WATTSFIELD YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

History

Whilst Wattsfield had an U16 football team prior to 1973, Wattsfield Youth Football Club was established in 1973 by John Proctor and Ted Forrest, who then lived in and around that area of Kendal.

Original Committee
President – Brian Todd
Vice President – “Pop” Harrison
Chairman – Ted Forrest
Secretary – Joan Archer
Treasurer – John Proctor
Members – John Nicholson, Peter Walker, Colin Robinson, Reg Baldwin

The earliest meetings took place in Ted’s front room on Romney Road.
However, once the following members joined, these meetings where held in various pubs throughout Kendal, including the Cock & Dolphin, where today’s meetings are currently held.
(members who joined afterwards – Jack Marsden, Peter Richardson, Tony Ball, Bob Gale, Les Buckle, Derek Walker).

Original Team Members
David Archer, Andrew Baldwin, Mark Blamire, David Buckle, David Clements, Andrew McIntyre, Graham Nicholson, Dave Pearce, William Proctor, Andrew Rigg, Graham Forrest, Stephen Richardson, Mark Lowther, Paul Henderson.

Original Club Colours
Shirts – Amber with black cuffs and black V neck Shorts – Black Socks – White

Training Sessions and Matches
Training took place on the land off Howard Street every Wednesday with some friendlies being played there. However, when WYFC entered the Kent Valley League, home league matches were played at Kendal United’s ground, behind the castle.

First Competition
Dallam Junior Sports Association under 11 tournament at Bela Prison Camp, Whassett, Milnthorpe.

First Trophy
The above tournament on 19th January 1974 beating Kendal 4th Cubs in the final (ironically, Graham Forrest, Stephen Richardson and Paul Henderson played for the Cubs in this tournament).
(It was after this tournament that Peter Richardson joined WYFC).

First League Opponents
Upon entering the Kent Valley League, the opposition consisted of teams from Ibis, Kendal Lads Club, Flookburgh, Ulverston, Ambleside, Shap, Phoenix (Windermere).
 

Thanks to Graham Nicholson for the above info!

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