Willowbank F.C.
Founded | 1969 |
---|---|
Ground | The Cliff (Sports complex) |
League | Northern Amateur Football League |
Willowbank Football Club, referred to simply as Willowbank, is an intermediate football club playing in the Northern Amateur Football League.[1] Willowbank were established 1969.[2] They are based on the Falls Road, in West Belfast, Northern Ireland, and play their home games at The Cliff.[3] They play in the Irish Cup.[4]
History
[edit]Willowbank were first formed in 1969, but had become inactive in the 1990s.[5]
During the 2000s, Willowbank came back into existence, playing five-a-side football. They then submitted some teams in the Down & Connor Youth Leagues. Willowbank then entered the Belfast & District Football League.[6]
In the 2016/17 season, Willowbank when undefeated across the season in the Belfast and District Football League. They made it a double, going on to win the B&D Nelson Cup.[7]
In the 2017/18 season, Willowbank joined the Northern Amateur Football League and won the 2C Division in their first season in. In the 19/19 season, they won 2B, making it back-to-back promotions.
In 2020, Willowbank supported their community during Lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They supplied over 100 footballs and cones in an effort to support people's mental and physical health.[8]
Willowbank won the 2023/23 Division 1C.
In the 2023/24 season, Willowbank won a double, the Border Cup and league winners of Division 1B. This made it another back-to-back promotion as champions.[9]
In 2024, they reached the Steel & Sons Cup final, losing 1 - 0 to Derriaghy Cricket Club.[10][11][12]
Club honours
[edit]Northern Amateur Football League
- Division 1B
- 2023/24
- Division 1C
- 2022/23
- Division 2B
- 2018/19
- Division 2C
- 2017/18
- NAFL Border Cup
- 2023/24
County Antrim Football Association
- CAFA Junior Shield
- 2018/19
- CAFA Junior Shield
- 2021/22
- IFA Junior Cup
- 2019/20
Belfast and District League
- Premier Division
- 2016/17
- Nelson Cup
- 2016/17
References
[edit]- ^ "Northern Amateur Football League :: Willowbank FC". www.thenafl.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
- ^ "Willowbank YC FC | Team Details | TeamStats Directory". www.teamstats.net. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
- ^ "Northern Amateur Football League :: The Cliff". www.thenafl.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
- ^ "Soccer: Immaculata and Willowbank meet in the Intermediate Cup". Belfast Media Group. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
- ^ Containerisation International Year Book. National Magazine Company. 1986.
- ^ "Willowbank ready for biggest week in club's history with Border Cup in their sights". The Irish News. 2023-12-31. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
- ^ Fullerton, Gareth (2017-05-19). "Willowbank FC show Celtic the way with unbeaten campaign". Belfast Live. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
- ^ "Belfast club keep players connected during lockdown". IFA. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
- ^ "Magnificent Willowbank claim first-ever Border Cup in style". The Irish News. 2024-01-01. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
- ^ "Willowbank captain Pearse Devine reveals close bonds behind Steel & Sons Cup charge". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 2024-12-23. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
- ^ "Proud family club Willowbank out to claim Steel and Sons Cup for those they have lost". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 2024-12-24. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
- ^ "'Absolutely delighted and proud of you guys'". Belfast News Letter. 2024-12-25. Retrieved 2025-02-12.