2023 Review & 2024 Preview
2023 was the eighth year since the GMWFL was established in 2016. The league continues to grow and attracts teams from far and wide. From the original 8 teams in 2017, we now have 54 teams involved. The league’s history From 2016 can be found HERE.
Kevin Williams joined the League Management Committee early in 2023 and took over the league session reports, of which he is doing an excellent job and saving me considerable time. Honours were fairly evenly distributed amongst our member teams, especially in the Autumn season.
Sadly, we lost a few players during 2023, not surprising I suppose considering the ages of participants.
Thanks must go to our excellent group of referees, who arguably must be the best group in any of the countries leagues. Obviously, they don’t always get it right, neither do the players for that matter. Without these guys there would be no football.
Also thanks to my fellow committee members, Paul Gardner, Steve Colesby, Garry Pearce and Kevin Williams for all their hard work, which makes the GMWFL arguably the best in the country.
The league representatives teams had a great year, with both the over 65s and over 70s retaining their WFLA Inter League Cup titles at the Redditch Utd FC ground in May. The report is HERE.
In the WFLA National Cup our clubs did very well with Bolton Arena winning the over 50s, their ladies over 40s team winning their age category and Manchester Corinthians winning the over 70s. Blackburn Rovers, although not league members but containing many GMWFL players, also won the over 65s, making it a great year for North West clubs. The report is HERE.
We are now in 2024 and we will have all added another year to our ages. Some of the great players from the late 2010’s to early 2020’s are now feeling their age and rarely play, if at all. It had to happen and those still in their 60s and early 70s should make the most of it while they still can before Father Time takes his toll. However, the younger players continue to become involved and the standard of walking football improves year on year.
Having said that, we are looking at starting an over 75s league. This would be the first FA affiliated walking football league in the country. We were the first for the over 60s and over 70s, missing out on the over 65s by a few months.
Our over 60s and over 65s representative teams are visiting the Isle of Man again in late February to play their National teams, as we did in November 2022. With our over 70s team they will also hopefully have success in the WFLA Inter League Cup in May this year.
Comments welcome below.
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I thank Bill and the committee for providing a brilliantly organised league. Excellent officials and a first class venue. The standard of play gets higher each season and it’s always a pleasure to play our version of “the beautiful game”at Heywood in the GMWFL.
I wish all the best to the players and teams for the coming season. Can’t wait, let the games begin!
Have loved playing in the GMWFL since I turned 60. Made some wonderful friends and memories, it’s a fantastic set up and all credit to those who put themselves out so we can play our football. Always a great atmosphere on and off the pitch. On a personal level I’ve had a few set backs but at 67 I’m not giving up just yet and hope to take some part in March. Think the idea of an over 75s will be welcomed by everyone. Thanks again for everyone’s support and positive feedback see all soon. Mick T, Manchester Corinthians.
On behalf of everyone at Rochdale Walking Football Club, I’d like to thank Bill and everyone involved with making this such an enjoyable event every week, for 8 months of the year…soon to be even longer!
The camaraderie amongst players from all clubs is just something else. Long may it continue.
An excellent year of competition and continued friendships. I would say the best part of each month is catching up with everyone and sharing our successes, failures and aches and pains.
The League is a credit to all those involved from the Management Committee, the referees, players and organisers of the teams. Long may it continue to flourish. Here’s to a great 2024.
It is a privilege to play at Heywood, it has been an honour to participate at all three age groups against skilful, competitive opponents who play walking football in the correct manner.
Obviously decent officials on & off the pitch make it all happen and an extremely enjoyable & worthwhile experience.