Shaping the Future of Ilkley Town – Together
The Club’s new committee met with a room full of coaches this week to share their vision and practical plans, and listen how they can best support the club and its members.
The committee’s vision is built around the principles of “Home not Pitch” and “Club not Team,” recognising Ilkley Town as a growing football community. This vision focuses on developing the Ben Rhydding football hub to create a true home for all members, both on and off the pitch.
Facility improvements
The committee has already been hard at work, with applications in progress for FA and Football Foundation Pitchpower grants to replace the junior goals on the 3G pitch and raise the standard of the Old First Team Pitch (OFTP) in front of Ben Rhydding Sports Club (BRSC). This work will be completed over the summer, alongside the improvements to fencing by BRSC to reduce the number of balls lost to the Wharfe!
Other planned improvements include replacement of the 3G approach path, app-controlled floodlights, and working with BRSC on a permanent solution to the car park issues (as well as a potential short-term quick fix).
Facility developments
The committee recognises the need for more playing surfaces to ensure our teams can train and play year-round; as well as already sourcing additional time on 3G pitches in the area and a partnership with Moorfield School to access their all-weather pitch, the committee is in discussion with other local partners to explore adding 5v5 and 3v3 pitches and restoring the clubhouse (and toilets) at West Holmes and, longer-term, constructing a new 3G pitch at Ben Rhydding (with multi use Rugby Shock Pad).
Better Coach Support
Our 120+ volunteer coaches are the heartbeat of the club. But they need better support. A formal induction process for new coaches is being launched, a coaches guide published, regular CPD sessions scheduled and funding made available for FA coaching qualifications.
The committee has also secured an extended 3-year trial of The Coaching Manual – a training planning and delivery app that will support coaches to deliver high quality sessions for all players. Coaches gain access this month.
Commercial plans
Whilst the Club’s commercial income has greatly increased over the last three years, more needs to be done to generate funds to support our growing club and ambitions. Fundraising events and initiatives will be planned, with new sponsorship opportunities introduced. Anyone interested in getting involved in any way (fundraising, sponsorship, event organisation, etc), please get in touch.
Can you help?
There are many opportunities for members and supporters to make a positive impact to our club – if have skills that would benefit our vision and ambitions or would just like to get more involved with helping out at events, matches and more, we would love to hear from you. Email football@ilkleytownafc.com or contact committee members individually. Details can be found here.