This announcement marks a significant step forward in the growing partnership between Flair and the club, highlighting the strengthening relationship with the respected West Yorkshire-based company.
Flair Handling Systems first came on board as a sponsor during the 2024/25 season, with their branding appearing on the back of the team’s home shirt. Their support has quickly deepened, with company owner Andy Sutcliffe also recently joining Emley’s 1903 President’s Club.
Flair are a manufacturer with over 20 years of experience, specialises in bespoke air handling equipment and packaged boiler and tank rooms for the UK mechanical services sector. From their base in West Yorkshire, they supply to industries ranging from education to leisure and food production.
Andy Sutcliffe, a lifelong local sports enthusiast, supports the Dewsbury Rams in rugby league and Leeds United in football. However over the last 18 months he has enthusiastically expanded to support Emley AFC.
“We started watching Emley in February 2023 after Ross Hardaker’s mum suggested it, and we were really impressed with the family feel that the club has.” said Andy.
“As a family, we’ve got three season tickets, and as a business, we were very proud to be a sponsor on the back of the Emley shirts last season. It is brilliant now to be on the front of the shirt for the 2025/26 season, it is a huge honour.”
Andy has also been active behind the scenes at the club, helping with facility upgrades and embracing the club’s community ethos.
He said: “We’ve met loads of people and its been a pleasure to help the club whenever we can. We helped out with the away changing room extension, supplying sinks, lights, hand dryers, that sort of thing. A number of these items were kindly donated by our suppliers. I’ve gotten to know Andrew, Marcus, Richard, Becky and Becky’s Dad, John through that involvement.
“It’s nice to be involved, the club look to their fans and ask if they can support in any way. That’s actually how we started sponsoring the club.”
Reflecting on Emley’s impressive season, Andy said: “I thought the standard of football was great. The commitment at the start of the season was outstanding. I think we ended up slightly higher in the table than we realistically expected to be. We had a few injuries and lads unavailable, which made it hard to maintain that intensity throughout the season. However, they really did surpass my expectations.”
“The way the team plays is enjoyable to watch. They like to pass through teams instead of just lumping the ball forward. You can see the lads genuinely enjoy the way they’re playing, and that’s great to see.”
Looking ahead to next season, Andy added: “I’d love for us to finish higher up in the play-offs. We’ve got a good squad, and we always seem to find that little extra when needed. If we can replicate or improve on last season, that would be brilliant.”
Emley AFC chairman Andrew Painten welcomed the extended partnership: “As a club, we are always looking to get new sponsors on board and then keep them within the Emley family. To retain a sponsor of the calibre of Flair Handling Systems and see them increase their support is superb.
“Andy is a well-respected businessman in West Yorkshire, with a strong background in both business and sport. His advice on off-the-field matters is incredibly valuable. It’s been fantastic to see him not only remain involved but deepen his connection to the club both through increased sponsorship and by joining our 1903 President’s Club.
“Here at Emley, we pride ourselves on surrounding ourselves with good, honest local people, whether that’s on or off the pitch, and Andy, along with his friends and family, have become a vital part of that. Thank you for your continued support.”
Our new home shirt proudly features all of our incredible sponsors, seamlessly printed into the fabric as part of the design.
We’ll be revealing more about them very soon!
Pre-order yours now via our official club shop
shop.emleyafc.co.uk