Club History
The Early Years
Garforth Town Football Club were originally formed in 1964 as the Miners Arms, a local pub team. Formative years were spent in the Elmet Sunday League and then the Leeds Sunday Combination League in 1972. Having no ground of their own, matches had to be played on a council pitch in nearby Swillington. Following several years of success, the club stepped up into Saturday Football and joined the West Yorkshire League, acquiring their own ground at Brierlands Lane by transforming a former council rubbish tip.
In 1977 Garforth made an application to join the Yorkshire League — advised that pub teams were ineligible, they changed their name to Garforth Miners. At the start of the 1981/82 season they became founder members of the Northern Counties East League. In 1985 came the name change to the present one of Garforth Town.
The NCEL Years
The 1986/87 season saw Town produce their best ever Cup run, reaching the Quarter Final of the FA Vase. In 1991 the clubhouse was erected at Brierlands Lane; floodlights followed in 1995. Dave Parker was appointed manager in 1994, starting the club's most successful period.
The 1996/97 season brought a Division One runners-up spot and the Wilkinson Sword Trophy. In 1997/98 Town won the Division One Championship 18 points clear — their first ever major League victory — completing the double with the West Riding County Cup. For 1998/99 Town moved into a brand new purpose-built stadium, Wheatley Park.
Step 4 and Beyond
Simon Clifford took over as owner and guided the club to Step Four of the National League System for the first time — a period that also saw former Brazilian International Socrates and ex-Manchester United player Lee Sharpe pull on a Garforth shirt.
Town reached their highest league finish of 5th in 2011/12 before a difficult period led to relegation in 2012/13 and a change of ownership in 2013. The club was rebuilt under UEFA A-licence coach Graham Nicholas, and stability was restored.
Today
Under the chairmanship of Andy Hey, Garforth Town is competing at Step 4 in the Northern Premier League East Division. With a 25-year lease secured on the Bannister Prentice Stadium, growing attendances and ambitious plans, the club is building something lasting for the community.
Your Visit
Welcome
We hope you enjoy your visit to Garforth Town. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, family-friendly club. We are also dog-friendly — please keep dogs on a lead at all times.
Garforth Town play in the Northern Premier League East Division. Games usually take place on Saturdays (3pm) and Tuesdays (7.45pm). We also take part in the Emirates FA Cup and the Isuzu FA Trophy.
Getting In
You do not need to buy a ticket in advance — admission is by cash or card at the turnstile on the day. Entry is through the turnstile on the right as you approach the ground.
Food and Drink
Ralph's kiosk serves hot and cold food and drinks inside the ground (through the turnstile, turn left). The Tudor Sales and Lettings clubhouse and bar is outside the ground on the left, open from 1pm.
Watching the Game
There is no segregation — you can sit or stand and move around where you want. We will not tolerate discrimination or hate speech. If you feel uncomfortable by someone else's behaviour, please let a steward or staff member know.
For match day enquiries please use the contact form on the website.
Pay on the Day
Admission is pay on the day — no need to buy match tickets in advance. You can pay by cash or card. Please arrive at least half an hour before kick-off to avoid delays at the turnstile.
2026/27 Match Day Prices
Adults: £10
Concessions: £7
Under 16s: £3
Under 3s: FREE
Season Tickets
Season tickets cover all 20 home league games (cup games not included).
Adults: 165
Concessions: 99
Under 16s: 40
Family (2 adults + 2 under 16s): 305
Season tickets are available from the online club shop.
Ejection Policy
The club kindly asks visitors to follow our rules and regulations to keep players, staff and spectators safe. You may be asked to leave the ground if you:
Enter the ground without paying
Enter the pitch before, during or after a game
Use abusive language or violence
Throw anything onto the pitch
General Rules
No personal footballs allowed
No drums allowed
No politically motivated flags to be shown
No stickers on club property
Car Parks
There are two public car parks at the Bannister Prentice Stadium — just before and just behind the ground. Parking is also available on Brierlands Lane approaching the ground; please park on the side nearest the playing field.
Please respect our neighbours — do not park in the estate or block anyone's driveway.
Overflow Parking
Additional parking is available at the local industrial estate off Isabella Road (LS25 2DY in your satnav). It is a couple of minutes walk from the ground and is signposted at the estate entrance. Stewards will be on hand to help direct you.
Coach parking is available in front of the club. Blue badge holders — please contact the club in advance.
By Public Transport
The nearest bus stop is on Aberford Road (Arriva 164, stop: Aberford Road, Brierlands Close). Garforth Railway Station is a mile away, with a taxi office at the station. If you can get here without a car, that is a big help to us and the neighbours.
Club Honours
National Cups
FA Vase Quarter Finalists 1986-87
Northern Counties East League
NCEL Division 1 Champions 1997-98
NCEL Division 1 Runners-up 1996-97, 2004-05
NCEL Division 2 Runners-up 1985-86
NCEL League Cup Winners 1999-00
NCEL League Cup Runners-up 2006-07
NCEL Presidents Cup Runners-up 1998-99
Other Honours
Wilkinson Sword Trophy Winners 1996-97
Wilkinson Sword Trophy Runners-up 2003-04
Yorkshire League Division 3 Runners-up 1979-80
West Riding County Cup Winners 1997-98, 1999-00, 2008-09, 2009-10
Room Hire
The Bannister Prentice Stadium is available to hire for private events, celebrations and corporate use — with the unique backdrop of a real football club.
Availability
The venue is available for daytime and evening bookings throughout the week, subject to the match fixture schedule. We recommend getting in touch early to secure your preferred date.
Pricing
Evening bookings are subject to a minimum spend of £250. A decoration access fee of £50 allows entry one hour before your event start time, giving you time to set up before guests arrive.
What’s Included
Use of the function space, bar facilities, tables and chairs, and on-site car parking. Our team will work with you to ensure the room is set up to suit your occasion.
Please Note
We are unable to accommodate under-21 parties. All bookings are subject to availability and approval.
Get in Touch
To check availability or request a quote, use the contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Company Information
Legal Details
Legal name: Garforth Town AFC Limited
Company Registration No: 09065442
VAT Registration: GB447 3957 54
Registered Address
Bannister Prentice Stadium, Cedar Ridge, Garforth, LS25 2PF
Status
An FA Charter Standard Club. A company limited by shares. Owned by Andy Hey (50%) and Craig Bannister (50%)