AFC Emley's home has been renamed the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground in an historic naming rights deal with the Birstall-based marketing agency.

It's a rolling contract between the club, who were founded in 2005, and the marketing agency.

The agreement came after a chance meeting between AFC Emley president Dan Brownhill and Fantastic Media managing director Andy Hobson, who was at the Welfare Ground watching his relative and AFC Emley Under-19 goalkeeper George Kitchen.

Fantastic Media, celebrating its tenth year as one of the region's leading marketing agencies, has a history of sports sponsorship.

They have been involved with a number of professional football clubs across the region, most prominently at the John Smith's Stadium, home of Huddersfield Town, where they have been sponsors of the Family (North) Stand since 2008.

It is the first time in AFC Emley's history that they have had a ground sponsor.

Few clubs at their level have such agreements and the move is indicative of the professionalism of the club's committee.

It is hoped that in attracting a business with the profile of Fantastic Media, other local companies will come on board.

Brownhill explained: "To sign up such a well-known and well-regarded company is a huge boost to the club.

"Yes it helps the bank balance but it also shows we're on the right path with how we do things at Emley.

"We hope the tie-up with Fantastic Media will encourage other businesses to see what we're about."

Hobson said: "I knew from watching Emley and from speaking to people that it is a terrific club and one that is very well run. For us, it was an opportunity to get involved with a great club at a grassroots level.

"We're well known in the region for being involved in sports sponsorship and marketing.

"This year we're supporting England Women's football captain Steph Houghton and Yorkshire County Cricket Club captain Andrew Gale for his benefit year.

"Our support of Emley is different to anything we've done before.

"It's more about what we can do to assist them in whatever way we can - whether through attracting other businesses to get involved or bring new supporters in."