AFTER years of playing in the same mismatched strips Ilkley Town Ladies AFC has secured sponsorship to buy new kit for the first time in over nine years.

The team would like to thank BSJ Property Developers for sponsoring the team.

Manager Tony Gill said: “The ladies took it upon themselves to find a new sponsor or combination of sponsors to help the team to get a new kit and one of those was Ben McCready who runs BSJ Property Developers,

“The embarrassing thing was having girls change tops on the side of the pitch as we didn’t even have enough numbered shirts to play a game. Often we had two number six shirts or one shirt with no number on so it wasn’t ideal. We are so grateful for our new sponsors.

“New sponsor Ben McCready is the partner of ex-player Ellie Oates and owner of BSJ. We are so proud to play in our new strip. Ben kindly came down to watch our most recent pre-season friendly!”

Ben added: “The kit looks great. It’s a pleasure to sponsor the ladies and they are doing a great job raising mental health awareness and funds for charities.”

Ilkley Town ladies have had two home pre-season friendlies and have been raising funds for Cross Hills barber Chris Riley who is fighting stomach cancer. A Gofundme appeal has been set up to pay for specialist treatment and aftercare at home or abroad.

Ilkley Ladies have raised £147 towards the fundraising effort by hosting a raffle and will aim to raise funds throughout the season at their home games. Visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/2utjnb-help-chris-fight-cancer