Wythenshawe FC, a modest Sunday league team nestled in Manchester, has become an unexpected sensation in the world of football. The club has revolutionized its veterans team by welcoming a roster of former Premier League players, turning what was once a local Sunday league fixture into a spectacle that attracts hundreds of fans each week.
At the helm of this star-studded squad is Emile Heskey, the 47-year-old former Liverpool and England striker, who has transitioned from gracing Wembley Stadium in front of 90,000 fans to playing at Hollyhedge Park, a tiny ground without stands that typically draws a crowd of around 170. Despite the stark contrast in venues, Heskey and his fellow former stars have embraced the opportunity to reconnect with the grassroots of the beautiful game.
The roster of "ringers" at Wythenshawe FC Vets is nothing short of impressive, featuring names like Papiss Cisse, the 40-year-old Senegal international and former Newcastle United forward, who scored a hat-trick in the opening game of the season. Joining him are other luminaries such as Joleon Lescott, the 43-year-old England international, and Stephen Ireland, the 39-year-old former Manchester City midfielder who has already netted eight goals in just two matches. Other notable additions include Oumar Niasse, the 35-year-old former Everton striker, and Nedum Onuoha, the 38-year-old ex-Man City defender.
Despite their illustrious pasts, these former stars are playing for the love of the game rather than financial gain. Club chairman Carl Barratt revealed to The Sun that the team's initial recruitment process was a humorous mix-up: "My wife asked them to pay £15 subs because she didn't know who they were. She sent the normal letters to them." While the players aren't being paid, they do enjoy perks like post-match food and access to a Sky Sports bar.
Wythenshawe FC, which competes in the eighth tier of England's football league, has long been a semi-professional outfit. However, the club's veterans team has risen to prominence in the Cheshire Veterans Football League, where they currently occupy the top spot in the north west of England. This success is largely attributed to the influx of former Premier League talent, which began following a casual conversation between one of the club's players and Stephen Ireland.
Carl Barratt, who has led the club for seven years, explained: "One of our players is best mates with Stephen and he mentioned to him that we want to try to win one of the country cups this year. So Stephen and Nedum Onuoha came down to play first and then other players they knew joined in." This domino effect has not only bolstered Wythenshawe FC's veterans team but has also reignited the passion for competitive football among these seasoned players.
Many of these former stars find joy in the camaraderie and competition of playing in an organized 11-a-side league format, a far cry from their days in the Premier League. As one of the players remarked, "I just enjoy being able to run around. When you still love football and you..." their passion for the game shines through, regardless of the size of the crowd or the prestige of the venue.
Wythenshawe FC's journey from a small local club to the center of national attention is a testament to the enduring appeal of football and the bonds it fosters. As the club's veterans team continues to flourish, fans and football enthusiasts alike eagerly await the next chapter in this remarkable story.
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