Your Ilkley Radio

6:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Des'ree

What's Your Sign

Listen Live Podcasts

Ilkley Town appoints new women’s manager

Thursday, 16 April 2026 05:55

Ilkley Town AFC Women [Photo: broganphoto.uk]

Ilkley Town AFC has appointed Rich Walker as its new Women’s First Team Manager.

The current Brighouse Town AFC Women’s U23s Manager and Bradford City Girls U15s Lead Coach will join the club ahead of pre-season.

Rich said:

“I’m honoured to take up the role of Women’s First Team Manager at Ilkley Town, It’s a club of real stature with an outstanding reputation and a genuinely positive commitment to the growth of girls’ and women’s football.

“Great credit must go to everyone involved in helping them achieve so much to reach this point. I’m excited to continue that success, continue the club’s upward trajectory, and further develop the players both on and off the pitch.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting the players and beginning preparations as we build towards the new season.”

Ilkley Town AFC Chair Richard Giles said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Rich Walker as our new Women’s First Team Manager. Rich brings excellent coaching credentials and shares the club’s ambition for growth and development of the women’s game.

“With Rich now in post we’ll be making additional appointments to further strengthen the women’s section of the club.”

Ilkley’s two senior women’s teams play in Tiers 6 and 10. Under outgoing Manager Claire Armstrong the women have won two league titles, reached a League Cup semi-final and twice competed in FA Cup qualifying rounds.

The Club boasts a thriving girls section with over 225 young players registered from under-5s to under-16s.

Applications are now open for coaching and support staff to join the women’s section. To find out more or apply email womensfootball@ilkleytownafc.com. The Club welcomes applications from all candidates with female applicants particularly encouraged.

More from Local news

Wharfedale Fine Cheeses to open shop in Ilkley

A new specialist cheese shop is set to open in Ilkley this weekend, adding to the town’s independent retail offering.
Over 90% of families receiving first choice primary school

Thousands of families across the Bradford district, including Ilkley, Addingham and Burley-in-Wharfedale, have received their school offers today on National Offer Day.
Plans for new smaller Starbucks sign after unauthorised totem removal

Plans to install a new sign for international coffee giant Starbucks at its Ilkley branch have been submitted after it was forced to remove a previous advertising totem.
Ilkley History Hub: Walk to see the Spa Hydro

Explore Ilkley's health resort heritage on foot with this guided walk led by Ilkley Civic Society Local History Hub.
Hidden circus discovery set to arrive in Ilkley this summer

A long forgotten travelling circus is set to return to Yorkshire this summer, following an unusual discovery in a North Yorkshire barn.
Rail disruption warned on Sunday due to engineering work

Northern say planned engineering work on Sunday, 19 April, will impact services on the Wharfedale Line.
Walking for Val: friends turn tragedy into action

A group of Ilkley friends are going on a three day 'Reiki Ramble' to help Val get the help she needs after being left paralysed below the neck.
Police to hold bike-marking session in Ilkley on Saturday

Cyclists are being offered a chance to protect their bikes from thieves.
Hundreds enjoy Easter fun at Nell Bank in Ilkley

During the Easter holidays, over 400 people enjoyed a visit to Nell Bank Outdoor Education Centre in Ilkley.
Coming soon to the Ilkley Playhouse stage

Plan your next visit to Ilkley Playhouse, we take a look at the latest what's on guide.
Former Ilkley Mayor standing for Liberal Democrats in Bradford elections

Bradford Liberal Democrats have announced their candidate. Mark Stidworthy, for the Ilkley and Addingham Ward in the Bradford Council elections on 7 May.
New Litter Awards to recognise local environmental heroes

The new Thomas Black Local Litter Awards aim to recognise volunteers, groups and businesses improving our local environment and celebrate efforts in litter clearing, conservation and community engagement.
Local runners take on the London Marathon to support Children’s Charity

Two dedicated fundraisers, Joe Gaughan and Simon Horsfall, are preparing to take on the iconic London Marathon this year in support of The Principle Trust Children’s Charity.
A true sporting legend comes to King’s Hall Ilkley

Nicknamed Billy Whizz after ‘the fastest boy in the world’-as depicted in the Beano Comic, Leeds born Jason Robinson OBE is coming to Ilkley on Tuesday 12 May 2026.
Yorkshire Water begins work on Ilkley wetland

Work has begun on a nature-based wetland in Ilkley, marking the next step of a £60 million investment to improve water treatment and the water quality of the river Wharfe.
Musical Annie opens on Wednesday at King's Hall

Ilkley Musical Theatre Society’s production of Annie opens this week at the Kings Hall, Ilkley, and the IMTS can’t wait to welcome you!
Ilkley Carnival announces volunteer groups to benefit from event profits

Ilkley Carnival committee has announced that this year’s profits will be donated to groups who volunteer to support the running of the event.
Yorkshire Day celebrations to return and performers are needed

Following the success of last year's Yorkshire Day celebrations in Ilkley, plans are underway for another two day music extravaganza with an appeal going out for performers.
New aesthetics clinic opened in Ilkley

Maesa Aesthetics opened at the weekend located on the corner of Chantry Drive and Cowpasture Road in Ilkley.
Care home's Plank Against Cancer challenge

This April, staff and friends of The Raikes Residential Home in Silsden are coming together to take on a simple, but powerful challenge, a 2-minute plank every day, for the entire month.