Linthwaite FC Committee Update

As we look ahead to the new season starting in September, our registration forms are now available. You may notice a small increase (£15 to the signing on fee) this year. We understand that no one likes rising costs, and this wasn't a decision we took lightly. However, increasing expenses for facilities, equipment, and referees mean that we must make a modest adjustment to ensure the club remains financially sustainable. As a volunteer-run club, every pound goes back into providing the best possible experience for our players and helping us continue to develop and grow. We appreciate your understanding and ongoing support as we work together to keep moving the club forward. Thank you, and we look forward to another fantastic season.

Today, our U6s took part in the Norristhorpe Football Festival, experiencing the FA’s exciting new 3v3 format for the first time. The introduction of 3v3 football is a fantastic opportunity for local clubs to embrace positive changes in grassroots football. While it will be a learning curve for everyone involved, it promises to be a brilliant step forward in helping young players develop their skills and confidence. Why 3v3? More touches on the ball More playing time Greater physical activity Increased opportunities to develop skills and teamwork Benefits of 3v3 football: Every player can make an impact on the game Fast-paced, fun, and engaging Encourages creativity and problem-solving Plenty of chances to score goals and make saves Focuses on individual development rather than fixed positions Helps players take ownership of their game https://futurefit.englandfootball.com/futurefit/index.html Most importantly, our U6s absolutely loved every minute of it and had an amazing time! A huge thank you to Huddersfield Junior Football League for the invitation and for organising such a fantastic event. It was wonderful to see so many young players enjoying the game and creating lasting memories. A great day had by all!

🎉 Linthwaite FC Presentation Day 2026 🎉  Get ready for one of the biggest days in the club calendar… Presentation Day is back! Join us as we come together to celebrate every player, every team, and an incredible season at Linthwaite FC. From our youngest tots taking their first kicks to our oldest age groups battling it out week in, week out — this day is all about recognising effort, teamwork, and the spirit that makes our club so special. 📅 Saturday 13th June 2026 📍 Broad Oak Bowling Club, Linthwaite 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Everyone is welcome — players, families, friends, and supporters! 🏆 What to Expect Player presentations & awards Team recognition across all age groups A brilliant community atmosphere Plenty of smiles, photos, and proud moments 🎶 A finish to remember with an after party & DJ ⏰ Running Order Highlights The day kicks off at 10:00am with our Tots, followed by presentations throughout the day including Wildcats, U7s, U8s, U9s, U10s, U11 Leopards, all the way up to our U16 Girls - finishing at 7:00pm before we roll into the celebrations! 🌟 More Than Just Football This isn’t just about trophies - it’s about recognising hard work, growth, commitment, and the memories made along the way. Every player has played a part in this season, and this day is for all of them. A huge thank you to our players, coaches, parents, and volunteers - your support is what makes this club what it is. Let’s come together, celebrate a fantastic season, and make it a day to remember.

As a club made up of volunteers, who lend their time to learn valuable life skills learning football and making friends for life, they plant the seed for children to strive at what they do and pursue a career where the pinnacle of anyone’s football journey would be to play on the hallowed turf at Wembley. It just so happens that our club secretary, James Carter has the opportunity to represent our club as part of a special recognition award for his services and contribution to grassroots football. He will join a select few of other volunteers who have been selected by their County FA’s, and will take his place on the pitch this evening, under the lights for a once-in-a-lifetime match opportunity. In the last 6 years with the club, he has: Brought the club ‘back home’ to the village of Linthwaite. Fought Planning Permission Battles. Secured us further Facilities: Thornton & Ross / Slaithwaite Two Gates to provide football for all of our teams. ⁠Gained us the Highest Accreditation with the FA (3 Star/Thriving Community Club) Tripled the size of the club. ⁠Being nominated for Three FA Awards over the last Two Years, coming away with two ‘Highly Recommended’ and the ‘Club of the Year’ Being instrumental in winning ‘Club Of The Year’. Introduced and sustainably grown Disability football at our club and helped and assisted other clubs to set up their own disability sections. Lastly, and not at least - his community work as Colne Valley Running Santa for the last 6 years, raising money and the various food collections for our local food banks; Colne Valley Help & Storth House CIC, helping to provide for those who really need it. People like him don’t come along very often and we’re so lucky to have him so involved within our club. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, he’s an absolute diamond and will do anything for anybody. Enjoy your day James, you so richly deserve this. Simon Vice-Secretary P.s. James isn’t actually there yet, he is on his way - it’s photoshopped

