WARWICK Wanderers football club is celebrating the 'fantastic' success of its 2023 Gala.

The latest iteration of the club's annual football gala took place on Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21. 

The event-based at Downagate Community Centre is Warwick Bridge is aimed at promoting football to local youth teams as a way to make new friends and nurture participation.

Before the event got underway, organiser Nick Stobbs spoke about this philosophy.

He said: "It's not a football tournament, it's a gala.

"It is a family event which is why we have the funfair here, the Barbeque, the candy floss, and all the various games, and in the background, we like to see some football going on."

News and Star: Thousands packed into Warwick Bridge's Downagate Park for the Warwick Wanderers GalaThousands packed into Warwick Bridge's Downagate Park for the Warwick Wanderers Gala (Image: Nick Stobbs)

Over the years the Warwick Wanderers Gala has become a staple of the local youth football calendar with the event's popularity still on the rise.

Over the Gala weekend, over 5,000 people, players, and spectators were in attendance, with 2,120 cars parked on Downagate and a combined 4,700 burgers and hot dogs sold. 

After the Gala had concluded, Nick shared his delight at what he called a 'fantastic' weekend.

He said: "The Fairground was very popular and we gave out medals to 70 Under 6’s, 250 Under 7’s, and 300 Under 8’s who all played non-competitive football, and all received a medal on stage to the background music of 'We are the Champions'."

"The event has exceeded all our previous events on both attendance and sales and we have already started the planning for 2024."

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The event featured youth football teams from across Cumbria, Lancashire, and Northumbria, with Whitley Bay Sporting Club's head of u7-u11 girls football Andrew Dean commenting on the 'brilliant experience'.

He said: "The u8 girls who came on Saturday morning had a brilliant time and were absolutely thrilled with their fair play award.

"The u9s who camped and made it all the way to the final yesterday have also had a fantastic experience.

"They will remember camping together, playing on the swings at 5.30 am, and lying watching the stars together, long after they forget about the football."