Light Up Elite Youth Football in Huddersfield


Huddersfield District Select (HDS) FC was established in April 2018 by FA-qualified coaches with a track record of success in developing youth soccer teams across West Yorkshire.  In their very first season the  Under 15 boys' team won promotion from the Yorkshire division of the Junior Premier League to the National Elite division, and are now competing against league champions from the North and Midlands, with the ultimate prize of a national play-off final at stake.  The boys played their first Elite League match in early January 2019, beating MK Dons Academy 3-1.

HDS FC is a not-for-profit organisation that provides a platform for young footballers, not only to develop their football skills at the highest level but also to improve their health and well-being, with a strong focus on team ethos and invaluable life skills such as taking responsibility and learning mutual respect.

Success on the field, however, is constantly threatened by the spiraling costs of grassroots football with pitch hire costing up to £300 per match.  The club is financed by player subscriptions topped up by local commercial sponsors.  HDS FC aims to establish elite teams for boys and girls across all youth age-groups and from all backgrounds.  The FA-approved Junior Premier League aims to enable young players to develop through a 'best with best' approach, with the best young players competing against each other.  The league is not aimed at single teams looking for a new challenge.

HDS FC have found an ideal base at Silkstone Recreational Ground, owned by Silkstone Parish Council who have kindly given permission for the club to deploy portable floodlights and to work together on developing a sustainable plan for the future. The floodlights will make the club financially viable, saving it from expensive floodlit pitch hire for twice-weekly evening training and matches. 

There is an acknowledged funding crisis in grassroots football nationally, with ongoing campaigns and political lobbying of the Premier League to share more of its burgeoning riches. While this may be achieved over time, it will come too late for the likes of HDS FC as funding is the principle barrier to our successful club being established as the hub of elite youth soccer in the Huddersfield district.  Huddersfield is unique in having a Barclays Premier League club with no youth teams below under 18 level. 

Although grants from football bodies can be sought, they require clubs to match any funding received.  HDS FC has no access to such funds. 

We please need your support to raise £20,000 by 30th April 2019.  This will enable HDS FC to provide a floodlit facility, absolve us from training and evening pitch hire costs and kick start the launch of wider age-group teams.

Please donate what you can and enable us to light up elite youth football in the Huddersfield district.

www.hdselect.weebly.com

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YXL4_WjdYAY&feature=youtu.be