A new junior football club has been set up to meet a growing demand for the sport in the Knaresborough area.

The club at Staveley, known as the Staveley Scorchers, is aimed at children aged six to nine and is based at the village’s former cricket ground.

It has been set up by Scotton Scorchers, which has been working with Staveley Sports Association to bring the cricket club facilities back to life.

Staveley Cricket Club’s ground will host Staveley Scorchers junior football club.

Mike Collier, from Scotton Scorchers, said:

“It came to our attention that the former cricket club was no longer used as the cricket team now plays at Boroughbridge.

“With waiting lists at our club, it seems such a shame we couldn’t find space for local children. So we put the two together to create a new junior football club so local children get the chance to play. The demand is definitely there.”

The club will initially be run and subsidised by Scotton and the first season will consist of friendly matches. It will then aim to join the Nidderdale Junior Football League next year.

The teams are U8s (school years 2 and 3) and an U10s (school years 4 and 5).

The club meets on Saturdays from 9am until 10am.

To find out more contact Mike Collier at mikeandjanec@googlemail.com, text 07979 682670 or simply register at the Scotton Scorchers website.

Boroughbridge Junior Football Club is holding its annual taster day later this month to encourage more youngster to join the team. 

The “try before you join” session will be held  at Boroughbridge High School on Saturday July 23, starting at 10am and running to 12pm.

Players will be able to take part in supervised games with FA-qualified coaches able to answer any questions and take subscriptions.

Nigel Charlesworth, Boroughbridge Junior FC club secretary, said:

“The club motto is football for all, so we encourage players of all abilities to come along.  

“If your son or daughter already plays for the club then come down and register for the new season and let them play supervised games. New players are also welcome. So, come down, try us out, meet the coaches and make new friends through football. Use this as a taster session. If you like what you see, then join us for the new season.”

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The taster session will run teams for the following age groups (child’s age on 1 September). Boys: Under 8s, U10s, U12s, U14s and U15s, girls: Under 6-11 (development squad) U12, U13 and U15 years and Pan Disability Football for boys and girls aged seven to 18.

There will also be a training session for budding goalkeepers on the day. 

The club also said volunteers and helpers were always welcome.

For more information, visit the Boroughbridge Juniors FC website, email nigelcharlesworth@btinternet.com or contact the club on Facebook and Twitter.