NEW Aireborough captain Nigel Craven has made squad strengthening and promotion at the first attempt his priorities for the forthcoming season.

The 36-year-old from Guiseley, (pictured below), is a Watch Commander at the neighbouring Rawdon Fire Station.

He has been with the club for 15 years as a hooker and specialist lineout thrower, after a brief spell with Otley.

"Apart from a brief spell at Otley after I left school, I have played at Aireborough. I moved back to Aireboronians, as it was then, in 1982 and have been here since, so it is a real honour to be club captain.

"What's even more of an honour is that I was elected unopposed and I have got the confidence of all the players and coaches.

"I am looking forward to the season and to getting a team spirit going and then encouraging any new players we can get," he added.

The Nunroyd Park club's pre-season training has been well attended, with director of coaching Gary Poole, providing varied and stimulating sessions, including individual personal fitness programmes.

Aireborough can look forward to strong competition for first team places. New players of all ages and abilities are welcome to fulfil the club's plans for a minimum of two adult teams and a development squad.

Training is taking place at Nunroyd Park on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7pm.

Aireborough will compete in Yorkshire League Division Four this season and will start with a friendly at home to Skipton on September 5.

In preparation for the new season, a full club practice match will take place at Nunroyd Park on Saturday, August 29 at 3pm. This will be followed by a barbecue for all members, families and guests.

Anyone interested in joining Aireborough is invited to go to the practice match on Saturday.

Ken Hanson, honorary press secretary at Aireborough, said: "We are very grateful for the support of Dragons Health Club, in Yeadon.

"The club, in sophisticated, yet relaxed surroundings, provides comprehensive sporting and social facilities for the local community and they are our main sponsors for this year," he added.

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