As a brand new league campaign dawns upon us after what seemed like a lifetime of uncertainty last year, returning to blog duty and covering yet another grassroots football story feels nothing short of a relief. And to amplify our excitement even further, today’s Rising story covers a newer outfit in the primary phases of their journey – initially created by a wider organisation with bags of undoubted potential in the media industry. Proudly introducing one of the freshest additions to the grassroots football scene, we present the journey of Liverpool-based outfit FC Kirkby LB.
Established by parent content creation company LB Multi-Media, FC Kirkby LB have made significant strides in their young existence. The club entered as one of the newest sides in the Liverpool Business Houses Football League only six months ago and made no mistake in strengthening on arrival – boasting vast experience across all areas of the pitch. Headed by coach Lewis Duckworth, FC Kirkby LB are strengthened by a seasoned management team backed with years of vetted experience in the grassroots game. Duckworth’s coaching background derived all the way from youth level, with a stint at Litherland Remyca U18s equipping the talented manager with the expertise necessary to oversee FC Kirkby LB’s first squad.
Captained by ever-reliable defender Lee Delacour, FC Kirkby LB are led by what they describe as ‘a man who brings amazing passion to the side, with an application and desire towards the game like no other’. Despite Delacour’s heroics from the back line however, LBFC’s striking options; notably in Jay Pep, have rather stolen the headlines of late – with high-scoring games in their early pre-season fixtures showing glimpses of the side’s deadly attacking potential. As shown in their victories over Netherley Valley FC and Larkhill FC during pre-season – ending 11-2 and 8-1 respectively – FC Kirkby LB’s attacking prowess transcends further than their starters. With further talent off the bench proving a frightening sight for opposition defenders, FC Kirkby LB are due to enjoy an exciting campaign in front of goal in the coming months.
On marking their player to watch this season, FC Kirkby LB offer an abundance of talent across the pitch that makes it impossible to mention one name definitively. From the experience of James Ludgate, to the dependability of goalkeeper Sam Lybert, and not to mention the quality of players like Mick Royle, Jay Royle and Jay Pep – FC Kirby LB’s success this season will require the individual qualities of their starlets across entire squad. One player who manager Duckworth will hope to see shine this season however, is trusty midfielder Craig Johnson. With a goal to his name for his side already in their opening fixture, a big season for Johnson could spell early domestic success for FC Kirkby LB in their young grassroots football journey.
Despite possessing no prior achievements due to their recent inception, FC Kirkby LB are eager to impress on arrival and stamp their name on their league counterparts this season. Already impressing in their opening fixture in a dominant 7-0 drubbing of Shiel Park FC 1sts, assistant manager Tony Bibby said, “we have no past achievements due to us being a new club, but we aim to impress in our first year of Sunday League with our squad depth and passionate players.” Commenting on their win over Shiel Park, Bibby briefly spoke of the impact of the result on the squad, saying ‘the win gives the league and the teams in it a statement about LBFC that we are coming to climb the divisions. But on a smaller scale, a 7-0 start to the league boosts our players to hopefully go and win the division and secure promotion.”
On his team’s intentions for the current league campaign and the importance of maintaining momentum throughout the season, assistant manager Liam Bibby said, “we are planning to kick off with a great start to the league from September. We know the standard of the league is brilliant even in the lower divisions, but that doesn't doubt us being a top side.”
Currently sitting pretty at the head of the Liverpool Business Houses Football League, FC Kirkby FC are showing dangerous signs of promise. With a formidable back line, a tireless midfield and a set of goal-hungry attackers, this certainly spells a long season ahead for the rest of the league – and if their first result is anything to go by, then we at @thevoicegrf would definitely urge you all to keep tabs on LBFC’s progress via LB Multi-Media in the coming years.
Follow FC Kirby LB’s progress this season by following them on Instagram @fckirkbylb, and be sure to follow @lbmultimedia for additional LBFC content.
Also be sure to subscribe to our blog and follow @thevoicegrf for more grassroots football content this coming season!
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