Emley AFC have teamed up with ambitious Huddersfield District League club Shepley FC to help develop football talent in HD8.
The Pewits have a growing youth academy with the under-23s and a new under-18 side.
Shepley have two open-age adult sides and an under-17s team and are looking to move up the league pyramid for the 2022-23 season.
Under the deal the clubs will co-operate in a number of areas including giving a local outlet to players needing game time from the Emley Academy and giving Emley AFC a look at players aiming to play at a higher level.
Emley AFC president Nigel Wakefield said: “Shepley are one of our very near neighbours and we’re delighted to be able to support them as they work on progressing the club up the leagues.
“We’ve got a lot to offer them – from words of advice and encouragement to providing players to bolster their ambition.
“As a former Shepley Juniors coach I take great personal satisfaction in making our first link within the HD8 area between two clubs close to my heart.”
Shepley FC manager Sam Haigh said: “It’s great to finally get two long established HD8 clubs working closely together. Emley are a club I have always looked up to and followed.
“They have a wealth of knowledge that hopefully we can tap into and use to fulfil our own aspirations whilst, most importantly, aiding them with the development of any players.
“The area has always produced a good pool of talented local footballers and if we can provide and link for players to the level of football Emley are at I believe it can only be a good thing for both clubs. We are excited by this partnership.”
Emley AFC has now announced links with Yorkshire RTC, Thornes Juniors and Shepley FC with more to be revealed in the coming weeks.
After the postponement of the game at Staveley on Saturday, Emley are back in action in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division on Tuesday when Eccleshill Utd are the visitors to the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground (7.45).
