HEATON-BASED outfit Campion have become the latest Bradford side to make the step up to semi-professional football after being accepted into the Toolstation Northern Counties East League.
They are the fifth West Riding County Amateur League club to climb on to the non-league ladder in just over decade, with Silsden, Brighouse Town, Hemsworth Miners Welfare and Albion Sports having also moved up.
Campion have worked hard to get their facilities up to scratch ready for what will be a new challenge to a club with a rich 50-year history at local level.
“It’s involved a lot of hard work but it’s a move that we need to make to keep Campion AFC moving forward as a club,” said first-team manager James Bicknell.
The current District Cup holders will join fellow Bradford outfit Eccleshill United in Division One of the two-tier league alongside teams such as Knaresborough Town, Selby Town, Glasshoughton Welfare and Yorkshire Amateur.
Albion Sports finished fourth in their first season in 2012 before going up as champions the following season but Campion are under no illusions about
the tough challenge ahead after the FA Leagues committee confirmed their successful application yesterday.
Club treasurer Andrew Shepherd said: "It is going to be a shock in many ways next season, not just on the pitch but also off it.
"The way the club goes about match days is to change dramatically and with that comes associated costs. We are reaching out to local businesses and are hoping our new status will encourage them to get involved on our exciting journey. But it’s certainly a challenge we’re relishing.”
Campion become the 169th team to compete in the NCE League.
Earlier this year, fellow County Amateur side Steeton stated their wish to step up to the semi-pro level, while Huddersfield YMCA also made a provisional enquiry.
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