Keighley Ladies make their debut at Knaresborough on Sunday, and the newest recruits to women's football are raring to go.

Under former Silsden Ladies coach Neil Farley, the Keighley team will be playing in the Yorkshire and Humberside Division One with home matches on Sundays at Marley Stadium.

Their first home game is against Leeds side Republica Internationale on Sunday, September 15 (2pm).

Club secretary Michelle Boyle said the players were all excited at the prospect of their first season. "It is the first time Keighley has had a women's football team and they are all players from the Keighley and Bradford area," she said.

"We have just had the one friendly, which was a slightly disappointing 4-2 defeat by Ossett Town, but we can't wait for the season to get under way."

The club currently holds training nights at Marley on Thursdays (6.30-8pm) although that is due to change to Wednesdays next month. "We are also running an Under-17 girls team and would be interested in hearing from anyone keen to play for us," added Michelle.

They should contact Michelle (01535 210066) or Neil Farley (01535 215574 or 07774891140, mobile).

To give the team the ideal boost for the season, Keighley Lions have presented them with a new strip which was handed over by Lions president Eric Acomb.

Lions treasurer Alan Clarke said: "We were touched by the fact that the club's chairman John Boyle was prepared to put money he had received from compensation for having asbestosis into providing kit himself.

"We thought that was unfair and as a local charity were keen to use our money to support a local organisation. It is quite unique for Keighley to have a Ladies football team and we are delighted to be helping them in this way."

Picture: Keighley Ladies are pictured in their new kit with, front, team coach Neil Farley, Michelle Boyle and Eric Acomb, Lions Club president