Emley AFC is delighted to announce a new partnership with Joda Freight, who will be sponsoring the front gate, turnstile, and visitors’ guide at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground for the coming season.

The West Yorkshire‑based logistics company, which operates 70 trucks and four warehouses across the region, completed a management buyout last year and is entering an exciting new chapter under the leadership of co‑owners Kieron Talbot‑Sykes and Neil Tullett. This partnership with Emley marks another step in that journey, and one that Kieron says is about more than just putting the company’s name on the ground.

"I’ve always loved grassroots football," says Kieron. "I’m a lifelong Huddersfield Town supporter, so I know what it means to be part of a club that’s central to its community. When I learned about Emley and the way it’s run by volunteers who put their heart and soul into it, I thought, ‘This is exactly the kind of club I want us to support.’"

Joda Freight’s name is now proudly displayed on the club’s front gate and turnstiles. The sponsorship will also cover the visitors’ guide, helping to make sure travelling fans get the information they need to enjoy their matchday experience.

"Walking through the gates and eventually seeing our company’s name there will be a really proud moment," Kieron adds. "It’s not just about exposure for us; it’s about contributing to something bigger. Football like this gives people a sense of belonging, creates pride in the community, and brings people together, and for us to play even a small part in that is fantastic."

For Kieron, who only attended his first Emley game at the end of last season, the experience was transformative. "I was invited to a meal by Fantastic Media, and they spoke about the club being volunteer‑led and community‑driven. That really struck a chord with me," he recalls. "I decided to come to a game, and I was blown away, the turnout, the passion, the way people were genuinely invested in the club. It was such a different experience to the big stadium games I’m used to. You feel closer to the action, closer to the people, and closer to what football is really about."

Looking to the season ahead, Kieron is hopeful both for the team and the partnership. "From a footballing point of view, it’d be great to see Emley push for promotion. A playoff run or even an automatic spot would be incredible, but what matters most is building the club up properly, making sure it’s sustainable, and taking the right steps at the right time," he says. "And personally, I’d really like to see us finish above Silsden! Some of our staff and customers are Silsden fans, and they’ve already given me plenty of stick for sponsoring Emley, so there’s some friendly bragging rights at stake."

For Joda Freight, the partnership is also about building relationships: "From a business perspective, sponsorship has to make sense, and all we need is one or two customers to come through this, and it’ll pay for itself," says Kieron. "But beyond that, it’s about being part of the club’s journey. This is just the start for us, and I’m excited to see where it goes."

The new Joda Freight artwork were in place for Friday night’s first game at home looking fantastic. Thank you Leech Colour for making this happen.