There is something distinctive about Durham United’s First Team — and it is worth saying plainly. These are Durham University students first, and Durham United players second. They came to Durham to earn a high-quality degree, and everything else follows from that commitment. To see them also give so much to this football club, and to the good name of Durham United in Northern football circles, is genuinely remarkable.
The squad face a unique programme: BUCS fixtures on a Wednesday, contributing to the university’s race for Sport University of the Year, and Northern League football at a weekend. That dual commitment demands real organisation and real dedication — and this group have delivered both. Securing a safe position in their first year at Step 6 of the National League System — the Northern Football League, the second oldest football league in the world — is an achievement that deserves to be celebrated.
The team is operationally run by the students themselves, through the University Men’s Football Club (DUAFC). It is a model that asks a great deal of those who take it on, and this season it has been upheld with distinction.
Oliver Williams — Secretary and Mr Fix-It
Few people do as much for a club as Ollie has done for Durham United. As Secretary, he has been the quiet engine behind the first team operation — solving problems before anyone else noticed them, making things happen so others could focus on football. He previously coached with the U17s, and in recent weeks has been volunteering his time with the girls’ introductory programme on Friday evenings. A true claret. We will miss him enormously.
Jonny Evans — Treasurer
Jonny has provided the financial backbone to the team’s operation throughout his time at the club — ensuring everything ran with the discipline and rigour that off-field success demands. His contribution has been steady and consistent, and the club is better for it.
Cameron Bhamra — Head Coach

Cameron’s record at this club speaks for itself. He guided the team through their Wearside League campaign, delivering a historic double in 2025, and then steered the squad to safety in their first year at Step 6. That is no small achievement with a group of university students managing a demanding academic schedule alongside two competitive football programmes. We are grateful for Cameron’s guidance, commitment and support to his young charges. He now moves south to continue his career, and we wish him every success.
Richard Warburton — Durham University Performance Sport Manager
Richard joined the university in 2008 and has worked tirelessly alongside Durham United to ensure both organisations benefit equally from their unique partnership. That balance — genuine mutual gain from a genuine collaboration — is not something that happens by accident, and Richard has been central to making it work. We say goodbye for now, Richard. We will miss you at Maiden Castle, and very much hope it will not be long before we see you back for a watch.
To all graduating players
Ollie, Jonny and a number of other first team players will be saying goodbye to their adopted home and football club after graduation this summer. We wish every one of them well as they step into the world of work. If they bring the same dedication there that they have shown here, we have no doubt they will have successful and fulfilling careers. We hope they will always look back fondly on their time as Durham United players. Once a claret, always a claret.

The baton passes: Pat Dixon and Phil Kay

Taking over the operational running of the First Team are two players moving into their final year — goalkeeper Pat Dixon (Natural Sciences) and striker Phil Kay (Sport and Exercise Science). They will co-pilot the club’s operation through its second year in the Northern Football League, bringing fresh energy and a deep understanding of what this squad needs. We look forward to working with them, and wish them every success in what promises to be an exciting year.