As Deal Town Rangers celebrate their 30th anniversary this year, it’s easy to see how the club have come a long way from humble beginnings.

With just under 30 youth teams, Rangers have become one of the largest youth clubs in the area and, even though they still started last season battling with Covid restrictions, all teams played most of their fixtures.

Last season also saw new chairman Matt Anderson take over from long-standing Alan Clarke.

The 2021/22 season in the East Kent Youth League saw their under-13 Colts and under-15 Rangers finish as runners-up in their divisions, while the under-12 youth team were runners-up in their Faversham League division.

But the veterans team disbanded, as well as their men’s senior team, which have become Deal Town Reserves, with Rangers wishing them all the best in their new venture.

They once again celebrated the love of the beautiful game with their FA Cup Fun Day where coaches and parents took on each other’s teams.

The club’s relationship with Deal Town remains strong, having held their presentation nights at their grounds, along with Deal Town Rangers’ two-day annual festival when other clubs’ teams had the opportunity to play a game on the main club pitch against an opposition team of their choosing.

In July, they invited members and other local sides to take part in their annual summer tournament, which was bigger than ever.

The end of that same month also saw many of the club’s young players participating in the annual Deal Regatta Carnival procession, and they were pleased to see many faces back as well as greeting new ones taking part.

This season sees the full return of the club’s Little Rangers for children in Year 1, preparing them to join an under-7 side next year.

Little Rangers meet on Tuesdays from 5.30pm to 6.30pm in the sports hall at the Goodwin Academy. All parents need to bring are trainers and a bottle of water for their children.

The sessions will for now continue to be free.

To kickstart their very youngest players in Year R, the Mini Rangers - previously called Soccer Club - returns with sessions between 8.30am and 9.30am on the artificial surface at the Goodwin Academy on Sundays.

Booking is required with the first session free and £5 thereafter. Call Lee on 07792 177387 to book or for details.

A club spokesman said: “This season, we envisage working with other community assets, starting with collecting on behalf of Deal Foodbank in our clubhouse.

“We are looking forward to another brilliant season, working with our members to achieve every success in their football endeavours. We are also working on various ideas to celebrate our big 30.”

If you would like to help, the club have some committee positions available and other volunteer roles. For more information, contact secretary Alan Clarke at clac3@sky.com or media officer Sarah Gearey at socialdtr@gmail.com

As a non-profit club, Deal Town Rangers also thanked all those who contribute each month to the Golden Goals lottery.

These contributions since 2005 have generated thousands for the club in providing team kits, footballs and other equipment.