Silsden AFC have launched an ambitious plan to kick-start the return to their Keighley Road ground for next season. The club have set a target of the end of January to raise £40,000 by donations or loans. The club hopes then, to secure matched funding from the Football Foundation.
Applications for the current grants need to be submitted within that period and, amidst concerns that future funding may be diverted towards the 2012 London Olympics, the Cobbydalers feel the time is right to make a serious bid.
The cost of returning to the Keighley Road ground, from the currently rented Cougar Park, has been scaled down from a projected £184,000 to below £80,000, after the North West Counties League Management Committee agreed to concessions following recent talks with the club. The club has ascertained the ground improvements needed, having met with the League's grading panel. They include installing floodlights, a concrete walkway, perimeter fencing, turnstiles and refurbishing the existing stand.
The Sunday sides, Ladies team, and Silsden Juniors have remained at the Keighley Road venue which received a one million pound upgrade, featuring a new clubhouse and six changing rooms plus other facilities, which were opened by Sports Minister, Garry Sutcliffe in September.
It was initially hoped that funding would come via our main sponsor, Link Telecom, but a downturn in the market meant that the company was in no position to come up with the funds. Link Telecom, having been in administration, are undergoing restructuring.
The knock-on effect of this has also affected Keighley Cougars Rugby League Club as Link Telecom is their main sponsor. Indeed the club were forced into administration on Friday December 18th in order to avoid being wound up over tax debts of £183,000. Immediately after Keighley Cougars (2001) Ltd. was handed over to administrators, the business and its assets were sold to a consortium of local businessmen. A new company, Keighley Cougars (2010) Ltd., has been set up to run the club, headed by Keighley businessman, Gary Fawcett, chief executive of Link Telecom.
The Cobbydalers moved to Cougar Park midway through the 2003-04 season in order to progress to a higher level of football. The Club remain grateful to their landlords at Cougar Park for helping them to move up the football pyramid but the arrangement means that Silsden struggle to generate their own revenue. Indeed money paid in rent could be used to develop the Keighley Road Ground, which has an excellent playing surface.
In the meantime the players at the club have pledged their support for the move home...they are "playing for the badge". Manager Chris Reape has been delighted with the players who have stayed loyal to the club. "Those who chose not to join the early-season exodus have helped to steer the club away from the threat of relegation. It just been down to hard work, doing the job they've been asked and being disciplined", said Reape.
Silsden have produced a video to launch the campaign. The video can be seen on the club's website "silsdenafc.net" and also on "You-Tube". Anyone donating over £1,000 will be made a Life-Vice-President and anyone over £5,000, a Life- Member which gives free admission for life.
At present the fund stands at £14,000 with donations and loans. A donation of £50 has been received from a local pensioner who wishes to remain anonymous whilst former left back, Adam Reed, who now lives north of Brisbane, Oz, has sponsored a race for £20 in the next RACE NIGHT which has been organised by former first team manager Andy Geary. Andy runs the Under 15's and is also a trustee of the clubhouse. The 30th January RACE NIGHT is already a sell out.
The club is so confident that it will be back home, that perimeter advertising boards are already on sale at a bargain price of £500 (inclusive of production) for the next five years. The players are all actively involved with the target of "selling" three boards each.
Silsden supporter, Rob Grillo, the writer of a book on his football obsession called "Anoraknaphobia", is doing a sponsored walk in the summer, with proceeds going to the "Football's Coming Home" Fund. He intends to complete the 208 mile Pennine Way starting on July 27th.
In recent years Rob, has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, trekked to the Everest Base Camp and tackled high mountain passes in the Alps in order to raise money for different charities around the world. "This year I wanted to do something a little closer to home" said Rob. A keen fell runner, Rob, will be armed with a lightweight tent and stove.
"I hope to run the first three days then take it more slowly." Anyone wishing to sponsor Rob can contact him at rob@grillo.co.uk
The mood in the club is buoyant. Watch this space!!!
Jim Rosser, Silsden FC
