Dan Campling reflects on his first season as a director and his role
I’m very proud to play a small part in running my hometown football club. Fleet has always been home for me.
I grew up here, went to school at Heatherside and Court Moor, and played youth football for Fleet Youth, which later became part of FTFC. I now coach at Crookham Rovers. I’m more than happy wearing green and yellow on a Saturday morning, but every other day, and especially at 3pm on a Saturday, I’m all Blue!
And what a first season to be on the board. A cup semi-final followed by a play-off final, and a crowd of over 1,200 through the gate, is an incredible achievement at this level. Everyone played their part in getting us there, management, players, committee and volunteers, and I can’t thank them enough for the effort and commitment shown throughout the season.
Seeing that many people at the play-off final really underlines the potential this club has within the town. It shows what can be built here. I’m fully invested in the journey ahead, helping to take this club forward, up the leagues, and into an exciting new era.
I’ve always had a real passion for non-league football. My involvement at this level goes back to when I was 19, in my first job, where I designed the programmes for Aldershot Town for five seasons from 1994. Does anyone remember the wasnhing machine on top of the south stand? I had a big hand in that idea! That period, during their rise back through the leagues, really sparked my passion for the game at this level. Non-league has soul. It’s authentic, honest, and the connection between club, fans and community is something you simply don’t get at the top level.
I’m passionate about how the club presents itself. Every touchpoint matters, from programmes and social media to signage and the overall matchday experience.
My involvement with the Blues started through my business, Brandtastic, when I had the opportunity to redesign the club badge. That naturally led into producing the programme and supporting wider communications, and I quickly got the bug. After two years on the committee, I was proud to step up and join the board this season.
A personal highlight for me has been working on the club’s visual identity, particularly designing the kits, with the away strip standing out as a favourite… voted 46th in top 100 Shirts of 2025 no less!
I’m passionate about how the club presents itself. Every touchpoint matters, from programmes and social media to signage and the overall matchday experience. It all contributes to how people feel about Fleet Town when they walk through the gates.
We want to raise standards across the board while protecting what makes non-league football so special. There’s a real opportunity here to build something sustainable, ambitious and rooted in the community, and there are some exciting plans ahead that we’re looking forward to sharing.
I’d also like to place on record my thanks to Caroline for everything she has done over the past eight years. Her leadership has been outstanding, and she leaves the club in a far stronger position, with solid foundations in place for the future.
If you’re someone who wants to be part of what we are building here, we are always open to new people getting involved. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
