Wavertree football team turns its disastrous season around and scores a mental health win

A Wavertree men’s football team, which picked up just one point in its first four months, has turned around its season and scored a big mental health win.

Sunday league team Wavertree Botanicals FC only began competing in Division 4 of the Business Houses League in September last year after being set up by Corey Riddall.

But for the mates who first got together at Saturday morning ‘Terrible Football’ sessions, it wasn’t quite the start they’d hoped for.

By New Year they’d managed just a single draw and suffered a sting of heavy defeats.

Now though, after some tactical changes and a lengthy team talk, they’ve had a change of fortune.

Not only have they secured 14 points, including three wins and three draws, there’s been a really positive effect on everyone connected with the club.

Corey explains:

“The squad itself is diverse in age and background, ranging from 18 to 38, with the majority of players in their early to mid-twenties. For many, this is their first real experience of being part of a structured team en vironment.

“A lot of them told me they wouldn’t have been doing anything on Sunday mornings, just lying in bed, so the team gives them a purpose. Instead of always going out on the lash on Saturday night they can get an early night and have a good game of football the next morning. 

“The club was initially created to provide a positive outlet for myself and others, and the aim was to build something that gave people a sense of purpose, routine, and belonging.

“It’s grown into more than just a football team. It’s become a space where players can improve their physical health, support one another, and build friendships, while being part of something meaningful within the local community.”

Corey began looking for a football team when he moved to Liverpool from Spain three-and-a-half years ago. 

“I was looking for places to play and one of the first things that appeared when I Googled it was Terrible Football on Saturday mornings in Wavertree Botanic Park.

“There’s an app called Meet Up which is popular in Liverpool, for people who are new to the city or looking to go out or find friends and Terrible Football is on there.

“My mate Arran started it four years ago in Liverpool because he used to play in the one in Bristol. It’s basically a community event, people join through the link and come and play two hours of football free of charge, to meet new people and having a good time.

“Everyone’s welcome, whether you’ve never kicked a ball in your life or you used to be a professional footballer.”

Teaching assistant Corey enjoyed Terrible Football so much he wanted to move on to Sunday League, and instead of joining a team, the 28-year-old decided to create one with other players from the group.

“We thought we were going to boss the league,” he laughs, “and we played our first two pre-season games and won both so I was thinking this could go really well. 

“Then our next pre-season friendlies we lost one 4-3 and the other 9-1. As the months went by, we weren’t just getting beaten we were getting badly beaten. Every week in the pouring rain and wind we’d be losing 6-1, 8-0 … the worst was 9-1.

“I started to think, as long as we get a few points by the end of the season I’ll be happy! 

“But that’s the good thing about creating a team out of your mates, most of them didn’t really mind that we were losing all the time.”

Before they got their first point, coach Corey, the manager and assistant manager got the squad together for a post-match debrief.

“Every one of us said what we could improve on, and how we could try and get ourselves out of the situation we were in.”

That was the beginning of a fresh start for Wavertree Botanicals FC and now Corey says they’re actually looking forward to the final game of the season and a new one.

“Those first few months were a bit like a test to see how loyal people were and it proved that nobody wanted to leave. Now I’m in the process of seeing if they want to stay for next year and we’ve more players asking to join.”

He hopes their success story will encourage other men, particularly those who may be struggling or feel disconnected, to get involved in grassroots sport.

“You don’t need a traditional football background to start, just the willingness to turn up and be part of a group. We usually go out after games and it’s a chance to talk about whatever you want to talk about. The more you talk the healthier you get.”

Find out more about Wavertree Botanicals here.

Find the latest Liverpool news here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.