The Lytham St Annes YMCA Football Club is the longest established junior soccer club in the Blackpool and Fylde Coast area having first fielded teams back in the late 1920s. The YMCA acquired its William Pickles Sports Ground at Seafield Rd Lytham in the late 1960s with a superb pavilion being built and officially opened in 1972.
Over the years the YMCA Football Club has produced many youngsters who progressed into the professional game. Even though the FA Premiership was formed 22 years ago, no fewer than four ex YMCA boys have played at this top level. Three of them made 1st team appearances for Everton, Gavin McCann, John Hills and Jamie Milligan.
Lytham St Annes YMCA FC
The other was former Leicester City skipper Steve Walsh and all four played their entire youth careers at the YMCA. Gavin McCann went on to play for Sunderland, Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers making over 300 games appearances in the Premiership altogether and he also gained international honours for England. No fewer than 17 former YMCA Juniors have played at 1st team level for professional clubs in England.
The LSA YMCA FC has achieved FA Charter Standard Community Club status and is now the largest club in the Fylde area. It currently has 17 teams from Under 7s to Under 16’s along with two girls' teams also and the club has nearly 200 children registered with youth leagues. The club has a Disability Adult Team as well which plays regularly in a league and tournaments around the Country.
There is a wealth of experience at the helm of the club. 'Lozz' Rose has been secretary since 1972 and Deputy Chairman Lyndon Moore has been connected with the club for 40 years now. President Mark Cowburn, a former Football League referee for over 10 years has had 45 years of continuous involvement since he played for the club as a 10 year-old boy and Vice President Steve Spencer has had a 20-year connection with the YMCA including 7 years as a junior player.
Development Officer Keith Drury has also been involved with the club for nearly 20 years. Club Chairman Phil Sullivan, who was instrumental in the introduction of girls football teams at the YMCA is in his 10th season as a club official. Treasurer and Club Welfare Officer, Roger De Nobrega began as a club manager in 2001 and fits in his role at the club alongside his job as Chief Operating Officer at Lancashire FA.
Lancashire