18
May
Ripon City round off season with thumping 11-0 win
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Ripon City AFC rounded off their season with one of the biggest victories in the club’s 128-year history.
This past weekend, Ripon defeated Pool AFC 11-0 to secure third spot in the premier division of the West Yorkshire Association Football League.
The game also spelled a decade of ownership for Peter Freeman (chairman), Dan Metcalfe (secretary) and Gary Camplejohn (treasurer), who helped to rebuild the Mallorie Park Club after taking over in 2016.
Mr Camplejohn said:
At the time we were in a difficult spot both on and off the field and it was difficult to see how the club could be sustainable going forward. However, with fresh ideas we pulled a plan together to clear the debt via some targeted fundraising and attempt to improve our facilities.
The 11-0 victory allowed club officials to reflect on a decade of stewardship.
Mr Metcalfe said:
Off the field, we have completely transformed the outlook of the club, investing in clubhouse repairs, new machinery etc which couldn't have been done without the dogged commitment from Gary in grant applications but also forging relationships with our fantastic local businesses and sponsors which has helped to offset the annual costs of running the club and ensures we can provide a top class environment for our community.
Mr Freeman said the club had successfully managed to restore a player pathway at under-18s level, as well as a competitive reserve side.
Now, the secretary is targeting winning the premier division and pushing on with the club’s short and long term objectives.
He said:
On the field, our short-term objectives are still clear, try and win the West Yorkshire Premier Division, and our medium to long term aspirations are to gain promotion to the Northern Counties East League.
To do this we need to meet the eligible ground criteria such as a secure site and floodlights. After previous failed planning attempts at our current site, we are looking at moving to a new purpose-built facility which would meet the club’s needs for the next century and beyond.
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