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Ilkley Town appoints new women’s manager

Thursday, 16 April 2026 at 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.

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