Garforth Town AFC and grassroots community football

Early day motion 668, tabled 20 January 2025 by Richard Burgon (Independent). Signed by 21 members.

That this House celebrates the work of volunteers at Garforth Town AFC, nicknamed the miners, at the Bannister Prentice Community Stadium; notes the positive impact that they make in ensuring this wonderful community football club keeps going, growing and thriving; sends condolences to the friends and family of Dennis Sanderson who recently passed away at the age of 93 and was the epitome of volunteering at a non league club; congratulates club officials and volunteers past and present who have shaped the club's 60 year journey from its 1964 formation as the Miners Arms pub team to their present standing in the Northern Premier League First Division East via honours including the Wilkinson Sword Trophy, the NCEL Division 1 Championship and winning the NCEL Premier Division Play Off; further notes the impressive attendances at home games and committed travelling support at away matches; further celebrates the infectious enthusiasm and hard work of general manager Sam Whitley, the committed and energetic stewardship of club chairs Craig Bannister and Andy Hey and dedication of honorary president Steve Hayle; recognises all those who contribute to the club including through working on social media, ticket sales, marshalling parking, the raffle and in the bar and food stall; notes their important role in hosting Leeds United Women's home games; believes Garforth Town AFC shows the special value of grassroots community football; and wishes manager Paul Marshall, his team and all the players every success for the rest of the season.

Signatures by party: Labour 10, Independent 7, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.