DESPITE embarking on their first season in the West Yorkshire Amateur Football League Premier Division, Silsden WY are making their presence felt.

Under young coaches Jacob Mistry and Connor Ashworth, they currently sit second in the table following an impressive start to the season that has seen them take 26 points from their 13 league games so far.

And with big-name teams like former North West Counties Football League side Shelley also plying their trade in that division, it is fair to say that the debutants are exceeding expectations.

“Being near the top of the division as a newly-promoted team in a league with amazing teams and history is something we are delighted about,” Mistry explains.

“I think that the atmosphere in the changing rooms and the togetherness of the team is definitely a driving factor behind that.

“We’re only about a third of the way through the season though and a lot will change between now and June, but it’s all positive at the minute.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Jacob Mistry may be a serious figure on the touchline, but he will be struggling to contain his delight at Silsden WY's start to the campaign.Jacob Mistry may be a serious figure on the touchline, but he will be struggling to contain his delight at Silsden WY's start to the campaign. (Image: Jordan Weatherall.)

Despite being just 23, Mistry has a wealth of experience under his belt, having taken his first steps into coaching with a BTEC Football Coaching course at Craven College.

A BSc Hons Sports Coaching degree at Liverpool’s John Moores University followed, giving him the chance to work alongside former Premier League coach and current Celtic Women’s manager Fran Alonso.

“Playing-wise, it never really took off for me,” Mistry reflects. “I was self-aware enough to realise, so began to focus on coaching from the age of 16.

“It all began to take shape for me at university. During my final year, I snapped my ACL and MCL and had to have a full reconstruction, which solidified any lingering thoughts on whether I wanted to play or coach.

“When I left there in 2020, I joined Silsden as their Under-23s manager, working closely with (former first team manager) Danny Forrest. From there I built up a great network of coaches and players and fell in love with everything about non-league football.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Danny Forrest left Silsden to become Guiseley's assistant manager in the summer, but he left Nethermoor earlier this week.Danny Forrest left Silsden to become Guiseley's assistant manager in the summer, but he left Nethermoor earlier this week. (Image: Linda Gartland.)

“A lot of coaches at amateur and semi-professional levels often fall into the job through retirement or helping out, but coaching is 100 per cent my passion and it’s what I love to do.”

After a spell coaching Barnoldswick Town, Mistry then worked towards his UEFA B license before returning to Silsden over the summer, admitting that being a similar age to his players has definitely had its advantages so far this campaign.

“Some of the players are surprised by my age but it doesn’t affect anything,” he says.

“I demand respect and the players would do anything and everything for me. I couldn’t be happier with their efforts so far.

“Being so young has helped me to integrate and become part of the group, who are tight-knit as they’ve been playing together for a few years.

“It does mean that outside of football I’m good friends with a lot of my players, but come training and matchdays, it’s business as usual.”

Mistry also credits a mix of youth and experience, consistent performances, and an entertaining style of football for his side’s results so far.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Teenager Lewis Gartland is one of Silsden's brightest young stars, and has been a key figure in their West Yorkshire League side this season. Picture: Silsden AFC.Teenager Lewis Gartland is one of Silsden's brightest young stars, and has been a key figure in their West Yorkshire League side this season. Picture: Silsden AFC.

“The players in the squad are of such a high standard,” he adds. “We have a mix of younger players, with a couple of older ones who have experience playing in higher leagues.

“The players have really bought into the new philosophy that Connor and myself have introduced this season, and the togetherness of the team is definitely the backbone of our success.

“All over the pitch, we have quality and depth.

“I would describe our style of football primarily as a possession-based system, where we want to dominate games, but equally we’ve also enjoyed grinding out results by whatever means necessary.

“Chadeem Josiah, who I brought in from my previous side Athletico, has been a bright spark this season, and at the back our captain Tez Ryan has been solid and leads by example.

“We all want to get our hands on some silverware come the end of the season, especially with the County Cup being something that the lads missed out on in the final last year.

“The league is still our main priority, and we want to be in and among the teams challenging for the title.”