Wrenthorpe’s Richard helps Titans to memorable national cup triumph
Wrenthorpe’s Richard Bates and his Leeds Titans Walking Football Club have reached the summit of their national sport.
The Titans wrote their own chapter in history when lifting the Walking Football FA Cup at St George’s Park.
In a spectacular showcase of talent, the Titans triumphed at the world class training home of England’s national football teams.
For an over 50s grassroots club, playing and winning at the very venue used by England’s elite squads was the ultimate footballing honour. And what makes this national victory so impressive? The squad is made up of players from both Leeds and Wakefield.
Progressing through their regional knockouts, at Fleet Lane – home of the West Riding County FA – and Newcastle, the Leeds team dominated both the West Yorkshire and North East Regionals, recording 10 consecutive clean sheets along the way and being crowned Regional Champions.
By qualifying for the grand finals at St George’s Park put the Titans among the country’s top six teams comprising of Swindon Town. Norwich City. Fylde Coasters. Nottingham Forest Vets and Watford.
Wrenthorpe’s very own resident Richard “Spam” Bates, was pivotal in helping the team throughout the play-off stages and to pull off this historic victory by securing a tense final victory, defeating Watford in a penalty shoot-out to be crowned FA Cup National Champions of England.
Success is not new for him, however, as along with brother Christopher he helped England men's over-50s side become world champions in 2024.
Richard said “I thought it couldn’t get any better than winning the IWFF World Cup, but FA Cup National Champions, with this group of players, totally trumps that.
"We went to St George's Park as contenders and came home as champions. For one glorious Sunday, at the home of English football, we stood together and conquered.”
Richard was part of a seven-man team along with Elliot “Unstoppable” Picard (captain), Rob “Chuck ” Norris, Lee “Tommy Cooper” Connor, Andy “Bo Peep” Lamb, Paul “The Goal Machine” Norris and Mark “Harry” Harrison.
Sadly David “Moggy” Morley injured himself playing in Dublin and was not available to play however he was instrumental helping the team through both the regional tournament successes.