Leyburn new men’s team has played its first league games.
Previously just a junior club, Leyburn Utd formed its new men’s team ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The team will compete in the Scotts for Storage Wensleydale League .
They played their first home game on Saturday, narrowly losing 2-1 to Carperby.
Manager Shane Close said: “We are delighted to have been able to launch a men’s team and provide a pathway for our junior players to play adult football.
“Of the squad on Saturday, there were eight 16-year-olds playing, all of which had played for Leyburn junior teams in recent years.
“As the large crowd will have seen, they are a good team who play football in the right way.”
Shane added: “We are very grateful to the local businesses and organisations which have sponsored the team, including kit sponsors Yorkshire Independent Building Supplies, Leyburn Fire Station and the Biker Group, and well as all the companies sponsoring individual players.”
The team plays its home games at the Wensleydale School, which has recently benefited from a grant from the Football Foundation for pitch improvements.
The team is also using the pavilion which was renovated by the football club, with the help of the local community, in memory of parent Tracy Webb, who died in 2022 after a long illness.
Leyburn Utd is also looking to launch a women’s team in the future, with fitness and training sessions held at the Wensleydale School every Monday from 7pm to 8pm.
