Clubs delighted to win at West Lancashire Football League awards

Clubs in North Lancashire were recognised at the West Lancashire Football League presentation night.

The event was held at Blackpool Football Club’s Bloomfield Road on Saturday (June 8).

The night began with all league and cup winners being recognised, including Presidents Cup winners Pause United and Challenge Cup winners, for the second consecutive season, Carnforth Rangers.

Storeys of Lancaster were awarded Club of the Season.

The league said the award was given to them for “exceptional development work on and off the pitch”.

Over the last 12 months, the club have seen an expansion in the number of junior teams as well as the opening of their clubhouse, The Factory.

Club treasurer Joe Toulmin appeared on Beyond Radio’s Saturday Sport Show last month with vice chairman Steven Stirzaker and secretary Becky Toulmin.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive the accolade of West Lancashire League Club of the Year for 2024," he said.

“It was a complete shock to us on the night, and when you consider how many fantastic clubs represent the league it makes it even more special. 

“I’m pleased that two of our long-standing volunteers Kenny Udall and Dave Benson were there to take receipt of the trophy, they have been ever present at the club over the past three decades and have been very hands on in helping us achieve what we have. 

“As we mentioned in the recent interview, it really has been a whirlwind few years and the transformation that the club has seen fills us all with immense pride. 

“Saturday night’s award is testament to everyone associated with club, and the trophy will take pride of place in The Factory!”

Caton United received recognition in two areas.

Club secretary Dave Wood was named the league’s Secretary of the Season, while Adam Garnett was awarded Division Two Manager of the Season.

This was after a 10th placed finish in their inaugural season in the West Lancashire League.

The club, who said it was “great to be rewarded in our first season in the league”, will have two teams in the West Lancashire League next season.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and truly humbled for being chosen as this year’s West Lancashire League Secretary of the Year," said Dave Wood.

“I am immensely thankful for the recognition from the League, but it wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers at Caton United FC. Thank you all."

Adam Garnett said: “It’s wonderful that the club has been acknowledged in its first season in a tough West Lancs League with these two awards, Dave’s in particular. 

“Dave, the committee, and the players deserve that recognition. 

“From a personal point of view I was surprised, but honoured to have been voted for, but it’s a team effort, and the recognition goes to Greg, Martin and Jack as much as it does to me. Their support over the year has been essential. 

“This year was about making sure we established ourselves and I think we did that, and we hope to kick on up the table next season after finding our feet, and be challenging towards the top end.”

Both Caton and Pause United’s first teams will again play in Division Two, while their second teams - Caton United Colts and Pause United Reserves - will compete in the reserves leagues. 

This was confirmed at the league’s AGM last week.

Local players made their way into the league’s divisional teams of the season.

Carnforth Rangers defender and captain Stan Rich, who was the hero in their Challenge Cup final against Chipping with a 95th minute winner, made the Division One team of the season for a second successive season.

Storeys of Lancaster captain and forward Matthew Poole was named in the Division Two team of the season after scoring 15 times across the campaign.

A Pause United duo, defender Phil Meeks and midfielder Ben Roberts, made the XI too after a huge season on and off the pitch for the club as they finished third in Division Two.

Pause are a unique local club with a strong focus on men’s mental health.

Next season’s West Lancashire League divisional format will include 16 Premier Division, Division One and Division Two teams, while the reserves leagues (Division One Reserves and Division Two Reserves) will consist of 12 teams each.

The regular league season will begin on Saturday August 3.

The league has added three new committee members, including former North Lancashire and District Football League (NL&DFL) secretary Aaron Hockham.

The NL&DFL folded in June after 104 years in existence, due to a growing number of teams leaving the league over recent years. 

For further updates on West Lancashire League fixtures concerning local sides, look out for the Beyond Radio weekly sports guide, as well as the league’s and clubs’ social media pages.