Silsden FC have been accepted into the FA Vase competition -- the amateurs FA Cup.

After lifting four trophies last season, the West Riding amateur League Premier Division side have big plans for the coming years -- after moving their base to Cougar Park.

They will continue in the Amateur League next season, but hope to move up to a higher grade of football the following year, taking a step on the ladder which leads all the way to the Football League.

They are the first County Amateur League side to gain a place in the FA Vase since Birkenshaw Rovers in the mid-1970's.

Preliminary rounds of the competition are to be held on September 6 and 20, but Silsden do not yet know who they will play.

Their league season will start on Wednesday, August 20, with regular Saturday fixtures starting from Saturday August 23.

n The Keighley, Aire & Wharfe Sunday League is to run two divisions next season and there are a few places still available for teams wishing to enter. Any teams interested should contact the league secretary, Mr Allan Feather on 01535-274376 or 07814730752.

n Keighley Football Association is to hold a referees' course starting on Thursday July 10 at Cougar Park, 7.00pm. the course will run for nine weeks and is designed for anybody interested in starting a career as a referee.

It can provide a grounding for those involved in junior football or people aiming to work in the adult game with ambitions to officiate at the very top of the game.

Anybody who is interested should contact Peter Allen on 01535-604284 or email: allen@pete93.freeserve .co.uk.

n Pictured above are Silsden FC with their four trophies, the League Cup, League Championship, Keighley Cup and West Riding County Cup