Steeton FC are gearing up for the club's centenary celebrations and have been digging into the archives.

In 1908 the club played in the Keighley League. The 1911-12 season saw the introduction of a reserve side, but between 1912 and 1919 there was no football because of The Great War.

Their time in the Keighley League saw them win the Keighley League Championship twice, the Keighley Charity Cup and Keighley Victory Shield were also won twice each.

In 1939 the club moved to the Craven League where they remained until 1985 when they moved to the West Riding County Amateur League.

The early days saw Steeton playing near the present site of Airedale Hospital and in those days the players often had to get washed in the nearby beck!

In 1969 the club secured its current home - the Doris Wells Memorial Field. A 99-year lease was taken on the ground to ensure that football would be played for many years to come.

In 1989 the club launched one of its most successful periods, the first team won the District Cup, the Second Division of the County Amateur League and the Second Division Cup.

They were also reached the last 16 of the County Cup, only to lose 1-0 to a strong Crag Road United side.

The 1990's saw tough times when they finished bottom of the Second Division, but thanks to the formation of a junior side and the progress of those players to the first team, the club returned to winning ways with the capture of the West Riding Challenge Trophy and achieved promotion to the Premier Division for the first time in it's history in 2002-3.

The success of the club has always been built on strong foundations. Current President, David Baxter has been associated with the club for 60 years and still marks out the pitch and sells raffle tickets in the Goat's Head. Albert Bates, has been with the club for over 40 years, now serving as secretary and groundsman.

Former president, Jack Fortune, also served the club for over 50 years and laid many of the foundations for the club.

There have been many notable players who have served over the years and also went on to play at a much higher standard including Keith Bailey, who played for Bradford City and Tampa Bay, Colin and Enrnie Guest, who both played in Australia; Steve Guest who played for Bury, Steve Lampkin and Peter Turbitt who both starred for Bradford City.

The club is always looking to move forward both on and off the field and hope the interest generated in their centenary will encourage both new players and potential sponsors as the club looks forward to it's next 100 years.

n For details of the club's centenary dinner contact Steve Narey on 07776-140-906.