While football clubs to most fans, rivals, and outsiders are judged purely for what level they play at and how they perform on the pitch, that simply isn’t the full story and certainly doesn’t define success. It’s the side of the game either side of 90 minutes at a weekend that make the difference, with tireless work off the pitch in building a stronger fanbase, forming an identity, and connecting with those in the community. Sky Bet League Two and North Yorkshire side, Harrogate Town are a prime example of a club in the EFL who have fostered a clear community spirit and formed a connection with those who are ‘Proud to be Town’. From behind-the-scenes work of youth development to charity events and sponsorships, uniting people has been a clear goal of the club and has created a positive, more connected Harrogate.
In recent years, The Sulphurites have been recognised for their work picking up many awards such as being voted National League Community Club of the Year in 2020 recognising the club’s impact on schools in the local area to get children involved in sport and making football accessible to everyone. Since then, Harrogate Town have gained an outstanding reputation with its fans and fellow EFL sides by achieving a silver rating in the Family Excellence Award for last season after investing heavily in stadium facilities and being dedicated to provide the best possible matchday experience, ranking them sixth out of 24 League Two clubs. However, it’s not just the club itself receiving the plaudits with year-on-year Harrogate Town becoming a well-established EFL team wouldn’t be possible without the guidance of CEO Sarah Barry who was named Sky Bet League Two CEO of the year in 2023 being praised for “creating a commercial and operational team which is one of the best in League Two… and has laid the platform for a very successful community programme.” Via the Harrogate Town website. So, a year on from those awards, here’s what all those involved at Harrogate Town have got up to in the community this season.
Harrogate Town Player Development Centre (PDC)
One key area that Harrogate Town have shed more focus on this year is the Player Development Centre which since 2014, has been dedicated to bringing up young talent in the local area through their ranks. The PDC offers high quality coaching from experienced professionals as well as past and present players like goalkeeper James Belshaw who has been a key figure in allowing the young players to get a top-tier football education whether that’s to progress as high as they can, or to simply enjoy themselves and have fun. Having teams running all the way through from U9’s to U16’s as well as two training locations at Rossett Sports Centre and St. John Fisher has allowed the club to build a real sense of community with almost 300 boys and girls currently in the training programme this season. Lead PDC coach Ryan Smith outlined his and his coaching team’s goals by saying: “We want to foster a lifelong love of football and the club at the PDC for our players, boys and girls, who attend our sessions… it is our responsibility as a club to take pride in our coaching sessions and maximise their talents.”
This season has also seen much development for the girls’ PDC after first being launched in 2020, the increased popularity in the women’s game due to the Lionesses success and in particular England forward, Rachel Daly who grew up in Harrogate herself has been a huge inspiration, showing that they can follow in her footsteps and has led to a positive demand in young girls wanting to get involved in football, hence, the club choosing to introduce an extra training session on a Tuesday for U11’s,U12’s and, U13’s. Kate Donnan, Harrogate Town Women First Team Manger said, “We continue to work toward strengthening the girls’ and women’s pathway… and are hopeful this will continue to increase the number of players progressing through the age categories and reaching first team football with us.” By offering the same opportunities to girls who want to play for the love of the game just like young boys do, Harrogate Town continue to actively show their commitment to all teams and age groups equally.
International Women’s Day
The promotion of the women’s game at Harrogate Town has taken substantial strides over the course of this season, firstly with the improved academy system but away from football too with the club celebrating International Women’s Day to shed light on gender equality and the empowerment of women in sport.
To celebrate the day on the 8th March 2025, Harrogate Town supporters and the women in the wider community have been dedicated to highlight the achievements of women in the Town by participating in a year-long project called ‘Women Winning’, which includes a range of events such as a walking tour, talks from inspirational women in Harrogate including 101-year-old WWII veteran Shelia Pantin sharing her life story, and film screenings by the football club linking up with the Harrogate Film Society.
On the day itself, the club has organised a special matchday experience as the men’s first team take on bottom of the league Carlisle United at The Exercise Stadium. Female fans and those supporting the project are invited to have exclusive tours of the stadium, meet-and-greet with players, and participate in halftime entertainment, creating an inclusive atmosphere that will bring all women in the community together.
