THE long-established Keybury Youth Football League has been renamed the Bradford & District Keybury Junior League and will kick off the 2014-15 season with a new game-plan, new management team at the helm and newly-accredited FA recognition.

Keighley-based Keybury Fire and Security, keynote sponsor of the league since 2000, has again renewed its sponsorship commitment, as the league enters an exciting new era in its development.

Integral to this is the granting of the FA Charter Standard kite mark to the league, awarded in recognition of the provision of a high quality, well-run and sustainable football experience, with child protection, quality coaching and safety paramount.

The league encompasses the Aire, Wharfe and Craven Valleys and, with the new season set to begin in September, 57 junior teams from 19 clubs, comprising boys and girls aged six to 11 years, have signed on to play.

Bradford & District Keybury Junior League secretary and treasurer Peter Walshe, of Clayton Heights, said: “We move forward with renewed impetus and new ideas and with the all-important backing of the West Riding County FA, who we have been working with for the past 12 months through their local representative Jack Matthews and successfully building new bridges.

“Bradford has not had a junior league for some 20 years, hence the reason for the new name. We have new goals and a golden opportunity to go from strength to strength and again make it one of the biggest and best junior leagues in the area.

“We have also had early discussions with the Calderdale League about playing some inter-league games during the season, which will give our teams a chance to play against new teams.”

Mr Walshe, production control manager with Sherborne Upholstery in Clayton, has been involved with the league for four years as club rep for Queensbury Celtic.

He paid tribute to the sterling work undertaken by the league’s chairperson Kath Rickaby, of Exley Head, notably her leading role in helping achieve Charter Standard status, and to the league’s two Respect Officers, PCs Pete Softley and Wasim Younis, who both serve on the committee.

Mr Walshe also praised Keybury Fire and Security for its continuing support of the league and its future growth and development.

The company’s managing director Frank Gee said: “We remain fully committed to helping children and young people across the region develop their sporting skills and, as a direct result, their health and fitness.

“Some 700 boys and girls will to date be turning out in the Bradford & District Keybury Junior League this season. We hope to see more teams coming on board before the end of June deadline.”