OPEN AGE FOOTBALL

Our Open Age pathway exists to develop homegrown talent and attract ambitious players who want to compete at a serious level.

With U21, U23 and First Team squads, this pathway provides a progression route into men’s football for players who demonstrate quality, work ethic and long-term potential.

The First Team competes in the Manchester League Premier Division and has aspirations to reach semi-professional football.

We are committed to developing young players and building competitive senior sides capable of challenging at the top of the game.

UNDER 21

The first step into men’s football, focused on adapting to the physical, technical and tactical demands of the adult game.

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UNDER 21

Under 21

Coach: Dan Flynn

Assistant: Munetsi Mbano

Training Day/Time: Tuesday 7pm to 8pm

Training Location: Walkden High School

League: Bolton, Bury and District League

Matchday: Saturdays

UNDER 23

Performance and accountability increase, preparing players for First Team standards and expectation.

Youth football team in yellow kits posing for a team photo on a football pitch with a trophy in front.

UNDER 23

Under 23

Coach: John Borg

Assistant: Zeke Mellor

Training Day/Time: Wednesday 7pm to 8pm

Training Location: Moorside High School

League: Manchester League

Matchday: Saturdays

Representing the club at our highest level, competing in the Manchester League Premier Division with ambitions to progress toward semi-professional football.

FIRST TEAM

A football team of eleven players, with ten dressed in blue and white striped kits and one in a green goalkeeper kit, posing outdoors on a field with a football at their feet.

FIRST TEAM

First Team

Coach: Richard Brown

Assistant: Darren Kay

Training Day/Time: Wednesday 6pm to 7pm

Training Location: Moorside High School

League: Manchester League

Matchday: Saturdays

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

Entry into our Open Age squads is competitive.


We look for players who demonstrate:

Game understanding and decision-making

Green check mark inside a circle on a black background.

Physical readiness for adult football

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Strong technical ability

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Work rate, discipline and coachability

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If a player isn’t yet at the required level, we’ll give honest feedback and guidance on the next steps that are right for them.

For those who meet the standard, our Open Age pathway offers a clear route into competitive senior football, with the chance to develop, compete for places and push toward First Team football.

THINK YOU CAN PLAY AT THIS LEVEL?

To express interest, please share:


• Playing position


• Recent clubs


• Highest competitive level played


• Availability for trials or training sessions

EXPRESS INTEREST

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • No. Open age teams are not suitable for beginners.

    Our teams are suitable for players that already have:

    • a solid understanding of the game

    • previous match experience

    • the ability to train and play safely at a competitive level

    If you’re new to football or returning after a long break, we’re happy to:

    • talk through options

    • suggest a more suitable pathway

    • signpost you where appropriate

    When players join our open age squads, it’s because they’re ready for that environment.

  • Yes. There is a clear pathway from our youth football into our open age teams.

    Players who progress through the club’s youth setup and show the right combination of:

    • ability

    • commitment

    • attitude

    • physical readiness

    may be given opportunities to train with, or move into, open age squads when the time is right.

    Moving into adult football is a big step, and decisions are made collaboratively by coaches with the player’s development and welfare as the priority.

    For players coming through the club, this pathway means:

    • familiar standards and expectations

    • continuity of coaching philosophy

    • a realistic route into adult football.

    Not every youth player will want or need to move into open age football, and that’s fine. But for those who do, the pathway exists and is actively supported when it makes sense.