By John Baron, WLD editor
FC Farsley may only officially be a couple of weeks old – but the club’s new owners have wasted no time in making their mark.
The Stockdale family officially completed the purchase of what was Farsley Celtic just before Christmas, immediately liquidating the club and relaunching it as FC Farsley.
The club has made a series of announcements, including changing the name of the ground from the Citadel back to its historic name of Throstle Nest and unveiling its new nickname ‘The Weavers‘, recognising Farsley’s rich textile heritage.
In a club statement, the Farsley board wrote: “We have listened to what supporters have been telling us, as well as the wider community, and we are delighted to have Throstle Nest as the name of our facilities once more.
“We know the name has rich significance for many people in Farsley, so we’ve listened and we are proud to restore the name which has a special place in the heart of so many.”
And today the club announced the formation of the FC Farsley in the Community section, which will operate as a separate Community Interest Company (CIC)
A statement from the club board said: “This is an important step in strengthening our connection with the community, extending the reach of FC Farsley beyond the pitch and ensuring we can make a real and lasting difference in the community.”
FC Farsley in the Community aims to use football and related activities as a vehicle for positive change, helping people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to feel part of something bigger.
Steve O’Brien has been appointed Projects Manager at FC Farsley in the Community, leading on the planning, delivery and growth of community projects.
Steve said: “FC Farsley’s aim is to be a club at the heart of its community. It’s all about getting people down to Throstle Nest to use the sports hall, the clubhouse and the facilities we have. It’s also about us getting out into the community and making a positive difference.
“We hope to run classes, groups, work with local schools and youth organisations. I’d like to see the club busy all day every day with people of all ages and backgrounds using our facilities. I’d like to see us become much more family orientated.”
Before Christmas the club unveiled its new kit, which reverted back to Farsley’s traditional dark blue colours after spending a number of years in green and white colours. Leeds-based ice cream producers Northern Bloc has also become the club’s front-of-shirt sponsors, inking a three-year deal which started last summer.
The clubhouse has been renamed The Weavers Bar, with the bar area, benefiting from a significant refurbishment and installation of a pool table and darts area. The club also hopes to install a new 4G pitch and last year received planning permission for new floodlights.
It’s quite a turnaround for a club which endured a disastrous 2024-25 campaign which saw the Celts playing many of their home games in Buxton. The club’s grass pitch was removed in the summer of 2024, but the laying of a proposed artificial surface never happened, leading to fan protests against then owner Paul Barthorpe.
The Stockdale family, which includes former Fulham, Brighton and Birmingham goalkeeper David Stockdale, hope to enter a competitive men’s first team into the non-league pyramid from the start of next season.
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