Dacre, Son & Hartley’s Ilkley branch has become kit sponsor of the Ilkley Town under 14 Lionesses, champions of the Harrogate & Craven Football League in 2022 and 2023.
Paul Wilson, a director at the Ilkley branch said: “Ilkley Football Club is a fabulous community asset, where hundreds of people get to play and enjoy football. As a successful local business, that takes great pride in being immersed in the local communities where we operate, it’s a great time to sponsor the under 14 Lionesses and we wish them all the very best with the season ahead.”
Ilkley Town has one of the largest numbers of female players in West Yorkshire, with more than 220 registered players aged from under six years old, right up to the women’s first team, who play in the West Riding First Division.
More than 40 girls play in three teams in the under 14s, and the first team squad is made up of 16 girls. The team is coached by Russell Kennedy, Darren Wood and Steve Miles. Lead coach Russell said: “The girls are extremely talented, and very committed to all the training and matches. We train every Monday and play over 20 league and cup games each season, with our home games being played at Ben Rhydding Sports Club.
“Following our consecutive championships, the Lionesses moved to West Riding Division One in September, which is the strongest and most competitive league in West Yorkshire. West Riding have six divisions in the under 14 age group and it is the most popular girls league in the UK, with the most registered players, so its a new but exciting challenge for the squad who are all grateful to Dacres for their support and the smart new kit.”