This weekend, we proudly hosted Silent Support Weekend. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all parents and spectators for honouring the initiative by staying quiet on the sidelines and showing your encouragement through applause. It was truly wonderful to watch our players enjoy the game free from sideline pressure. The calm atmosphere allowed the children’s voices, teamwork, and joy to shine through. Seeing them communicate, express themselves, and simply play the sport they love was both peaceful and inspiring. 

Linthwaite Football Club – West Riding FA Club of the Year 2025 Last night, at the West Riding FA 2025 Grassroots Football Awards, we were humbled and proud to come away with: West Riding FA – Club of the Year 2025 Highly Commended – James Carter, Coach of the Year (Disability Pathway) These awards mean the world to us. They represent everything we stand for — a club built on the belief that football should always be Safe, Fun & Inclusive.  Just five seasons ago, we had no home. Our teams hadn’t played in the village for over a decade, despite our club’s proud 41-year history. We had to rebuild from the ground up — and we did. In those five seasons, we’ve: Fought and won planning battles to bring football home. Tripled in size — safely, fairly, and sustainably. Built a real ethos based on honesty, inclusivity, and heart. Strengthened our ties with the local community. Overcome countless barriers and challenges — long before a ball was even kicked. Our ethos isn’t a slogan. It’s who we are. It’s how we live football — together. Because for us, football is more than the game itself. It’s what unites us, empowers us, and creates the magic we see every day. “It’s Much More Than Football.” With over 700 clubs across West Riding FA, to be recognised as Club of the Year 2025 is an incredible honour — and it’s all thanks to our amazing players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters. You are the heartbeat of Linthwaite Football Club. Thank you for believing in what we do, and for proving that community football truly can change lives. Linthwaite FC — It’s Much More Than Football.

As we move forward into a new chapter, we’re excited to announce our New Kit Supplier Partnership with Surridge Sport . As a club, we feel Surridge Sport fits directly in with our Values & Ethos. Our new club shop will include sizing for both Male & Female Players. All of our 24 Teams will transition over to Surridge Sport with our New Club Crest, once their current Sponsorship deals expire. We can’t wait to see our teams in their new kits. Take a look at our New Club Shop :

Would you like to get into Coaching as a volunteer? We are currently looking for a Lead Coach & Session Helpers to deliver our weekly Wildcats Session. The Sessions are held on Wednesday Evenings between 18:00-19:00 for girls aged between 6-11 years old. You could be part of building girls' confidence, enabling them to make new social circles & growing girls football in the Colne Valley Area. What will our club do for you? Fund & Provide you with a DBS Check. Fund FA Introduction to Safeguarding Training. Fund FA Introduction to First-Aid Training. Fund FA Introduction to Football Training. Support you where & when required. Give you freedom to manage your own sessions. Help you to be influential for local girls. Lead Coaches would need to be 18+, however, we are happy to have helpers under the age of 18, assisting them with experience for their future work & development. If this is something of interest to you, please contact our Club Secretary: secretary@linthwaitefootballclub.co.uk If you are reading this, please help with a share.

Our club returned back to Linthwaite over 4 years ago and in this time we have worked frantically to rebuild our club organically, ensuring whatever we do is with our players in mind. This has seen our club triple in size, with additional sections added, such as the Girls teams & Pan-Disability Football. This evening we hit another Huge Milestone, seeing us hold our first Open Age training session in over 7 years, with over 20 attendees. Former junior player, Eesa Ahmed has remained with the club as an assistant coach & next season he will be stepping up to manage our new open age team in The Calder Valley Sunday League. This addition to our current offering, will see the club have a pathway from Tots all the way up to Adult Football. If you are interested in lacing them boots up and joining us, please visit here