Do you fancy the challenge of playing for one of the fastest-growing football clubs in Leeds? Then if you’re aged 16 or over, get yourself along to FC Armley’s open trials day on 4th June at Armley Park, writes Briony Axe.
FC Armley is a local grassroots football club set up in July 2016 by FA level 2 qualified coach Harley Hirst. Hirst set up the club after he noticed a distinct lack of Sunday League teams in the area.
After gaining a ‘Grow The Game’ grant from the Football Foundation, Hirst put together a team of enthusiastic players from all over Armley.
Though it was tough going at first, the team managed to finish third in their league and reach the semi finals of the Mawson cup. Hirst says of the success:
“After a disastrous first few games, I set about building a structure of football based on the ability to attack teams with pace and shoot in sight. It was a massive over-achievement for us [to finish third] as the original aim was to simply not finish bottom of the league!”
The club has now obtained charter standard club status which means the opportunities to be more than just a ‘pub team’ – and to really grow as a club – are endless.
The club is now seeking experienced players to strengthen the squad and take it to the next level. Hirst adds:
“We’ve enjoyed a massive influx of players wanting to join us which has in turn lead to a second team being created and entered into the league next season.
“All of our coaches are FA qualified and are also trained first aiders. Our open trials day is an opportunity for anyone aged 16 or over to come along, meet the team and coaches and get involved in a training session.”
In addition to professional coaching, the team have access to Armley Conservative Club where for a small fee they have full use of the all of the facilities within the club, including changing rooms.
The Conservative Club also gives the lads somewhere to socialise after training which makes it an excellent home base for the team to build morale.
Although FC Armley is still very much in its infancy, Hirst has high hopes and is enthusiastic about the upcoming trials:
“I’m trying to build a club that will outlive me. I want people to still be wearing the white and blue in a hundred years time, and know that the club they play for is serious about player development and growing the amateur game as a whole.”
He adds that the club strives to be as inclusive as possible and has a friendly and diverse bank of players:
“I’ve currently got three Polish guys, one italian, one Spanish, one French and two from Eritrea as well, so we are completely open to absolutely everyone!”
If you fancy your chances at playing for this exciting local club, open trials are on 4th June at 11am at Armley Park.
For more details on what is expected on the day, or for more information on FC Armley, find them on here on Facebook.