A JUNIOR football club facing losses of thousands of pounds has launched a fight for survival.

Oakworth Juniors, which has 20 teams and caters for more than 200 children, has begun a major fundraising initiative.

Events are planned and it is appealing to businesses in the community to provide backing.

Club bosses say the cost of hiring the pitches at Bronte playing fields, in Goose Cote Lane, from Bradford Council has soared.

And from next year, its clubhouse lease will also include responsibility for maintaining the pitches and grounds.

"The deficit is around £15,000 and we just don't have that sort of money," said Clair Hussey, who has two children involved in the teams and serves on the fundraising committee.

"The club is basically run on the subscriptions from the children and we have to keep those at a realistic level.

"We do not want to become too expensive and would never turn kids away because they can't pay.

"The fact is at the moment though we are not covering costs."

She says financial strains are compounded in the winter when the pitches are often unplayable due to poor drainage.

Rental fees have to be paid to use other facilities, such as at University Academy Keighley and Marley, for training and matches.

"We have largely kept going on goodwill," added Mrs Hussey.

"Parents provide coaching and everyone are volunteers.

"We've fundraising events through the year but we're at the stage where we need an immediate injection of cash.

"If any local businesses can help, whether it's through sponsorship or donating raffle prizes, we'd love to hear from them.

"Any support, however big or small, would be greatly appreciated.

"We're also in desperate need of volunteer coaches."

Letters are being sent out to businesses and others in a bid to drum-up backing.

The club has been joined in its campaign by Elliott Horan, from Bingley, who has experience in supporting other clubs and staging footballing fundraising events.

"I'm delighted to be involved and will do whatever I can to help," he said.

"The club caters for over 200 children ranging in age from four to 16 and provides a vital community facility."

The next fundraising event is a Halloween extravaganza at the clubhouse on October 28.

There will be a spooky trail, disco, raffle and supper. Tickets are £1.

For more details and to offer support, visit the club's Facebook page, go to oakworthjuniors.co.uk or contact Mrs Hussey on 07855 315144.

Bradford Council was contacted for comment, but hadn't responded as the Keighley News went to press.