Farsley Celtic ground listed as a community asset

A Leeds football ground will be protected as a community asset after a successful nomination was made by fans.

Transcript

00:00The highs and lows of the beautiful game. It's been a turbulent 12 months for National League Northside, Farsley Celtic,

00:07but they've recently received a good news boost as their beloved ground is to become an Asset of Community Value, or ACV for short.

00:15An ACV listing means community groups have the right to raise funds to bid for assets if they're put up for sale.

00:22Farsley Celtic FC have been playing home games almost 70 miles away in Buxton in Derbyshire this season,

00:28after delays installing a 4G pitch.

00:31In February, the club said it was facing a battle to get through the rest of the season,

00:35and launched a crowdfunding campaign following the departure of their chairman.

00:39The supporters' club chairman has said in a statement that the team are keen to safeguard the ground,

00:44and has highlighted the many teams which benefit from the site, including junior teams, a ladies team and a deaf team.

00:51A council report said the clubhouse was being used for regular social events,

00:55including as a meeting place for a local choir and a warm space for the elderly in winter.

01:01The report added that the club has been used by generations of families and continues to do so,

01:06and if it was lost it would leave a large hole within the community.

01:10The club also provides structured activity for young people that helps to prevent antisocial behaviour in the area.

01:17The ACV status means the owner is prevented from selling the land for a six-month period,

01:22while any group comes up with a bid to buy the asset.

01:25Fasley Celtic FC are required to meet ground grading requirements,

01:29with an end-of-the-month deadline approaching.

01:32The team are hoping to get as many supporters and community members to help out at the Citadel.

01:38The club have been heartened by the level of support not just locally,

01:42but from football supporters across the country.