HOWDEN CLOUGH FC

EXCELLENCE IN
GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL
SINCE 1975

Welcome to Howden Clough FC – a proud grassroots football club based in Birstall, West Yorkshire. We’re dedicated to developing young talent and fostering a lifelong love for the game.

From our junior teams to our senior squads competing in the West Yorkshire Association Football League, we offer inclusive, community-driven football for all ages and abilities.

Explore our teams, fixtures, and club news – and join us in building the future of local football.​

Hcfc Logo
Ljf 9360

THE CLUB

Established in 1975, Howden Clough Football Club is a FA Charter Standard Community Grassroots Football Club, firmly rooted in the Birstall and Batley community. 

Our foundation is built on a commitment to excellence in grassroots football, serving as a central hub for players and enthusiasts from all walks of life. With a membership of approximately 400 registered players, ranging from 4 years old to open age groups, we represent a diverse and dynamic spectrum of talent and passion for the sport.

The club operates with a high level of professionalism and dedication, supported by a broad network of volunteers. This includes a comprehensive team structure from the Club Committee to on-ground roles such as Coaches, Referees, and Child Welfare Officers, alongside crucial support functions like Event Organisers, Training Coordinators, and Fundraisers. This collective effort is pivotal in maintaining and advancing our status as one of the region's most respected junior football clubs.

Trophy And Net

Howden Clough Football Club is committed to fostering a competitive yet supportive atmosphere, where the spirit of the game thrives. We are dedicated to not just playing football, but promoting the values it teaches: teamwork, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence. 

As we look to the future, our vision remains clear—to be a beacon of community and sporting excellence, where talent is nurtured, and success is celebrated.

TRAINING

Training sessions and matches take place on premier facilities, including the Astroturf and grass pitches behind Batley Sports and Tennis Centre and Batley Girls High School.

These venues are more than just playing fields; they are where skills are refined, strategies are developed, and team spirit is bolstered.

Welfare Coaches

SAFETY

Safety and professional development are paramount at Howden Clough. Our coaching staff undergo rigorous DBS checks and safeguard training, ensuring a secure environment for all members.

Each age group is guaranteed to have access to at least one FA qualified coach, providing specialised training and support.

Our approach to player development is comprehensive, focusing on technical skills, mental toughness, and the physical well-being of our players.

Safety

FAQs

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PLAY FOR HOWDEN CLOUGH?

Player subs for Howden Clough include a £25 registration fee for all players, followed by seven monthly payments of £20.

This helps cover essential costs such as player insurance, team registration with the FA and relevant leagues, equipment, and pitch bookings for both training and matches.

Players who only wish to train still pay the £25 registration fee but then pay a reduced rate of £5 a month for 7 months.

Our U6s pay £3 per session to contribute towards the cost of sports hall hire, as they only train—league matches are unavailable until the U7 age group.

Prompt payment is appreciated as it helps keep the club running smoothly and financially sustainable throughout the season.

WHAT DOES THE PLAYER REGISTRATION FEE COVER?

This covers lots of things, including the player registration fee, league registration fee, continual training for the coaches and volunteers, purchase of new equipment (footballs, nets, goal posts, bibs, cones etc), insurance costs, hire of astroturf pitches and sports halls and much, much, more.

IF I HAVE WELFARE OR SAFETY CONCERNS, WHO SHOULD I SPEAK TO?

Howden Clough FC has Welfare Officers who are responsible for the welfare and safety of all players.  If you have any concerns, please speak with our welfare officers at the earliest possible opportunity. They will act in confidence and impartially in all instances and will look into concerns raised, and try to resolve situations as soon as possible.  The Welfare Officers are shown on the About Us Page who form part of the club committee.

HOW OLD DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE TO JOIN HOWDEN CLOUGH FC?

Howden Clough FC has age groups from Under-6 right through to open age.  Under-6 juniors have players from as young as 4 years old (school reception age). 

WHERE DO HOWDEN CLOUGH FC TRAIN AND PLAY MATCHES?

Our Under 6’s train and have fun in the Batley Sports & Tennis Centre Sports hall. 

Age groups from Under 7 upwards train and play on the Astroturf and grass football fields at the rear of Batley Girls High School and Batley Sports and Tennis Centre.  Away games are played around the West-Riding region.

WHAT CHECKS ARE DONE ON COACHES AT HOWDEN CLOUGH FC?

All Howden Clough coaches require DBS checks and undertake Safe Guarding Training and Emergency First Aid training as a minimum. 

Our coaches undertake FA Coach training to assist with the development of the coaches, players and club. 

This is all funded by Howden Clough Football Club. We have Welfare Officers who undertake specific welfare training.

As a Charter Standard club, it is a requirement to have all of this in place at all times.

CAN I VOLENTEER WITH THE CLUB?

We are always keen for volunteers in any capacity.  You can speak with your age group coaches who may be able to get you involved specifically with the age group, alternatively, you can contact the Club Committee via the Contact Us page on the website who will be happy to discuss ways in which volunteers can help with the overall running of the club.

WHERE CAN I SEE FIXTURES AND RESULTS?

The Age Group coach can provide this for you.  Alternatively, you can visit the Huddersfield League full-time page - league.thefa.com for access to league results & fixtures.

WILL THE NEW SIN-BIN RULES AFFECT MY CHILDS TEAM?

Yes, further to the FA’s Respect campaign and following successful trial runs, from the start of the 2019-2020 football season Temporary Dismissals (Sin Bins) will come into effect for dissent offences.

90-minute games will have a 10-minute sin bin, and all other matches will have an 8-minute sin bin.

This will apply to active players on the pitch, and not substitutes and coaching staff. For further information please visit www.westridngfa.com/referees/temporary-dismissals.

DROP US A MESSAGE