Emley ahead of schedule as they prepare to take on Premier big boys
Emley AFC chairman Marcus Pound has outlined what is next for the club after admitting they are ahead of schedule following a plan put together when they were first promoted to the Northern Premier League.
The Pewits memorably clinched promotion to the NPL Premier Division with a penalty shoot-out success against Bradford (Park Avenue) in a play-off final played at a packed Fantastic Media Welfare Ground and now they are on with planning for next season at the higher level.
"This has been another season of real, tangible progress for Emley AFC – on and off the field,” said chairman Pound.
"We’ve competed at the top end again and secured promotion via the play-offs – in the most dramatic way possible backed by an incredible crowd.
"We’ve strengthened our identity and continued building a club that our people are proud to be part of and one that others increasingly look at with admiration or envy.
"The standards across the football side, the matchday experience and the way we operate off the pitch have all moved forward once more.
"That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of hard work, belief and a group of people who care deeply about where this club is going.
"Promotion to Step 3 was part of our current five-year plan – but we’ve delivered it ahead of schedule, in just two.”
Pound is now looking for bigger financial backing for the club so it can compete in the Premier and maybe challenge for promotion again in the near future.
He explained: “The cliché ‘stepping up a level brings new challenges’ is a huge understatement. With clubs like FC United and Bury among the teams we will face next season, little old Emley – a village of around 1,400 people – will be competing with some of the biggest names at this level. It will be David v Goliath more often than not.
"We want to compete but we also need to continue building in the right way so we now need more people alongside us.
"If you’re a business, now is the perfect time to get behind us. Promotion brings bigger opportunities – for the club and for our partners. We’re offering increased visibility, strong matchday audiences, growing engagement across our media channels and the chance to be part of a club with real momentum.
"Whether you’re looking to raise your profile locally, entertain clients through matchday hospitality, or align your brand with a growing, community-driven club, we can create a partnership that works for you. Just as importantly, your support directly helps us compete at the level we’ve just earned – on and off the pitch.”
To find out more about getting involved, contact [email protected]
The chairman outlined two improvements planned to enhance the matchday experience at the ground.
He added: “Feedback from our recent supporters survey has reinforced what was already clear to us and forms part of our plans. Our long-term ambition to improve and create a larger bar is at the heart of that and is steadily moving closer to fruition.
"In the short term, we want to move ahead with an upgrade to the PA system – one of the most consistent pieces of feedback we’ve received. To help fund this, we are relaunching our Sponsor a Seat scheme. For £50, supporters can have their name displayed on a recognition board in the stand, with funds going directly towards new speakers, improved coverage around the ground, and upgraded infrastructure.”