Downes Sports FC were originally formed in 1971 with their name originating from the largest building company in the town F.E Downes and Sons.
The first team played in the City League and the reserve team in the South Leicester League until 1975-76 when both teams joined the Nuneaton Amateur League. In 1980-81 both sides joined the Leicestershire District League.
The first team joined the Leicestershire Senior League in 1986-87 with reserves joining the Senior League Combination.
Since 1997-98 the club has undergone a massive re-building process. Local Dr Martens side Hinckley United were formed from the merger of former Hinckley teams Athletic and Town, which enabled Downes to move to the main pitch at Hinckley Town's Leicester Road Sports Ground. With a lot of hard work from managment, officials and player's alike have turned the ground into a home to be proud of.
Downes most sucsessful season came in 1999-2000. The first team finished fourth in a highly competitive league and the reserve's finished runners-up to Birstall United after leading the league up until the final game of the season.
Special recognition should be given to Dave Gunn who has been with the club in some capacity since 1975. Dave is currently reserve team manager and over the years his blood has slowly turned a vivid shade of tangerine.
The first team are lucky to have a manager in Gareth Williams who along with new assistant Neil Stephenson both have a wealth of experience of the local semi-pro scene.
Physio Brian Lovegrove is also an integral part of the managment team, bringing his 104 years of physio experience to good effect.
