'What this football club has achieved so far is incredible' - big wins on and off the pitch for Staveley MW

Staveley Miners Welfare has been transformed into one of the most forward-thinking clubs around over recent years by chairman Terry Damms.

It has expanded to two semi-professional teams – both mens and women’s – plus reserves, U21s, two academy sides and a further 25 grassroot teams and turned its home at Inkersall Road into a hub used by schools, community groups and students as well football supporters.

It boasts a gym, medical room, meeting and board room, large LED scoreboard, sports bar, on-site catering and even an enclosed, air conditioned area for older supporters.

Staveley has tapped into Football Foundation, Premier League and Viridor funding to lay down a 3G pitch and introduce floodlights and improved car parking.

As big a statement of intent as any is Staveley’s dedicated sports study building, funded by the Staveley Town Deal and used by BTEC scholars.

"What this football club has achieved so far is incredible,” says Nick Catt, a local businessman who is supporting Staveley,

“Terry has helped transform the club and the ground. In five years he has turned it around and got it debt-free and sustainable at a time when others are struggling.

"There are non-league clubs around who have had to relegate themselves because they can’t afford to stay in the league they’re in.”

That was a route Staveley took as recently as 2022 when they were in the Northern Counties East League.

It was the first step in a five-year financial sustainability plan and a wider restructure of its youth pathway that has gradually led to the set-up seen today.

Founded in 1962, Staveley had begun life as Nag’s Head FC, a Sunday league team based in nearby Barrow Hill, before transitioning to Saturdays.

Known as The Trojans, the senior men’s first team plays in Division One of the United Counties League while a new women’s team won promotion in its first season.

Inkersall Road now hosts Chesterfield Saturday and Sunday League Cup finals as well as community fund-raising football events.

The attraction is obvious.

There four stands, a licensed clubhouse and one of the largest match programme shops in non- football. The artifificial pitch is used by hundreds of local youngsters and academy players each week, helping to make sport available throughout the year.

“Staveley Miners Welfare FC is more than just a football club; it is part of the fabric of our local community,” says Terry, who has been chairman since stepping in to help save it from closure nearly 20 years ago.

While he and Staveley have been helped by funding from the State of Town deal and FA along the way, the club needs support to get to the next stage of development on and off the field.

Its 2026/27 sponsorship packages invite local businesses, organisations and community groups to play an active role

Terry said: “We are investing in people, facilities, education and sporting ambition and these packages are important because they give local businesses and community partners the opportunity to become associated with that.

“We would welcome more help to continue to support grassroots football and pursue promotion for both our men’s and women’s teams.”

Meanwhile, as the power of football continues to be demonstrated by the 2026 World Cup, its ability to improve lives at a local level is highlighted by what is going on at Staveley Miners Welfare FC.

The village is recognised as a deprived area, making the work even more important.

"Staveley MW are doing exactly what needs to be done in Staveley to regenerate it,” added Nick.

"Terry wants to make this club is here in 100 years time and good luck to him.”

Information about Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club's 2026/27 sponsorship packages are available https://staveleymwfc.co.uk/ or by contacting [email protected]