As Farsley Celtic ’embark on a new chapter’ they have asked for the support of the fans and the community to rebuild the club, resulting of the recent struggles they have suffered this season both on and off the pitch.
The Celts have had an off season to say the least, with the recent resignation of chairman Paul Barthorpe ongoing issues with their home pitch at the Citadel affecting both the men and women’s team. But in a post on their website, they have formally asked for the support of the community regarding sponsorships, donations, investors and volunteers to help around the club. This comes with the hope that they can rebuild and move forward with the slogan, “Unite. Rebuild. Inspire. UP THE CELTS.”
The community has already helped a lot, with their crowd funder currently sitting at £13,500. Which despite the fans not being told what this money is specifically going towards, it is presumed it will go towards the main issue at the club being the home turf. Which was rumoured to be turned into a 4G pitch, but then thought to be going back to a grass turf, confusing many fans. Other issues are wages that the players haven’t received or are yet to receive which obviously begs the question of whether that is affecting performances on the pitch. Another direction is the youth team, funding equipment, a temporary home ground and training facilities.
On the post, Farsley did give a bit of news regarding the pitch, with them announcing an action day at the Citadel to get as many helpers as they can with the pitch because of the upcoming grading requirements they need to meet, which is at the end of this month. They added that the club have been meeting with potential funders including the Football Foundation, who fund clubs around the UK with the support of the FA and the Premier League, with hopes to transform the landscape of grassroots football. Farsley said that the discussions that are taking place are ‘complex and take time, but are progressing and are our priority.’
As of writing this, Farsley have released more information regarding the Action Day taking place this Sunday (March 16). The club have asked for any support, including painting the hatchings around the ground, a joiner to fit some locks, a wall to be taken down in the referees room and just a general tidy up of the ground. Anyone can help no matter age or ability, and supporters have been asked to get to the Citadel from 10am.
The Celts currently play their home games in Buxton, which is a nearly two hour drive south, proving how difficult it has been for them to find a ground that fits regulations and that they can afford financially
Farsley currently sit bottom of the National League North, with an upcoming game against first place Scunthorpe United. They hope to cause an upset that would bring them closer to safety.
As for the women’s team, they face Morley Town next Sunday in their final league game of the season, a win against Morley would give them a chance of winning the league, if Wyke Wanderers fail to win their final two games of the season. Ilkley Town also have a chance of winning the league, as they have played just 13 of 18 games this season, so if they win the majority of their games, they could also be in a shout for the league as well. Farsley had a tough end to the season in what they were looking likely to win the league comfortably, with them winning just three of their last four games.
