A youth football team have won a prestigious league in just their second season together. 

Atherton Town’s Under-18s have finished top of the pile in the North West Youth Alliance First Division after a fine campaign under coach Mark Robinson. 

Coming out on top in the prestigious competition saw them see off opposition from sides attached to clubs including Daisy Hill and Stalybridge Celtic who were pushed into the runners-up spot. 

The squad was formed for the start of the 2017/18 season by putting Atherton Town’s and Bolton Indian Sports Club’s under-16 teams together, along with a few players from other local teams who wanted the opportunity to play at a higher level.

The title triumph came after a surprise promotion to the second tier, not that it showed at all, the under-17s having finished mid-table in Division Two 12 months ago.   

After a season of building, and  a trip to Poland at the end of the campaign, the team were ready to kick on.

“We went on to win our first 10 games and have stayed top of the league throughout the season,” said Robinson. 

“The boys have been brilliant, they have developed massively this season and have a real intelligence about how they play.  

“As a group they support and work for each other 100 per cent, they listen to what they are coached, most have taken responsibility seriously and have taken nothing for granted.   

“They have been an absolute pleasure to coach and I am sure they are better players and people because of the experience.”

The club’s focus now turns to bringing through the next team for the 2019/20 season with trials being held this Sunday, May 19, at the club’s Butler Park ground between 2pm and 4pm. 

Any new players who want to try out can call Robinson on 07515 680186 if they want more information. 

The North West Youth Alliance structure includes teams affiliated with FC United of Manchester, AFC Fylde, Chorley, Chester, Curzon Ashton, Tranmere Rovers and Stockport County to name but a few.