BAY Athletic are on the move – and the Huddersfield club are hoping it will lead to a climb up the non-league football ladder.
Town’s redevelopment of Canalside means they will leave the Leeds Road complex at the end of this season.
Bay, who play in the West Riding County Amateur League but want to move up into the Northern Counties East, are currently exploring a number of options.
And it’s believed the new North Field Hall community facility, on the site which was once the home of now-defunct District League top dogs Brackenhall United, is the preferred option.
Bay, hugely successful in recent seasons, have looked into the possibility of ground-sharing, but are keen to put down roots at a home of their own.
Both the County Amateur and Northern Counties East League have strict ground criteria, limiting the venues which are suitable.
Town’s training-ground project, which includes the installation of a 3G artificial pitch, means capacity at Canalside is limited.
Bay chairman Martyn Byrne confirmed: “We have a number of irons in the fire, and the intention is to move to a ground in Huddersfield which will give us the ability to move up into the Northern Counties East League.
“We believe there is more than enough talent in the town to field a successful side at that level, and we want to be the club that progresses.”
AFC Emley play in the NCEL First Division, while Bradford side Albion Sports moved up from the County Amateur last year.
Bay, managed by Richard Spychalksi, won the County Amateur Premier Division for a record-breaking fourth season running last year, but Halifax club Ovenden WR are set to break their grip on the title.
However the Huddersfield side won the Northern Counties Cup on Saturday, beating Cheshire side Ashville 1-0, and aim to retain the Huddersfield FA Challenge Cup by beating Lepton Highlanders at the Galpharm tonight.
Spychalski’s side are also through to the semi-finals of the County Amateur League Premier Division Cup.
They take on Littletown at Lower Hopton on Monday (6.30).
