Walsden Cricket Club is set to launch a football team playing in the Rochdale Alliance League later in the year.
Officials at the Scott Street club believe that the demise of Jack’s House has left room for another Saturday side in the area to play at a level lower than Todmorden Borough, who are members of the West Lancashire League.
Walsden CC spokesman Kenny Gale said the plan was to play at Walsden Rec, next to the cricket club, and he didn’t envisage any difficulties in assembling a team.
Cricketers Jamie Shackleton, James Rawlinson, Dan Howley, Paul Marrow, Josh and Joe Gale, Cameron Hanson, Danny Brown, Nathan Rooks, Gary Brierley were all keen to play while Max Gale and Joe Hanson had also expressed an interest in playing.
“There are lots of lads wanting to play football, including a few from Todmorden Borough who want an occasional game and one or two from the former Jack’s House team.
“Myself and two or three others from the cricket club suggested starting a team and everyone is up for it.”
Gale said a football section would increase usage of the club during the winter and aid finances.
Walsden representatives attended the Rochdale Alliance’s prize presentation recently and spoke to league officials.
They were given every indication that they would be accepted into the league at the AGM in a month’s time, possibly in the top division of a two-section set-up.
The cricket club is now looking to raise funds to get the football team up and running with kit, nets, balls and pitch hire to pay for.
A race night at the cricket club on the evening of Saturday, July 13 will be the first step and anyone wishing to buy a horse can contact Gale on 07712 679172, Chris Dewhirst on 07984 953374 or Paul Marrow on 07830352264.