Keighley Ladies
AFC History
The town of Keighley had never had a history of having a ladies football team until April 2002 that was. Keighley Ladies AFC was officially set up successfully by team coach, Neil Farley and team secretary/player, Michelle Harrison.
With Financial backing, equipment and a football kit, all they had to do now was find players. By advertising in the local paper (Keighley News) and visting the local schools, the first training session was held on Thursday the 6th of June. A number of 40 or more ladies had turned up to the amazment of them both.
Their original plan for the club was to enter one team into the Yorkshire and Humberside League, however with so many ladies turning up, they didnt want to disappoint or turn anyone away so they had a change of plan.
Two Keighley Ladies Teams were entered into seperate leagues. One team was entered into the Yorksire and Humberside League as an open age team and the other team was entered into the West Riding League as an Under 17's team.
With the 2002/2003 season being the first season the players had been together, the Open age team managed to finish mid-table at a respectable 5th position and the young under 17's team managed to finish 6th.
As the team bonded and grew stronger in the season of 2003/2004, the open age team and under 17's team worked hard to prove that they are improving and could work together as a team to finish in a better position than last year. The hard work and motivation paid off as both teams finished in a respectable and well deserved 3rd place.
In june 2004, the club earned the FA Charter standard award which recognises the clubs organisation & commitment to coaching, with members at the club going out to schools and other organisations to boost womens football.
So here we are in the season of 2004/2005 and the season has kicked off to a brilliant start. Hopefully we can improve on last years 3rd position...
Star Player
Becky Granger
