Welcome to the fields of Champion Hill...

from the fields of Athenlay!

Tomorrow we are pleased to have as our guests the players, parents and friends of local junior football side Athenlay Under Tens.

ATHENLAY FC was formed in 1979 to enable children from in and around the Peckham Rye and Nunhead area the opportunity to play football association.

From its humble beginning, the club’s sole objective has been to provide a safe environment for children to have an opportunity to learn to play football and practice the ideals of sportsmanship, physical fitness, and respect (for self and others) in a safe and wholesome atmosphere.

The club has enjoyed the overwhelming support of the local community and continues to achieve both on and off the field of play.

In recognition of the club’s work within the local community, Athenlay became the first club in Southwark to achieve the much coveted Football Association Charter Standard Community Club Award.

Athenlay Under 10's are in their second year together under the coaching of their Italian coach Luca Destefanis. They have started the season very well and are scoring lots of goals including an 11-1 victory last week. Within the team there are a few Dulwich Hamlet regulars but the majority of the team are experiencing the Hamlet for the first time.

This afternoon we are pleased to offer them the chance to be player escorts, as well as allowing them to conduct a small training session on part of the hallowed Champion Hill turf at half time. no doubt, for those in their team that are already Champion Hill regulars, there may be some squabbling to see who walks out with their favourite player!

If you are involved with a kids side, or a local primary school, and would like to be offered a similar FREE match day package as part of our on-going Community Outreach scheme to promote Dulwich Hamlet, then simply drop an email to our Football Committee Schools Liaison Officer George Parnavelas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and he will get back to you.

Thank you Athenlay for cheering on The Hamlet this afternoon.