Change of ownership at Garforth
20th January, 2015
Garforth Town have announced that there has been a change of ownership at the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division club.
A statement released by the Wheatley Park Stadium side said: "We are pleased to announce that, after negotiations with the previous owner, Garforth Town Football Club Limited has sold the assets to a new company which was formed at the start of the season.
"The club is now owned by Garforth Town AFC Limited under the management team of Brian Close, Jane Close and Craig Bannister.
"A big thank you must go to Rupert Lowe and Mike Thomson, his Financial Controller, for supporting the club financially during the last two years since taking over the running of the club in 2012.
"It should go on record that, even up to a few weeks ago, Rupert was having to cover historical debts.
"Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs were days away from closing the club when chasing unpaid tax and National Insurance which remained unpaid from the previous ownership.
"Some considerable time and energy has been spent as HMRC were unresponsive and uncooperative to Rupert and his team in terms of trying to negotiate a sensible conclusion to previous years liabilities.
"It was always the intention of Rupert Lowe to keep the club as a community asset and I am sure you will agree that he has succeeded in doing this during his time as custodian of the club.
"It is the intention that the new management of Garforth Town AFC Ltd continue to consolidate, allowing a period of time to build a solid platform, allowing the club to grow.
"We already have plans in place for the short, medium and long terms and we have stated previously that new sponsorship opportunities are being pursued as interest in the clubs future unfolds.
"Further news on this front is imminent."
A statement released by the Wheatley Park Stadium side said: "We are pleased to announce that, after negotiations with the previous owner, Garforth Town Football Club Limited has sold the assets to a new company which was formed at the start of the season.
"The club is now owned by Garforth Town AFC Limited under the management team of Brian Close, Jane Close and Craig Bannister.
"A big thank you must go to Rupert Lowe and Mike Thomson, his Financial Controller, for supporting the club financially during the last two years since taking over the running of the club in 2012.
"It should go on record that, even up to a few weeks ago, Rupert was having to cover historical debts.
"Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs were days away from closing the club when chasing unpaid tax and National Insurance which remained unpaid from the previous ownership.
"Some considerable time and energy has been spent as HMRC were unresponsive and uncooperative to Rupert and his team in terms of trying to negotiate a sensible conclusion to previous years liabilities.
"It was always the intention of Rupert Lowe to keep the club as a community asset and I am sure you will agree that he has succeeded in doing this during his time as custodian of the club.
"It is the intention that the new management of Garforth Town AFC Ltd continue to consolidate, allowing a period of time to build a solid platform, allowing the club to grow.
"We already have plans in place for the short, medium and long terms and we have stated previously that new sponsorship opportunities are being pursued as interest in the clubs future unfolds.
"Further news on this front is imminent."
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
Garforth and RIASA Partnership Ends
24th December, 2014
Garforth Town have announced that their partnership with Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA) has ended with immediate effect.
The Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side say that RIASA have withdrawn their financial support, ending an eighteen month association with the club.
Garforth have quickly assured supporters that it will not have a negative impact, saying: "We would like to put on record our thank you to them [RIASA] for their support and particularly during the difficult times last season.
"We have been self sufficient now for two months and we have seen a flurry of new sponsors joining us who are keen to be part of the club's future.
"We are currently in favourable discussions with the owner Rupert Lowe regarding plans to take the club forward.
"Rupert has always been very supportive to us as a management team and is keen to see the club stay as a part of the community of Garforth.
"A further statement will be made shortly."
The Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side say that RIASA have withdrawn their financial support, ending an eighteen month association with the club.
Garforth have quickly assured supporters that it will not have a negative impact, saying: "We would like to put on record our thank you to them [RIASA] for their support and particularly during the difficult times last season.
"We have been self sufficient now for two months and we have seen a flurry of new sponsors joining us who are keen to be part of the club's future.
"We are currently in favourable discussions with the owner Rupert Lowe regarding plans to take the club forward.
"Rupert has always been very supportive to us as a management team and is keen to see the club stay as a part of the community of Garforth.
"A further statement will be made shortly."
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
Charity Bike Ride to Vase Tie
26th September, 2014
A number of Garforth Town club officials and supporters will be taking an alternative mode of transport for their FA Carlsberg Vase match at Silsden next Saturday (4th October) for charity.
They will be cycling there along the canal from Leeds while raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support along the way.
Media officer Jon McGourty said: "As soon as this fixture was pencilled in, we knew it would be too good an opportunity to miss. None of us are big cyclists, so the thought of 23 miles riding along the canal at a leisurely pace isn't so daunting.
"We'll be aiming to get to the ground (or nearest pub) for around 2pm.
"If anyone is interested in coming along, you can join the ride at any point and, as stated, the pace will be leisurely on our GTAFC decorated bikes!
"If you can't join us, then a small donation will be greatly appreciated! You could donate just the price of your favourite drink online quickly and easily through our justgiving page https://www.justgiving.com/Garforth-Town-Supporters/"
They will be cycling there along the canal from Leeds while raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support along the way.
Media officer Jon McGourty said: "As soon as this fixture was pencilled in, we knew it would be too good an opportunity to miss. None of us are big cyclists, so the thought of 23 miles riding along the canal at a leisurely pace isn't so daunting.
"We'll be aiming to get to the ground (or nearest pub) for around 2pm.
"If anyone is interested in coming along, you can join the ride at any point and, as stated, the pace will be leisurely on our GTAFC decorated bikes!
