AFC Bentley, Bentley, Doncaster

AFC Bentley traces its modern roots to Brodsworth Welfare, a club that competed in regional leagues before rebranding as AFC Bentley in 2016. The name change coincided with a renewed focus on youth development and community engagement. Based in a former mining village north of Doncaster, the club operates under the FA’s Charter Standard, reflecting its commitment to high coaching and governance.

 

League Participation

Since adopting the AFC Bentley name, the first team has been a consistent presence in the Central Midlands League system. The club’s league finishes are as follows (source: Football Club History Database):

 

Season League Position

2016–17 Central Midlands League North 3rd/16

2017–18 Central Midlands League North 3rd/18

2018–19 Central Midlands League North 6th/14

2019–20 Central Midlands League North Abandoned

2020–21 Central Midlands League North Abandoned

2021–22 Central Midlands League North 9th/18

2022–23 Central Midlands League North 11th/15*

2023–24 Central Midlands Alliance Premier North 6th/16

2024–25 Central Midlands Alliance Premier North 8th/16

*In 2022–23, the club suffered a three-point deduction mid-season due to regulatory infractions.

 

Recent Developments and Community Role

The 2023 merger of the Central Midlands League with the Midlands Regional Alliance created the new Central Midlands Alliance, with AFC Bentley placed in the Premier North Division for 2023–24. Off the pitch, AFC Bentley fields a record 17 teams for the 2025/26 season, from Under-8s through to a development squad and the senior first team. All coaches are FA qualified, and the club competes across youth, women’s & girls’, and senior men’s leagues in South Yorkshire. The ethos remains clear: foster enjoyment of the beautiful game and develop local talent to represent the senior sides in years to come.

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