Guiseley AFC

Archive for the ‘Club News’ Category

 Despite just missing out on promotion from the Blue Square North, Guiseley AFC are embarking on an ambitious refurbishment of their Nethermoor Park ground during the summer. The primary aim is to improve the facilities for spectators, while increasing the capacity of the ground to 4,000.

The move has been prompted by several factors, including an increase in crowds over the last two seasons while the team has been vying for promotion to the Conference National and the need to bring the facilities up to the latest standards.

The largest part of the project comprises the replacement of the club’s offices and hospitality facilities, currently based in a series of ageing portable buildings that owing to their limited capacity restrict the opportunities to entertain sponsors and guests.

In tandem with the new buildings, the capacity of the area that surrounds the pitch and accommodates the vast majority of spectators is being increased, with covered terraces planned behind both goals (subject to planning permission).

It will necessitate moving the pitch, towards the Railway End of the ground and the two seated stands in order to provide more space behind each goal and down the clubhouse side. The current dugouts are also being replaced with the latest designs which are manufactured from clear Perspex, thereby enhancing spectators’ viewing experience.

Additional drainage is to be installed under the pitch in front of the main terrace, notorious in the past for flooding during excessive rainfall. The area also has a tendency to freeze bone-hard when temperatures drop as it receives limited sunlight, and it is hoped that moving the pitch sideways will alleviate the problem.

In a further move to reduce outgoings, drilling is underway to install a 20-metre-deep bore that will provide the club with its own water supply, reducing our reliance on the traditional provision for irrigating the pitch and supplying the club’s offices.

As a result of all this activity the Lions have scheduled just two pre-season friendlies at Nethermoor, both of them against League opposition. Play-off entrants Huddersfield Town – who could be a Championship side by the time they visit - provide the first test on Saturday 21st July (3.00 pm), with a revamped Bradford City following on Wednesday 1st August (7.45 pm).

Both Town and City are sending their first-team squads, which should provide an early opportunity for the Lions to assess their own progress prior to the new Conference North season.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural  BBQ at Nethermoor, the Supporters’ Club are repeating the event on Sunday 5th August. The BBQ kicks off at 2 pm, and all are welcome to attend.

Bottles and cans including soft drinks will be available with the BBQ and the clubhouse bar will be open for the real ale drinkers.

Anyone who joins the Supporters’ Club, or renews their membership, on the day will be entered into a prize draw. (Prizes TBC). 

Membership for the 2012/13 season costs:

Adults £10, Concessions £5 and Family £15 (2+2)

Discounted fees for those who join before the end of August are:

Adults £8, Concessions £4 and Family £12.