Behind the partnership is Emley-born entrepreneur Christian Ely, whose deep ties to the village and lifelong passion for the club make this collaboration particularly meaningful.

“I was born in the village and lived there until a few years ago,” said Christian. “Even though I’ve moved away, my parents are still here.

Supporting Emley isn’t just about football — it’s about where I’m from; it’s part of my identity. There’s something really special about being able to give back to the place you grew up in.”

Christian’s connection to the club dates back to childhood, when he would watch games from his bedroom window on Wentworth Avenue.
“My grandad would sit with me, and we’d look out together. That view from the window gave me my first taste of Emley football. Before I ever stepped through the gates, I was already hooked.”

“Eventually, we started going to matches regularly, home and away. I was just a lad, but it left an impression. Those early memories — the buzz of the crowd, the pitch, the feeling when we scored — they’ve stuck with me all my life.”

Fast forward to today, and Christian is the driving force behind Sanctum Energy — a rapidly expanding energy company with headquarters in both Huddersfield and Glasgow. Specialising in solar PV, battery storage systems, EV charging infrastructure, and AI-driven energy management, Sanctum is known for helping businesses and organisations cut costs, carbon, and complexity.

As part of the new partnership, Sanctum has installed solar panels on the roof of the Alec Hardy Stand and is contributing to the development of new and improved facilities around the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground .

“We’ve only been trading for a year, but right from the start, we knew we wanted to run a business with purpose,” Christian explained. “I’ve always believed in building something rooted in values — and for me, that means giving back to the community. Supporting Emley fits that mission perfectly.”

The partnership goes beyond branding and visibility. Sanctum is working with the club to implement a forward-thinking, zero-upfront-cost energy strategy designed to reduce emissions and boost resilience.

“We’re heavily focused on net-zero strategies,” said Christian. “And with Emley, we saw an opportunity to help them achieve that — without the financial weight that usually comes with it. No upfront build costs. No 25-year tie-ins. Just a proper, community-driven energy solution that benefits the club now and for years to come. We’ve installed solar panels at the stadium and supported the completion of their new away changing room extension.”

Beyond the match-day experience, Sanctum aims to support the club’s operational backbone — its facilities, staff, and sustainability efforts.

“A lot of people see match-day and think that’s the whole story, but there’s so much work that happens behind the scenes,” Christian added. “Making sure the power works, the facilities are up to scratch, and the lads are looked after — that’s where we come in. It’s not glamorous, but it matters.”

Having previously worked with other clubs, including Blackpool FC, Christian sees long-term potential in Emley AFC.

With the 2025/26 season on the horizon, hopes are high both on and off the pitch.
“The club has come such a long way, especially over the last five or six years,” Christian said. “You can see it in the ground, in the quality of the staff and players, and in how well it’s run overall. It’s professional — but still has that local soul.”

Looking ahead, Christian is optimistic about what’s to come. “This season, I’m hoping for another serious push for promotion. But I’d also love to see a proper FA Cup run. Those cup days — they stay with you, whether you’re on the pitch, in the stands, or just watching from home.”

While the business visibility that comes with sponsorship is valuable, Christian says that’s not the main motivator. “We’re supporting Emley because it’s the right thing to do — for the club, the community, and the future.”

Emley AFC Commercial Director, Richard Oates commented on the partnership:
“It means a lot to have Sanctum Energy on board. Christian knows and loves the club. Sanctum’s expertise will play a vital role in our sustainability plans — but more than that, it’s a genuine partnership built on shared values. We’re proud to have them with us.”