ILKLEY Town u13 Lionesses have been crowned champions of the Harrogate & Craven Football League, retaining the title that they won last year.

The Lionesses have not lost a league game all season and secured the title with two games to play, scoring an impressive 85 goals and conceding just 11 goals.

Coach Russell Kennedy was full of praise for his team, saying: “We have a very talented squad of players who play exciting attacking football, but it is the girls’ commitment and will to win that really stands out and makes them such a difficult side to beat.”

The girls’ section at Ilkley Town continues to grow, with over 40 players in the three u13 teams alone. Indeed, Ilkley Town now have one of the largest female sections in West Yorkshire, with over 220 registered players from u6s right up to the Women’s first team, who play in the West Riding First Division.

The club do still have places available for girls who are in school years: two, three, four and five from September. For anyone interested in playing, please contact Dan on 07979 361590.

The club are also looking to create a Women’s Development Team for the 23/24 season. With that comes new opportunities for both experienced and aspiring players and coaches. If you are interested in joining the ambitious Women’s set up, please phone Claire on 07584 575449.