• West Lancashire League Champions: 1986/87
• Lancashire FA Amateur Shield Winners: 1988/89, 1990/91
THE CLUB
Chairman Maurice Watkin
Vice-Chairman David Smith
Treasurer Paul Muspratt
Club Secretary John Squire
Matchday Secretary Gary Fawcett
Manager Kevin Watkin
Manager Dave Round
Safeguarding Officer Steve Thomas
Head of Digital Glen Ritchie
Groundskeepers Alan Wilson & Ian Littlehales
Bar Manager Sam Trewin
Good afternoon and welcome back to Rakesmoor Lane for today’s opening North West Counties Football League fixture against AFC Knowsley.
Pre-season has gone well and the squad looks in a good place. It was disappointing to lose a couple of key players – especially Matt – but overall the group looks stronger. The new lads have settled in quickly, with Cressy and Ryan adding real quality, and there’s a noticeable difference in fitness and sharpness across the squad compared to where we were last year.
Now the focus turns to the start of the season, and there’s no better place to begin than at home. We’re up against a side new to the league, which always brings a bit of uncertainty, but it’s also an opportunity. Playing in front of our own fans gives us a platform to set the tone early and put three points on the board.
The aim this season is straightforward – improve on last year. That means finding consistency, maintaining standards, and making sure we’re in a strong position when the business end of the season comes around. If we do that, we give ourselves a real chance of being right in the mix for the playoffs come April.
KEVIN WATKIN
It’s great to get the season underway. The lads have put a proper shift in throughout pre-season and looked sharp, especially in that last friendly against Charnock where the first half was really pleasing.
We’ve brought in a few new faces. Reece Cresswell has slotted into midfield well and looks promising, while Ryan Fagan brings pace and a real threat going forward. We’ve also had to replace Matt, with Harrison Round coming in from Dalton. He’s only 18, but I’m confident he’ll step up to the challenge this season.
We need to push on and start competing for something this year. We don’t know too much about AFC Knowsley, but you can’t underestimate anyone in this league. It’ll be a tough test, but we’re ready for it.
DAVE ROUND
AFC Knowsley, founded in 1987, are a community-based club from the Knowsley area who entered senior football in 2019. Now playing in the North West Counties League Division One North, they operate from modern £1.4m facilities and have grown rapidly through the pyramid, achieving back-to-back promotions before earning Step 6 status for the first time in 2026–27.
• Founded in 1987 – Established as a community club focused on grassroots football in Knowsley.
• Senior Football Since 2019 – Entered open-age competition under the name Knowsley South.
• Back-to-Back Promotions – Promoted from Cheshire League Division Two and Division One in successive seasons.
• Rebrand in 2021 – Became AFC Knowsley ahead of competing in the Cheshire League Premier Division.
• West Cheshire League Step-Up – Moved leagues in 2024 and finished 4th before securing promotion.
• Step 6 Football (2026) – Accepted into the NWCFL Division One North for the first time.
• Large Community Club – Over 42 teams, 600+ players and 65 coaches across all levels.
• FA Three-Star Accreditation – Recognised for excellence in development, inclusion and structure.
• Modern Facilities – Operate from new £1.4m facilities supporting football at all levels.
• Inclusive Growth – Expanded into girls’ and disability football alongside senior progression.
AFC Knowsley were founded in 1987 as a communityfocused organisation, created to provide accessible football opportunities within the Knowsley area. From the outset, the club placed a strong emphasis on inclusion, development and participation, building a structure that allowed players of all ages and abilities to engage with the game. Over time, this approach helped establish the club as a key part of the local football landscape.
For many years, AFC Knowsley operated without a senior men’s team, instead focusing on grassroots and youth football. This long-standing commitment to development saw the club grow significantly, with a large number of teams, coaches and volunteers working under its umbrella. The foundations built during this period would later prove vital in supporting the club’s transition into senior football.
That transition began in 2019 when the club entered open-age competition under the name Knowsley South. Joining the Cheshire League marked a new chapter, but the timing proved challenging due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, the club made a strong start, gaining promotion in their first season and continuing that momentum into the following campaign.
After securing back-to-back promotions, the club established itself within the Cheshire League structure. In 2021, they rebranded as AFC Knowsley, aligning the senior side with the wider organisation and strengthening the club’s identity. This period also saw continued growth off the pitch, with further development across their community and youth sections.
AFC Knowsley remained in the Cheshire League Premier Division for three seasons, building experience and stability at that level. Ahead of the 2024/25 season, the club made a lateral move to the West Cheshire League, seeking new challenges and opportunities for progression. The move proved beneficial, with the team adapting well to their new surroundings.
