Standish Panthers was formed in March 2003 by Jackie White, Sonia Chadwick, Paul Green and Frank White.
It was formed firstly to provide football training for their own children and friends, their training
started at Standish High School sports hall.
The first ever training session consisted of about 8 children but it soon became apparent that interest
for football training was quite popular. By July of that year we had 14 children to train as the word got
out we were providing football training.
[Under 8's training session in 2003]
The name Standish Panthers was created by those 14 children, it was created so they could enter into a
competitive league in September of that year. The first ever committee was created also at the same time
which consisted of secretary, treasurer, chairperson and coach. The first ever league game was at Robin
Park, the team was made up of 6 year olds but because there was no U7’s league they entered into an U8’s
league. That season the team failed to win a game, but the enthusiasm of the children shone through and
by April 2004 there were more than 20 children ranging from 5 year olds to 7 year olds and also Standish
Panthers U8’s won the first ever Trophy for the club. By July of 2004, Standish Panthers applied to be a Charter Standard Development club and the application
was successful by October of 2004.
In 2005 Frank White created a website for Standish Panthers to show results, fixtures and any relevant
news concerning the club. Also in this year Standish Panthers had 4 teams consisting of 2 U9’s, 1 U8’s
and an U7’s.Two of the teams played in the Skemersdale League and two played at Robin Park.
[On the left: Under 11's show off their new kit provided by ADM ]
[On the right:Panthers under 9's win the Cup!]
In 2007, the club was successful in renewing the Charter Standard Status and in 2008 the club grew to 6
competitive teams playing in the Wigan and District League and Central Lancs League. The teams now ranged
from U8’s through to U12’s.
At present, we have 7 teams - 6 playing in the Wigan and District League ranging from U8’s to U14’s and
we also have an U12’s Futsal team.
When we formed in 2004 we had 8 children and a committee consisting of 4 adults, today we have over 100
children and a committee consisting of 14 adults.
