POOL AFC are getting ready for the forthcoming season with the club boasting a number of new teams at different levels.

The club's first team will be looking to build on a fourth-from-bottom finish in West Yorkshire League Division One last season. They finished on 31 points with nine wins from their 30 games.

Their new season begins on Saturday, August 10, with a trip to Aberford Albion. This is the first of seven matches during the club's busy first month of the season.

They had new management in place for their first team late last season, intending to continue their success into the coming season.

They will also be looking to make it a hat-trick of silverware wins this season.

Pool retained their trophy when they beat Ilkley Town on penalties in the Wharfedale FA Challenge Cup final at Nethermoor, home of Guiseley.

After the match ended 1-1 following extra-time, Pool scored four to Ilkley's two in the penalty shoot-out.

Meanwhile, the club has started up a new Under-21 academy team which will be playing midweek. This will be a great stepping stone from junior to senior football allowing the players to be also available for the senior squads in the West Yorkshire League on Saturdays.

Club officials say this blend of experience and youth in the senior set-up can only strengthen their squads.

There was further success for the club with a league and cup double for the u17s team.

The reserves also have a new manager, but help is required either as an assistant or to take the position, Pool say the current incumbent more than happy to help any change over.

Anyone interested in this role which sees Pool bring their youth players into the senior set up can contact any club official.

They have also been holding twice weekly training sessions during pre-season and plenty of friendly matches.

Meanwhile, Pool's extensive junior section goes from strength to strength. A u16s team has been added this season, resulting in a strong boys junior section ranging from u8s to u16s playing league football.

As ever, the u6s/u7s continue to thrive and will be training most Saturdays mornings along with playing friendlies and tournaments.

It is great to also see the club's junior girls section thriving. They are thrilled to have an u11s girls team playing in the Harrogate League along with younger girls age groups playing friendlies and tournaments.

Pool AFC's fixtures for August: First team: 10: Aberford Albion (away) 2.30pm kick-off; 14: Salts (home) 6.30pm; 17: Kippax (A) 2.30pm; 21: Campion Reserves (A) 7.30pm; 24: East End Park (H) 2.30pm; 28: Otley Town (H) 6.30pm; 31: Athletic (A) 2.30pm.

Second team: 12: Ilkley Town Reserves (A) 6.30pm; 17: Howden Clough Res (H) 2.30pm; 19: Old Centralians (A) 6.30pm; 31: Kirk Deighton Rangers (H) 2.30pm.