Having made decison to leave the Harrogate League in search of a new and higher challenge, following two highly successful seasons, Ilkley FC has continued to progress through the FA Non-League pyramid by gaining promotion from Division Two of the West Yorkshire League at the first attempt.

The second promotion place was clinched with three weeks of the season left and, although Ilkley had a disappointing final game against champions-elect Sherburn, all other contenders were vanquished during the season as the Ilkley side rattled up 22 wins out of 28 games played, with only three defeats. The team scored 99 goals and had the second best defensive record in the league in only conceding 32 goals. They only dropped one point in 13 home games until the defeat by Sherburn.

The merit of this achievement should not be overlooked, for many players from the previously successful Ilkley teams had moved to pastures new or retired, so the success this season was a tribute to the performances of several young players with limited experience at this level of competion, many of whom have risen through the Ilkley Juniors club.

The Ilkley Reserve team faced similar challenges in the West Yorkshire Alliance Division and acquitted itself well with a creditable mid-table position.

As with the first team, the Reserve team often found itself having to blood young players and in doing so it unearthed some rough diamonds who will make a significant contribution to Ilkley football in the future.

Managing a reserve team can be athankless task, and it is to the credit of Chris Campbell and his assistant Dave Merritt that the reserve team remained competitive throughout the season.

The exciting news for the club is confirmation of the FA Charter Standard Adult Club award achieved by the club for its standard of football provision. This has enabled club officials to engage in signifcant discussions with the Bradford MDC about the development of football facilities in the town.

Despite, being arguably the most successful sports team in the town, with highly successful senior perfomances and a thriving junior section, the football club is nomadic and has no secure home around which to develop. Thankfully the support of Ilkley Grammar School and local council have ensured a relatively high quality of football pitches. As the football club seeks to maintain its progress, the development of facilities remains a priority.