The search for Sky Bet's Real Football No.1 is complete - find out the 2023 winner here
Sky Bet have spent months looking across the UK to find Real Football No.1s.
The UK’s No.1 Betting App has highlighted the unsung heroes behind the scenes who have dedicated themselves to the beautiful game.
Fourteen selfless souls, from a long-serving kitman to an 89-year-old keeper and everyone in between, were deservedly nominated for the coveted prize.
The panel, hosted by Jeff Stelling, which included Liverpool legend Graeme Souness and former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison, then faced the tough task of whittling them down to just five people.
However, one man stood out and fought off some fierce competition to be crowned the Real Football No.1 of 2023.
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Watch Alex's story here
Three years ago, Alex Walmsley set up Sands United West Yorkshire - a club made up of mostly bereaved fathers and other family members.
Alex and his wife tragically lost three babies during separate pregnancies, but he used the personal heartbreak to fuel his motivation to create a safe space for other people going through similar circumstances.
“Not a lot of people talk about baby loss because it's such a sad thing, but our football team allows us to talk to people,” he said.
Alex's roles within the club include chairman, washing the kit and booking pitches - and when he’s not spending his time sorting out dirty shorts and socks, he’s fundraising, recently having completed the Leeds 10k on Father’s Day in honour of his kids.
Alex continued: “It’s all for my children, and it’s their legacy. They’re not here - they’re not growing up, they’re not ageing - but this club is, in their memory. And if it wasn’t for them, there wouldn’t actually be a club.”
One of 40 regulars to attend the sessions, Chris Hudson, paid tribute to Alex for his efforts, adding: “When it happens, it’s that old bloke thing of being strong – being strong for my wife, being strong for the children – so who do you talk to really? Without Alex, I wouldn't be sat here.”
Alex Walmsley spearheaded the creation of Sands United West Yorkshire three years ago (Ashley Crowden)On selecting Alex as the worthy winner, Souness said: “All the men share the same grief, but it’s a shared pain now, and it's because of Alex.”
Morrison added: “A lot of people could just go into their own little world, but Alex decided to help other men come forward.”
And Alex’s efforts have been well rewarded. As well as being named Real Football No.1 of 2023 and a guest of honour at this season’s Sky Bet EFL Championship Play-Off final, his Sands side will be kitted out with 48 personalised strips with names or stars for the babies they have lost.
Their training sessions will be covered for two years, allowing more men to get involved without the worry of the financial burden, whilst Sky Bet will also cover the costs of pitch hire for six 11-a-side tournaments.
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Most importantly, 150 bereavement packs will be issued to hospitals to provide dads like Alex with information they need, detailing the invaluable support offered by Sands.
Alex added: “It’s going to give me a real boost, and the prize will enable us to do so much more work, and reach so many more people.
“It could be the start of something absolutely amazing.”
Watch Clinton Morrison surprise Sky Bet's first ever Real Football No.1 here
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