After detailed discussions with representatives from Clitheroe Wolves stretching back over more than six months, Clitheroe FC is delighted to announce that it will be applying to field a youth team in the Lancashire Sunday league for the 2014/15 season. This will bridge the gap between Under 16s football, which is currently the oldest age group run by Wolves, and men’s football. Tom Bartlett, currently manager of Langho Under 18s, has been appointed as team manager. Clitheroe’s application for the league will be considered by the Lancashire Sunday league at its AGM in June. Home games will be played at Shawbridge. A core of volunteers, drawn primarily from the Wolves network, has been assembled to help Tom both prepare for and run the games.

Anne Barker said:

Having had a long personal association with Clitheroe Wolves and experience in the provision of youth football, I am delighted that Clitheroe Football Club will become the next logical step for young men hoping to represent their town in their chosen sport. I wish Tom and his teams both on and off the field of play every success and assure them of my total support

Tom Bartlett said:

It has long been my dream to see young players from Clitheroe wearing the Clitheroe shirt for the senior team. I am incredibly excited about the opportunity and cannot wait to start to run trials once the club’s application has been ratified.

Clitheroe FC manager, Simon Garner said:

I have often stated my desire to see the core of the first team built on talented, young players from the area. This is another building block in that process and we look forward to working closely with Tom and fostering links between the two teams.