Charity Match for Long-serving North Devon Footballer

A charity match will be held on Wednesday, November 13 at Bude Town for North Devon footballer Gary Clarke, who has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at 34 years old.

“If you’ve played against Bradworthy, you’ve played against a Clarke.” For the North Devon football community of past and present, it’s an expression that many can relate to.

From the 1960s to the present day, Bradworthy has rarely played a season without the name ‘Clarke’ penciled into a matchday squad. For a small village with fewer than 1,200 residents, it’s an extraordinary feat to have produced generation after generation of football talents for 60 years — and counting.

Mickey Clarke was the first family football presence in Bradworthy, helping The Horniwinks to win back-to-back North Devon Premier League titles in 1976/77 and 1977/78. He moved from grass to dugout in the 1980s and helped build Bradworthy’s footballing reputation in the community, with brother Rex taking reigns of a reserve side. Fourteen years after success as a player, Mickey marched the village to their most successful sporting period as Bradworthy claimed three successive Premier League titles in 1991/92, 1992/93, and 1993/94. 

But it’s not just Mickey who became a local icon through his dedication and commitment to the club. If you’ve faced a wet and windy away day in Bradworthy over the last half-century then you’ve most likely experienced the warmth and kindness of Mickey’s wife, Dorothy ‘Dot’ Clarke, upon the final whistle. 

A Bradworthy experience isn’t complete without a hot cup of tea from the kit lady turn club legend, Dot, complete with a few sugar cubes on the side. On Sundays, you’ll spot 16 Bradworthy home shirts flying high like kites just 10 meters from the side of the pitch.

This is the home of Mickey and Dot. Dot has been washing club kits, collecting matchday fees, mopping muddy changing room floors, and providing refreshments since the 1970s, back to a time when local newspapers were hand-delivered to doorsteps in black and white.

In the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, Gary’s dad, Nick, became the next household Clarke to stamp his authority on the North Devon League with Nick’s cousin, Alan, also joining The Horniwinks setup. As we navigate through each decade of football, it leads us to the current Bradworthy team, which relaunched in North Devon Intermediate One after folding in 2023 due to pitch restrictions and a lack of players.

The new-look Bradworthy side currently sits fourth in the division yet despite the new kit, new manager, and new direction, there are some familiar names on the teamsheet. Gary’s second cousin, Lewis, and his younger brother Lee, are both imperative members of the squad as the Clarke surname marches on.

While Gary has played over 150 times for Bradworthy, his current footballing home is in Cornwall, playing in the South West Peninsula League (Western Division) for three seasons with Bude Town. The 34-year-old’s career also spans clubs such as Holsworthy and Woolsery.

Current Bude Town manager, Steve Hackett, complimented his friend’s versatility, battling spirit, and trademark shot power: “I’ve known Gary for years. I’ve played with him and played against him. I've always admired his winning attitude and how he gives 100% in every game. When I took over Bude Town he was one of the first players I approached because of his attitude and quality. He’s a great footballer and an even better person.”

In partnership with Bradworthy, Bude Town will host a charity game on Wednesday, November 13 at their home ground. Kick-off is at 7:30 pm and Hackett hopes he can gather a bumper crowd for the charity match, with all proceedings raised going towards Gary’s family.

“It’s £5 entry at the gate and the bar will be open, with food available, too,” Hackett continued. “All profits will be going to aid Gary and his family. We also set up a Just Giving page that can be found online, and I’ve made a claim to the SWPL benevolent fund, which has been accepted. Bude and Bradworthy are with Gary every step of the way and we’re really looking forward to a great night of football,”

From the football family of North Devon, everyone wishes Gary and his family their support, and that extends to anyone in the local community who has faced similar hardship. 

Bradworthy manager Toby Curtis said: “My dream centre midfield combo would be a prime Gary Clarke and his brother Lee - and they did play together in that role for a few seasons. Everyone in the village loves their family, and they’ve devoted so much time and effort to the football club over the years. We want to send our best wishes to Gary and his family.”