19 photos of youth football teams who battled it out on the pitches in Blackpool during the noughties
It was all about team spirit, the magic of the game, proud parents and, of course, hopes of smashing one in the back of the net.
By Claire Lark
Published 22nd Feb 2022, 04:55 GMT
There are 19 photos here which show youth football teams from across the Blackpool area during the decade of the noughties. They range from the under 11s to the under 17s. The kids pictured in the team line-ups would be in their mid twenties upwards now, possibly stood on the sidelines in all weathers watching their own children play - with hopes of some memorable moments. Do you recognise any faces?
Blackpool and District Youth League Football. Spirit of Youth v Our Lady Under 15's in 2003. L-R Back Row: Mike Scott, Paul Kennedy, Adam McKnight, Tony Williams, Mike Steele, Steven Beatty and Mike Kershaw. Front L-R Glen Higham, James Carr, Ben Kelly, Anthony Kibbler, Ben Wilson and Tony Benn. Photo: Martin Bostock
Blackpool and District Youth Football match between Spirit of Youth and Lytham Juniors U11s at Common Edge Road, 2003. Unfortunately on this day the match was cancelled.
Lytham Juniors team. Front L-R: Matt Edgar, Tim Slater, Tom Croft, Fred Ashton, Luke Graves, Michael Churchman and Andrew Conroy. Back: Chris Travis, Kelham O'Hanlon, Mark Crossan, Daniel Halton, Thomas Richardson, Jonathan Millward and Alex Moffat Photo: Rob Lock
Blackpool and District Youth Football match between Spirit of Youth and Lytham Juniors U11s at Common Edge Road, 2003.
Spirit of Youth team, Front L-R: Callum Ross, Daniel Baker, Miles Arrowsmith, Mohammed Adam, Calvin Ferguson. Back: Neil Grice (Manager), Ross Eves, Tyler Butterworth, Alex Grice, Stewart Ralston, Brian Norris, Luke Gunnis, Elliott O'Donnell, Jonathan Oliver and Lionel Oliver (Assistant Manager). Photo: Rob Lock
Blackpool and District Youth Football league match between Our Lady (green and black) and Wyre Villa U11s, at Blackpool Road North St Annes, 2003. Our Lady team, front row L-R: Kynan Dawes, Matthew Grindley, Robert Clough, Michael Cox, Tom Carr and Jack Todd. Back: David Palmer, Richard Ingham, Ben Perkins, Ben Willis, Thomas Glover, Sam Whittle, Joseph Whittle, Ben Shields, Alasdair Pollock and Evan Taylor. Photo: Rob Lock
Blackpool and District Youth League Hogan Cup Semi Final, 2001. Lytham Juniors Under 12's. Back L-R Jack Cookson, Keith Stone, Barney Rogan, James Benson, David Winterflood, Paul Walsh, Ben Hodson. Front L-R Elliot Lavin, Alistair Cave, Gavin Malin, Ross Parlane, William Stone, Keaton Dickinson and Matthew Edwards Photo: Martin Bostock
Fleetwood Gym under 13s team, 2003. Back L-R Jamie Wilson, Paul Cornwell, Ryan Fuce, James Pirie, Matthew Vincent, Paul Wilson and Robert Vincent. Front L-R Aaron Clarke, Adam Heaney, Matthew Gair, Michael Ronson, Alex Smith, Chris Robinson and Mark Wild. Photo: Martin Bostock