There has been a Walshaw Football Team of one kind or another since the 1890’s. They played on various sites in the village and in the 1920’s and 30’s they had a very strong side. From 1939 to 1945 they played in Tottington but after the war they returned to the village and played on the same ground until the late 1940’s. The early 1950’s saw a good squad of players emerging and between 1954 & 1964 they won many league trophies. In 1965 the village Cricket team and the football team merged and Walshaw Sports Club was formed. They secured a long lease on the present Sycamore Road ground and the members worked tirelessly to construct the new Clubhouse facilities and create a first class Cricket & Football venue on what was once rough grazing land. The late 1960’s and early 1970’s saw many improvements to the facilities as the dedicated band of players and members set their sights on establishing a Sports Club that would not only be the pride of the village but would bring enjoyment to members and players for many years to come. The Club was opened by Sir Tom Finney in 1968, the Changing Rooms were opened in 1970 by Sir Cedric Rhodes the then Chairman of Lancashire CCC, the members lounge was opened in 1973 by Emlyn Hughes and Sir Nat Lofthouse opened the extension in 1977. The All weather floodlit 5 a side facility was opened in 2003. The Club has gone from strength to strength and there are now four Senior Football teams as well as 14 junior teams with three Senior Cricket teams and six junior teams. In 2005 Walshaw decided to take a step up into the Manchester league and in their first season won the Murray Shield which they successfully retained in the following year. Since winning promotion to the Premier Division in 2007 they have continued to improve and won the Gilgryst Cup in 2010 and finished runners up in the same Competition last season.

 

The last few years have seen player numbers in mens amatuer football fall dramatically but with the help of current managers Reece Malone and Tom Brooks the club has had a resurgent 18 months culminating in them reaching the LFS Shield semi final where they were edged out 1-0 by Hesketh Bank in March 2023.

 

They are on course for their first top six finish in the last 6 years and the future is once again looking bright for our football team.

 

Players of the required standard who wish to join should call 07873329981 for further details.