Huddersfield Town is forging closer links with junior football clubs and schools across Kirklees.

The Terrier Squad is recruiting now and just 50 places are available to become founder members.

The package is free of charge for junior clubs to join with interest since launch extremely high.

Group sales executive Lisa Bottomley (below) said: “Since I was appointed to my role last year, I have been keen to speak to our local junior clubs to understand what we at HTAFC can do to help them more.

“We have had some good meetings with James Carter from the Huddersfield Junior Football League and have also spoken to a number of junior clubs to try and create this package with them in mind.

“There are some superb people who make up our local junior football community who put in lots of long hours, hard work and effort, whilst volunteering their time.

“The aim of the Terrier Squad is to build on and formalise our links to give more to the junior clubs who sign up.”

Huddersfield Junior League’s James Carter added: “The Huddersfield Junior League is delighted to be strengthening our association with Huddersfield Town.

“The benefits of bringing juniors down to watch live sport is huge for their development and understanding of the game. We are keen to get as many of our clubs signed up to the scheme and to encourage youngsters to support a local team.

“We have always had a great working relationship with Town and with the introduction of the Terrier Squad it will help raise awareness of the local league to Town supporters.”

Here are the benefits of Terrier Squad membership:

  • Digital graphic to display on junior club’s website;
  • Discounted tickets to selected Town games throughout the season;
  • Annual stadium tour of the John Smith’s Stadium;
  • Entry into exclusive Terrier Squad competitions across the season;
  • Opportunity to apply for two signed items over the season for raffle/auction prizes;
  • Personalised player video message from a member of the Town first team squad. This could be for a Christmas party, the start or end of the season or ahead of a big game;
  • Dedicated Terrier Squad fixtures which will include discounted tickets, plus the club’s logo on the LED boards, big screen, in the matchday programme and on the LED displays in the Ticket Office windows;
  • Opportunity to apply for the Guard of Honour at home fixtures (subject to availability);
  • Exclusive Open Evening and a tour behind the scenes around the facilities at the Millers Oils High Performance Complex;
  • Opportunity for coaches to take part in Development CPD sessions.

Town’s ask of the junior clubs:

  • A commitment to work in partnership with HTAFC;
  • Help to promote selected Town games by way of social media, parent newsletters and communication platforms used within the club and league;
  • Help to promote packages to parents of specific age groups (eg Terrier 7s).

Town’s new Terrier Squad will also encompass schools, with a campaign in the summer for primary schools to sign up, with a view to start in September 2023, in line with the new academic year.

For further information, or to express your club or school’s interest in joining, please email Lisa at lisa.bottomley@htafc.com.