We spoke with Walton Casuals Ladies FC manager, Chris Barker, whose side had clinched a second successive promotion only to see results expunged.
SK: Can you tell us a little of your footballing history and any personal high points?
CB: I have coached for over 20 years now for both male and female. I have coached over the years at a number of senior clubs and in season 2017/18 I was asked if I would like to get involved with the Surrey Schools teams. I accepted and coached the Surrey Girls representative Under-16 side. This brilliant side went unbeaten all season, winning their regional league and got into the Schools Cup final for the first time for over 14 years. It was a great achievement by all involved and has left some very fond memories. In 2018 I founded and formed Walton Casuals Ladies FC – the only grassroots women’s football club in the borough of Elmbridge. A selection of coaches and managers formed an outstanding balance of coaching which has progressed the players, pushing the club forward from strength to strength. Two senior ladies teams were formed. We play and train at our home ground the Xcel Hub, which is a state of the art stadium with a 4G facility. We are now forming girls teams of all ages as Walton Casuals Girls FC.
SK: How had your team’s season been going before lockdown?
CB: WCLFC 1st team had secured their promotion in late February and were to be crowned champions again for the second consecutive year in the GLWFL [Greater London Women’s Football League] two weeks prior to the corona pandemic. At this stage and moment of time we were 14 points clear with three games still to play. It is our aim to progress through the tiers to compete at the highest standard. It was very disappointing that the season was expunged but we fully understand why, and that peoples’ lives and health are a priority.
SK: How did you do against any local rivals in 2019-20?
CB: Our close local rivals were Sutton United whom we drew in a cup competition this season. Sutton are a big local club with great history, The Sutton ladies section are a league above us and it was sure to be a great game with a good crowd. For the neutral it was most entertaining, and for supporters it was on the edge of your seat game with a 92nd minute winner by the WCLFC.
SK: Any rising star, club veteran or stand-out personality we should know about?
CB: We have a very young ladies 1st team that has a number of rising stars. It would be unfair for me to highlight any individuals but I must say it is most rewarding being a 1st team that you qualify for the prestigious FA Cup, and to have so many youngsters playing in it and representing the club. History was made in that we won our first ever FA Cup game away to Banbury United, winning 2-1.
SK: How are you trying to keep fit and fill the void in football?
CB: Whilst under lockdown, we are keeping our players fit as best we can. We are very fortunate to have a fantastic fitness team and physios team. Programmes have been sent out to all the players and staff and we are continuing to stay positive at this very difficult time. From all at Walton Casuals Ladies FC we would like to send our best wishes to everyone and hope we all stay safe and well.
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