BOURNEMOUTH Electric have been granted promotion to the Dorset Premier League for the 2024-25 season.

Electric have successfully met ground grading criteria after works to upgrade their facilities to the required standard at Step 7.

They are one of two new teams in the top-tier of grassroots football in Dorset, after Hamworthy Recreation reserves were provisionally included in the 16-team line-up.

In a club statement, Electric said: “After lots of hard work behind the scenes to get our ground and changing rooms to the specific requirements, we are extremely pleased to announce the Bournemouth Electric FC Saturday first team has now been accepted into the Dorset Premier League.

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“We are all very excited about the year ahead so make sure you join us to support the team on their journey this coming season.”

It comes after Electric finished second in the Dorset Senior League last season to champions Merley Cobham Sports reserves.

Merley’s second string cannot go up as their first team currently reside in the DPL.

And Johnny Bines’ men will undergo a name change to Cobham Sports FC from the 2024-25 season.

Sherborne Town reserves, who finished in 15th, have been spared relegation but embattled Sturminster Marshall went down after failing to win a single point in their 32 games.

Sturminster Newton United were given promotion to the Western League Division One as champions of the DPL, creating space for the two new teams subject to ratification from the league.