Their first season in the West Cheshire League resulted in a mid-table finish, but the following campaign saw significant improvement. A fourth-place finish demonstrated the club’s development and consistency, ultimately leading to a successful application for promotion into the National League System.
The 2026/27 season marks a major milestone, as AFC Knowsley enter Step 6 football in the North West Counties League Division One North for the first time. This achievement reflects years of steady growth, both on and off the pitch, and represents the club’s arrival at a new level of competition.
Backed by modern facilities and a large, inclusive football structure, AFC Knowsley now look to establish themselves in the non-league pyramid. While the immediate aim is to consolidate at Step 6, the club’s long-term focus remains on progression, ensuring a clear pathway from grassroots football through to the senior game for players within the local community.
Founded in 1936, Holker Old Boys AFC began as an under-16 side, formed by the former pupils of Holker Central Secondary School, originally located on Holker Street in Barrow-in-Furness. While the school has long been replaced by a bingo hall, the club’s legacy continues to thrive.
Founded in 1936, Holker Old Boys AFC began as an under-16 side, formed by the former pupils of Holker Central Secondary School, originally located on Holker Street in Barrowin-Furness. While the school has long been replaced by a bingo hall, the club’s legacy continues to thrive.
By 1939-40, Holker joined the North Western Open Age League, playing on local fields. Their commitment to youth football remained strong, with junior teams keeping their roots alive. The club expanded into the West Lancashire League in 1967, running teams in both leagues and later securing a permanent home at Rakesmoor Lane in 1971 - a site with a history as an isolation hospital and allotments.
The formation of the Furness Premier League in 1980 saw them enter two teams, with the Reserves progressing into the West Lancashire League Division 2. Success followed in the mid-80s, with a runner-up finish in 1985/86, before claiming the West Lancs League Division 1 title in their Golden Jubilee season (1986/87). The late 80s brought further glory, as Holker lifted the Adidas Lancashire Junior Shield twice, triumphing over Walkden Town (1988/89) and Park United (1990/91).
With ambitions to compete at a higher level, Holker faced the challenge of upgrading their Rakesmoor Lane ground. Through sheer determination and community effort, they expanded facilities, built new changing rooms, and enclosed the pitch. Their hard work paid off in 1991 when they secured a place in the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) Division Two.
Holker adapted well to the higher level, finishing third in 1993/94 and earning promotion to Division One. Their time in the top flight was mixed, peaking at 11th place in 1995/96 before a difficult spell led to relegation in 1998/99. This prompted a period of rebuilding, both financially and structurally. The club expanded its setup to include three open-age sides and a thriving junior section, covering ages six to sixteen, plus a girls’ team.
By 2002/03, Holker had regained stability, finishing fifth in Division Two. Off the pitch, significant investments followed, with £80,000 secured for stadium improvements, pitch drainage, and parking. Though the mid-2000s saw inconsistent league performances, there were standout moments: reaching the FA Cup’s Second Qualifying Round (2004/05) and hosting FC United of Manchester in 2005/06 before a record crowd of 2,303. These achievements provided vital funds for further ground improvements, including floodlight upgrades in 2006/07.
The club’s commitment to youth development was also recognised with the FA Charter Standard Development Club Award. This dedication bore fruit in 2006/07 when the U18s, featuring many future first-team players, won the LFA Furness Building Society Youth Cup. By 2008/09, the senior team had climbed to ninth in the renamed Vodkat League First Division.
Under Dave Smith and Maurice Watkin, Holker enjoyed a resurgence, finishing third in Division One in 2010/11. A managerial change in 2011/12 brought challenges, but Smith’s return helped steady the ship. The 2012/13 season was tough, with the club narrowly avoiding last place, though an FA Cup run provided a financial boost.
The 2013/14 season marked a turning point, with Gary Fawcett and Stuart Roberts leading the team to a respectable sixth-place finish and a semi-final appearance in the NWCFL Challenge Cup. Further improvements followed between 2017 and 2019, including pitch enhancements, bar refurbishments, and an extended kitchen. Chairman Maurice Watkin ensured a warm, modern club atmosphere.
Holker reached a milestone in 2018/19, playing their 1,000th NWCFL league game and receiving a commemorative trophy. Despite a challenging season, the team avoided relegation, with Kevin Watkin, Paul Southward, and Glyn Dixon taking the reins to guide the club to safety.
Through decades of highs and lows, Holker Old Boys AFC remains a club built on passion, resilience, and a deep-rooted community spirit - one that continues to shape its future with ambition and pride.
