Nick Babb

2:00pm - 6:00pm

Email the studio

Ariana Grande

Hate That I Made You Love Me

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

Later Life Festival returns to Ilkley for second year

A festival celebrating living well in later life is returning to Ilkley following the success of last year’s event.
Millions of £2 Northern train tickets go on sale

Millions of discounted train tickets have gone on sale as part of Northern’s latest Flash Sale, with Skipton and Ilkley among the destinations included.
Ilkley Creative Arts & Culture Month launches across the town

A month-long celebration of art, music and culture is taking place across Ilkley throughout September.
Ilkley Rotary launches appeal to support people affected by Nepal disaster

The Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale is asking the local community to support people affected by a devastating disaster in Nepal.
55 new homes proposed for site off Main Street in Addingham

Plans have been submitted to Bradford Council for 55 new homes on land off Main Street in Addingham.
Travel agency opens in Ilkley today

A new independent travel agency has opened its doors in Ilkley, offering locals help with everything from package holidays to tailor-made trips.
Ilkley Scouts launches new programme for young people

Scouts across Ilkley are celebrating the launch of a new Explorer Scouts brand and programme.
Ilkley Karate Club celebrates 38 years teaching

Ilkley Karate Club is celebrating its 38th anniversary this September.
Ilkley salon owner celebrates remission after first phase of chemotherapy

An Ilkley hairdresser has shared an emotional update with customers and friends after revealing he is in remission following the first phase of chemotherapy.
Forde Restaurant allowed to keep atrium following community support

The Ilkley restaurant has announced it can keep its popular atrium seating area after a huge show of support from customers and the local community.
Rizia's Bottega open their doors to Ben Rhydding

The Italian Deli officially opened for trading on Tuesday after a successful soft launch on Sunday.
Festival crowds expected to make Leeds station busier than ever

Rail passengers travelling through Leeds are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys over the bank holiday weekend.
Dog bus vandalised in attempted overnight theft

A distinctive yellow bus used to transport dogs across Ilkley and surrounding areas has been vandalised during an apparent attempted theft.
Railway station's beer festival to start next weekend

A weekend of steam trains, real ales and live music is coming to the Yorkshire Dales as the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway gets set to host its Branch Line Weekend & Beer Festival.
Ilkley Breakfast Rave returns after raising almost £2,000 for charity

The early-morning Breakfast Rave is set to return to Ilkley next month following the success of the town’s first event.
Paws at the Hub Dog Show coming to Ilkley this Saturday

Dog lovers and their four-legged friends are being invited to the Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley this Saturday.
Ilkley MP condemns release of convicted rapist

Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has criticised the Government following the release of a convicted rapist who abused grooming gang survivor Fiona Goddard.
Lishman’s Butchers team member shortlisted for Women in Meat Award

Lishman’s Butchers in Ilkley is encouraging customers to support Emma Lishman, who has been shortlisted in the Craft Butchery category at this year’s Women in Meat Awards.
Bini Brew Co launches new pizza kitchen

Bini Brew Co will launch its new permanent pizza kitchen, Bini Dough Co, at its Little Lane Taproom on Friday.
Ilkley PCSO helps charity bike ride reach £10,000 fundraising goal

An Ilkley police community support officer has helped a 170-mile charity bike ride reach its £10,000 fundraising target.