"If you can't join us, then a small donation will be greatly appreciated! You could donate just the price of your favourite drink online quickly and easily through our justgiving page https://www.justgiving.com/Garforth-Town-Supporters/"
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
Ormsby Heads Legends Day
27th August, 2014
Garforth Town kicked off their 50th birthday celebrations on Sunday with a legends game which saw special guest Brendan Ormsby receive the biggest cheer.
The 53-year-old, who played professionally for the likes of Aston Villa and Leeds United, started the match alongside his former Garforth Town teammates from Dave Parker's successful 1990's team.
They faced a side made up mainly of players that took Garforth to their highest ever league position in 2011/12, including Brendan's son Liam.
The younger team, most of which are playing their football in the Evo-Stik League and Conference North, won the game 6-2 in the end with four goals coming from the ultimate poacher David Brown. Jamie Price and Dave Harrison also scored for the winning team.
Goal of the day was scored from the halfway line by Andy Watson, Garforth's club record sale - ?25,000 to Doncaster Rovers in 1999 - with David Woodhead also netting for Parker's eleven.
Peter Taylor presented the "Spud" Taylor Memorial Trophy in honour of his father and club great who passed away earlier this year and he gave praise to the returning players that gave up their time for the club.
After a few ups and downs in recent years, there is once again a great feeling about the club in the town and this celebration was a fitting tribute to all those who've been dedicated to Garforth throughout its history.
Dave Parker's 1990's legends: Dave Bramhill, Phil Thompson, Chris Sullivan, Darren Hamer, Brendan Ormsby, Dean Mawson, Richard Smith, Darren Abrahams, Dave Woodhead, Andy Watson, Richard Ramsden, Darren Faulk, Steve Hampshire.
Jamie Price's and Richard Sutherland's 2000's legends: Matty Christopher, Brett Renshaw, Jamie Price, David Brown, Chris Howarth, Paul Walker, Adam Priestley, Dave Harrison, Liam Ormsby, Shane Thewlis, Jason Parry.
The 53-year-old, who played professionally for the likes of Aston Villa and Leeds United, started the match alongside his former Garforth Town teammates from Dave Parker's successful 1990's team.
They faced a side made up mainly of players that took Garforth to their highest ever league position in 2011/12, including Brendan's son Liam.
The younger team, most of which are playing their football in the Evo-Stik League and Conference North, won the game 6-2 in the end with four goals coming from the ultimate poacher David Brown. Jamie Price and Dave Harrison also scored for the winning team.
Goal of the day was scored from the halfway line by Andy Watson, Garforth's club record sale - ?25,000 to Doncaster Rovers in 1999 - with David Woodhead also netting for Parker's eleven.
Peter Taylor presented the "Spud" Taylor Memorial Trophy in honour of his father and club great who passed away earlier this year and he gave praise to the returning players that gave up their time for the club.
After a few ups and downs in recent years, there is once again a great feeling about the club in the town and this celebration was a fitting tribute to all those who've been dedicated to Garforth throughout its history.
Dave Parker's 1990's legends: Dave Bramhill, Phil Thompson, Chris Sullivan, Darren Hamer, Brendan Ormsby, Dean Mawson, Richard Smith, Darren Abrahams, Dave Woodhead, Andy Watson, Richard Ramsden, Darren Faulk, Steve Hampshire.
Jamie Price's and Richard Sutherland's 2000's legends: Matty Christopher, Brett Renshaw, Jamie Price, David Brown, Chris Howarth, Paul Walker, Adam Priestley, Dave Harrison, Liam Ormsby, Shane Thewlis, Jason Parry.
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
Club Secretary Needed at Miners
11th July, 2014
Garforth Town are seeking a new club secretary for an immediate start in preparation for the 2014/15 season.
The important role at the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side, although a voluntary position, is one that needs to be thought about carefully as commitment is involved.
Responsibilities will include dealing with football club correspondence, submitting data to the league after each match and handling player registration forms.
Apart from the time commitment to this role, there are benefits such as free entry to matches and club boardroom hospitality.
Anyone interested in taking the position is asked to contact the club.
The important role at the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side, although a voluntary position, is one that needs to be thought about carefully as commitment is involved.
Responsibilities will include dealing with football club correspondence, submitting data to the league after each match and handling player registration forms.
Apart from the time commitment to this role, there are benefits such as free entry to matches and club boardroom hospitality.
Anyone interested in taking the position is asked to contact the club.
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
Garforth Volunteers Get Stuck In
1st July, 2014
Garforth Town's growing band of helpers once again stepped up to the plate at two events last weekend to help out the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division club.
Volunteers' Day was held on Saturday and gave people a chance to do their bit in preparing the Miners for the new season.
Weeding, sanding, painting and window cleaning were among the jobs that supporters got stuck into with pride as they aimed to make the club pristine in time for their 50th anniversary season.
There was different work to be done on Sunday at the local Garforth Lions gala. An amazing turnout of around 15 volunteers gave their afternoon on the Garforth Town stall for free, spreading the word about the anniversary, as well the facilities the club has to offer.
The season begins with a pre-season friendly at Rossington Main on Saturday, ko 3pm.
Volunteers' Day was held on Saturday and gave people a chance to do their bit in preparing the Miners for the new season.
Weeding, sanding, painting and window cleaning were among the jobs that supporters got stuck into with pride as they aimed to make the club pristine in time for their 50th anniversary season.
There was different work to be done on Sunday at the local Garforth Lions gala. An amazing turnout of around 15 volunteers gave their afternoon on the Garforth Town stall for free, spreading the word about the anniversary, as well the facilities the club has to offer.
The season begins with a pre-season friendly at Rossington Main on Saturday, ko 3pm.
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
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