Emley AFC’s partnership scheme continues to drive growth as inspirational Kirkburton Junior Football Club becomes the 12th club to link up with the Pewits.

Kirkburton JFC established in 1998, dedicated to developing young talent in our community.  They are proud to be a 2-star England Football Accredited Club, based at Kirkburton Middle School, offering outstanding opportunities for children of all abilities, from age 5 up to 18 and a newly created women’s team.

Emley AFC chairman Andrew Painten comments on the partnership: “We are delighted to join forces with Kirkburton Juniors, whose set-up is impressive. This club partnership marks an exciting opportunity to work more closely with a club that’s doing fantastic work, particularly with their Young Football Leaders initiative. We look forward to building on this relationship in the months ahead.”

Kirkburton JFC chairman Dave Jowett also commented on the partnership, he said:
“We’re excited to join Emley as a partner club. It’s a club I know really well given the close proximity to our club at Kirkburton and also having played here when I was much (much) younger! 

The partnership with Emley allows us to build on a really successful period for both clubs. Emley have had a fantastic few years and are having a really strong season.

Kirkburton has had its own success winning the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA Club of the Year award in 2024. A big part of winning the award was for our efforts in supporting young players with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through our Young Football Leaders Programme. One of them is Will Bagley (featured in the photo) - a die hard Emley fan who plays with the Kirkburton U14 Crusaders team. 

We believe working with Emley is a win -win situation. We’re one of the largest junior football clubs in West Yorkshire and this arrangement provides a pathway for our members who want the opportunity to play football at a higher level. It also gives us access to things like mascot days and a larger social media presence which will help us spread the word about things like our Young Football Leader Program and our all girls Wildcats set up. 

We’re excited to be working with Andrew and the team at Emley and we’ve got some exciting plans in place which we’ll announce over the next few months.”

Kirkburton joins Emley AFC’s existing partners Yorkshire RTC, Thornes Juniors, Shepley FC, Altofts AFC, Skelmanthorpe FC, Skelmanthorpe Juniors, Newsome FC, West Bretton, Wooldale Wanderers, Dewsbury Moor and Sitlington Juniors.

The tie-ups are aimed at providing support for and amongst the partner clubs in whatever areas are required to meet their objectives.

There are limited opportunities remaining for mascot opportunities this season, if your junior club is interested please get in touch. 

For more information about how your club could be a club partner or participate in a mascot experience, please email office@emleyafc.co.uk