The Lions Round-Up | Season 2023/24
A Roaring Season
As the 2023/24 Ability Counts Season comes to an end, we'd like to look back on some memorable moments.
We kicked off pre-season undefeated with wins over Bridge FC and Halifax at home in August and Sept. That lead up to an amazing experience playing away at Nantwich Town. Where all Northwest Lions teams dominated their games with some lovely football until the sun went down and the lights failed.
A visit to Wrexham Inclusion was a tough test for all teams as they experienced the level needed to compete for the upcoming season.
Wrexham as always gave the Lions teams a solid competitive game and got their 1st win over the club in 3 years. This inspired the players to reset, work harder and come together, as new teams in their first season as Northwest Lions since the re-brand.
The Ability Counts 2023/24 season kicked off later than usual in November and it was an opening day to remember. With all teams playing some fantastic football continuing on from pre-season with all teams top of their leagues. Through-out the season we have had new players join us and players leave but the standard has always remained. The commitment from players to come together and overcome has been inspiring with a never give up attitude.
In January 2024, our Lions Premier and Championship teams faced the Liverpool League Cup winners VietLiv in a friendly at Dixons Academy. It was a fast paced battle with the Lions coming out on top with a draw for the Prem side and the Championship team winning. This game was part of the progression for the Ability Counts team as they look to move players onto 11-aside footballl next season.
This was followed up in March when they played Maghull FC, again both teams controlling their games and taking the wins from the experienced Liverpool team.
All the League teams continued their Ability Counts games through-out January to July, focused and working hard in training to develop and grow. New players shined and existing players helped with the transition into the teams. We had leaders step up and look to develop their football careers into coaching and other club roles, while still focusing on the end goal of the league titles. A true statement to the ethos of the club and commitment we ask from a Northwest Lion.
In May we hit another milestone when we reached 106 players as well as our 1st Women's walking football team. In which one of our female Ability Counts players was selected to join.
Also in May, our Prem and Champ players combined to play in the Derby Cup tournament against top teams from around the country. Showing true lions spirit winning the tournament convincingly.
The highlight of the season for many was our visit in June to Manchester United training academy at the Cliffe. The Northwest Lions took 3 teams, a mix of League 3 , League 1, Championship and Premiership players. In what was expected to be a tough battle against the Manchester Ability Counts champions. All our teams dominated from start to finish coming away with the wins in high scoring games. It was great to see some new faces getting their first run out in a Lions shirt as they start their journeys with the club.
The day was a fantastic occasion to remember and the teams will be forever known as the Class of 24.
Other Ability Counts fixtures to remember where our invites to the Cheshire Ability Counts league fixtures, Again our Lions showing the difference in ability and overcoming some great teams from around the Northwest.
Culminating in the remaining fixtures of the Liverpool Ability Counts Leagues. Our League 3 team have ran away with the league this season without any losses and finishing on 63 pts, with leading goal scorer Harry Parker decisive in front of goal in his first season.
The League 1 and our Championship teams gave it a great effort this year with players out injured or leaving the club. Which caused some disruption and rebuilding in the squads. But they eventually both came together and took it to the wire, with both teams finishing 2nd in the League. We have some exciting talent joined us over the last few months in both teams. And we look forward to seeing them develop and take on the challenge next season in the Ability Counts league.
Finally the Premiership team did the double taking the league title with a 19 pts lead with 3 games to go. Leading the scoring charts this year is left winger Aarron Hughes in his first full season with the club. Again, the team has seen players come and go this season as we look to re-build. But the focus has never changed, to finish off the season on a high and look to progress players onto different regional leagues and 11 a side football. While moving players up through the league and developing new players to be able to challenge for the Premiership title next season.
Overall summing up the season the Management, coaching staff and Sponsors could not be happier with what has been achieved from all the players this year. You have all kept the Lions spirit, determination and willingness to grow, which is what this club is all about.
As we go into pre-season and the rest of the summer friendlies and tournaments , we hope to see you all committed to staying with the club into 2024/25. We know some players will be moving on and we thank you for all your effort while with us and wish you well in your new clubs and endeavours.
To our new players and existing players who are staying with us for the next part of our journey. Club registration forms will be going out at the end of the month for signing, so we know who we are working with in pre-season. As always we will be looking to limit teams to a max of 12 players. Next season we will be adding new ability counts teams to compete in 5 leagues and impairment specific teams to compete Nationally.
So, if you know players looking to join a new Pan-disability, Inclusion, CP or deaf team please refer them to us and we can invite them to a Free session. (ages u15's and 16 plus)
Again, well done everyone and thank you for all your hard work this year and keep posted for news on our Ability Counts Awards night.
Stevie Woodrow
Chairman
Northwest Lions FC