As part of the continuing development of the Ilkley AFC towards FA Charter Mark Standard, the Ilkley Youth team has joined the Harrogate Football League after three very successful seasons in the Craven League.

This move means all teams within the club, from junior to senior, are members of the Harrogate Football League, and the Ilkley Youth team will operate as Ilkley Reserves with a continuing remit to nurture players from junior into senior football.

Pre-season training for the Ilkley and former Ilkley Youth players will begin on Monday, July 16, at 7pm on East Holmes field. The senior team will be managed once again by UEFA/FA A Licence coach Dave Houlston and has recently received excellent sponsorship from Booths Supermarket.

The Reserves team will be managed by FA coach Chris Campbell and will focus on the development of 17-22 year-old players, and has once again benefited from Guyson International's loyal sponsorship. Negotiations are underway to arrange pre-season warm-up games for both teams in early August.

Having achieved the highest ever league position (sixth) in the Harrogate League Premier Division and won the divisional fair-play trophy for the second season in succession, Ilkley AFC players should be looking forward to a challenging season. All players from last season are welcome to pre-season practice in preparation for the opening league game on Saturday, August 18.

After gaining promotion in the Craven League in successive seasons, the Ilkley Reserves team will enter the Harrogate League Third Division and its new season will begin on Saturday, August 25.

Both teams will continue to benefit from the support of a specialist goalkeeping coach and qualified FA therapist. If you are interested in playing for either Ilkley AFC or Ilkley AFC Reserves, please contact Dave Houlston on 01943 831294 as soon as possible.