Willowbank F.C.

Willowbank Football Club

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

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

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

Irish Football Association

• IFA Junior Cup
  • 2019/20

Belfast and District League

• Premier Division
  • 2016/17
• Nelson Cup
  • 2016/17

References

1. "Northern Amateur Football League :: Willowbank FC". www.thenafl.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
2. "Willowbank YC FC | Team Details | TeamStats Directory". www.teamstats.net. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
3. "Northern Amateur Football League :: The Cliff". www.thenafl.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
4. "Soccer: Immaculata and Willowbank meet in the Intermediate Cup". Belfast Media Group. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
5. Containerisation International Year Book. National Magazine Company. 1986.
6. "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.
7. Fullerton, Gareth (2017-05-19). "Willowbank FC show Celtic the way with unbeaten campaign". Belfast Live. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
8. "Belfast club keep players connected during lockdown". IFA. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
9. "Magnificent Willowbank claim first-ever Border Cup in style". The Irish News. 2024-01-01. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
10. "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.
11. "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.
12. "'Absolutely delighted and proud of you guys'". Belfast News Letter. 2024-12-25. Retrieved 2025-02-12.