01 Aug 2019
RSMR sponsor Silsden AFC, our local team and a progressive charter standard community football club.
Managed by Danny Forrest, the club operates with a first team squad of approximately 20 players made up of a core of local footballers, as well as some players from slightly further afield. They train twice during the week and play games on Saturdays. One of their main aims is to develop the U23 set up for the 2019/20 season so that young players have a platform to showcase their talent while preparing for the first team environment.
Silsden AFC have a progressive junior set up with age groups running from Under 5s right through to Under 18s. Some age groups run two or three teams making Silsden one of the largest football clubs in the area with some 450+ junior players. The club also has an under 21s team playing in the West Riding FA League.
Silsden are very active in promoting girls’ & ladies’ football and are currently expanding the teams within the club. With one adult ladies’ team, one girls’ under 15’s team already in play & courses for primary school children on the agenda it could be a significant season for Silsden ladies.
Silsden AFC was formed in September 1904 by a local man, Doctor John Purcell. The team started playing rugby, moved on to handball and ended up playing football twice a week.
Like any sporting team they experienced successes and defeats but the dedication of countless volunteer committees over the seasons has kept the club alive.
The present Saturday senior team was formed during the 1996/97 season and started out in Division Two of the Craven & District Football League. They spent three years in the Craven League, moving up to the Premier Division and in the last year set a new record; they remained unbeaten in all competitions throughout the season!
From there they joined the West Riding County Amateur League in Division Two and quickly gained promotion to the Premier Division where they enjoyed three seasons.
In season 2002/2003 Silsden set another record as they again remained unbeaten in all competitions throughout the season. They also won the West Riding County Challenge Cup for the third successive season, an achievement which has only ever been achieved by one other club.
It was clear that the team was ready for football at a higher level and in season 2004/2005 Silsden joined the North West Counties League. Without floodlights and an enclosed pitch, the Cobbydalers were forced to play their home games at Cougar Park, the home of Keighley Cougars Rugby League Club.
They gained promotion to the top division in their inaugural season, finishing as runners up. They also had their most successful runs in the FA Cup and FA Vase Competitions.
The club’s aim was to move back to the Silsden ground and the club (football and cricket) embarked on a period of fund-raising accruing over £100,000. With the help of a £663,453 grant from the Football Foundation the goal was achieved. In May 2009 the new clubhouse and changing facilities were completed. The club then had two options; to ground share with a Lancashire club or to develop the playing surface and outdoor facilities at the Silsden headquarters. They formed a committee and raised £110,000 in 5 months and in August 2010 saw the completion of the ground improvements meaning the return of Silsden AFC to its rightful place!
The Cobbydalers maintained their position in the top division of the NWCFL and in 2015 embarked on their 10th season in the division. The season after they were relegated to Division One where they spent two seasons rebuilding.
In season 2017–2018 they were crowned champions of Division One with a league record of 103 points and a league record of goals scored, an achievement that they are seriously proud of!
Silsden AFC have recently been laterally moved from NWCFL (North West Counties Football League) to NCEL (Northern Counties Eastern League). They’ll operate in a completely different area and this step brings them into the Yorkshire network.
In July they announced their third signing of the summer with forward Khurram Shazad transferring from Eccleshill. Shazad was part of the Halifax Town Youth Team before playing for Brighouse Town. He then played as a professional in the USA and in Austria. Danny Forrest, Manager of Silsden AFC, says “Khurram is right up my street in that he has a great attitude and just enjoys playing football. I felt we were missing something in the final third last season and he’ll certainly bring creativity and make things happen for us.”
Silsden AFC also recently signed 17-year-old goalkeeper, Alfie Darke, from Bradford City. Alfie has shown plenty of potential as well as a maturity in his game not often found at this level. He should prove to be a valuable asset for Silsden.
Danny Forrest comments “I’m delighted to get Alfie on board, since joining on a youth loan from Bradford City he’s been a breath of fresh air. At such a young age, I’m sure he will develop, and while doing so he’ll certainly play a big part for the club this season. I believe securing Alfie shows just how attractive the club is now.”
We wish Silsden AFC the best of luck with the coming season!
For more information about the club go to: www.silsdenafc.club