge at the top again.
Holt United FC will also contend fiercely. Holt (nicknamed “The Bulls”) was formed in 1966 and is described as “one of Dorset’s premier clubs”. The club supports 21 youth teams (boys and girls from age five upward), ensuring a continuous pipeline of talent. Last season’s Holt team was formidable: they scored 75 goals, giving them a goal difference of+30. Their attack was spearheaded by top-scorer George Lane who scored 18 goals in 22 games,. Holt face Dorchester Sports (9 Aug, away) and Wimborne Town Reserves (12 Aug, home). If they get maximum points and keep the backline tight, Holt will be right in the title chase.
Looking Ahead To The Dorset Premier League 2025/26 Season
The fixtures release is just the beginning. The Dorset Premier League website (dorsetpl.co.uk) and the league’s Twitter (@dpl_official) will provide ongoing news. The FA Full-Time site will update the table live after each round of games. Local media (e.g. the Dorset Echo) will cover key matches. At this grassroots level, community spirit is strong – many players balance work and football, and matches often have free or low-cost entry with tea and draws at halftime.
Fans should mark 9 August on their calendars. By then, all transfers and staff changes will be done, and squads set. Key stories to watch include whether the defending champion Bournemouth Sports can maintain their form, can runners up Dorchester Sports and Cobham Sports kick on from last season, and whether any outsider can start hot. The first whistle in August will answer the question: which team will rise up to lift the Dorset Premier League 2025/26 trophy in 2026?
All in all, with the fixtures now locked in and anticipation building, the stage is set for a thrilling 2025/26 season of local football in Dorset. Fans can expect a mix of intense battles and community spirit from the first whistle to the last. In fact, given the competitive balance and returning talent, many anticipate this campaign could be remembered as one of the most exciting in recent years, with a close title race and plenty of drama throughout the divisions. Who will emerge triumphant from the Dorset Premier League this year? The answer will unfold on the pitches starting in August.
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