As part of the ‘Women Winning’ project, Harrogate Town partnering up with the Harrogate Film Society have put on a pre-launch event at the local Odeon cinema on 3rd March, screening the documentary ‘Copa ’71 The Forgotten Women’s World Cup’ which remembers the groundbreaking first Women’s World Cup held in Mexico in 1971, 20 years before the first official tournament. Barry and Donnan from Harrogate Town were there at the event to introduce the film and answer any questions, Donnan said in the lead up to the event, “By celebrating the history and achievements of women’s football by showcasing the film, we hope to inspire the next generation of female players and highlight the importance of equality in sport… It’s essential that young girls see the possibilities that lie ahead of them.”
EFL Rainbow Ball Campaign
On the theme of diversity and promoting unrepresented people in football, for the second year running, The EFL Rainbow Ball campaign in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community is an initiative aimed at promoting diversity, inclusion, and equality. After donating over £16,000 last year to a LGBTQ+ Fans for Diversity Fund and supporter groups, The EFL seeks to remind people that ‘football is for everyone, everywhere.’
Harrogate Town has taken the campaign into the local community by partnering with schools and community groups to deliver educational workshops with the aim of creating a lasting impact by encouraging young people to embrace and celebrate differences.
The players and club have played a crucial role in the campaign’s success by wearing rainbow-colored armbands and having rainbow coloured corner flags, demonstrating their support for the cause. By embracing the campaign’s message and actively engaging with the community, Harrogate Town has made a significant impact in the fight for diversity and acceptance in football.
Harrogate Army College Foundation
On 9th November 2024, Harrogate Town welcomed the Army Foundation College based in Harrogate as special guests for their fixture against Morecambe in which they were on the receiving end of a 2-1 defeat following a 96th minute winner from Harvey Macadam. Aside from the football, the connection between the football club and the College has allowed the Town to bring together their community and whilst also promoting the wider message of remembering those fallen war soldiers as part of Remembrance Sunday. The day itself was marked by the traditional laying of wreaths, rendition of The Last Post, and a minute’s silence prior to the game, giving the recruits the chance to develop team-building skills whilst also enjoying a day out at the football. As for Harrogate Town’s role, they continue to focus on creating positive experiences for all on a matchday, and bring together different elements of the North Yorkshire Town.
In the build up to kick-off a group of the soldiers from the College had the role of being flag bearers, holding the flags and leading the teams onto the field. Being a flag bearer is historically seen as a gesture of pride and honour, so by Harrogate Town giving them the responsibility was a significant moment which allowed them to represent the College whilst also contributing to the atmosphere on the day. Speaking to the young soldier in the image above, he said, “It’s a really special day for the College… having the opportunity to be a part of the matchday by being a flag bearer today was a real privilege. It was my first time watching Harrogate Town, so it’s been a fun experience while remembering those who sacrificed before us at the same time.”
Support of Local Charities and Initiatives
Another way in which Harrogate Town have kept close ties with the community this season has been by using their platform on social media and loyal support on matchdays to support local causes by the players wearing pre-match warm up t-shirts that raise awareness for charities and initiatives. The club throughout the season have been committed to giving back to their community and support those in need like The Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Unite For Access for disabled sports fans, and the NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression. It’s been a powerful way for Harrogate to show their solidarity in making a positive impact beyond just football and reinforces what it means being ‘Proud to be Town.’
Media manager at the club Hal Boxhall said, “It’s important to us as a club to highlight these causes on our socials as it’s where we can highlight the causes to our audience, and take this further by using hashtags to reach other fanbases so they can like, share, and repost… We’re in the privileged position by having thousands of followers to use our voice… seeing the positive response from people online is what makes our support worthwhile.”
Harrogate Town throughout this season have shown their fans, locals in the Harrogate area and all those involved with the club truly what it means to be ‘Proud to be Town.’ Although what happens on the pitch may be every club’s main objective and key to success, Harrogate Town have had a lasting impact on its community for many seasons now. From nurturing their young talent through the ranks via the PDC, to shedding light on the fantastic work of charities in the North Yorkshire area, one of the key aims has been to make a positive difference to many lives in Harrogate, whether that’s getting people involved in sport on a small scale or helping to promote raising money for life-saving causes.
The club’s efforts to promote the message of inclusivity and diversity has been an area of their community engagement that has allowed the club to build a real family-like atmosphere on matchdays. At the 2023 Football Business Awards, Barry said, “To put Harrogate Town on the map when we are one of the smallest clubs in the league proves you don’t have to be the biggest to be the best.” With events such as The EFL Rainbow Ball campaign and the celebration of International Women’s Day, everyone is welcome at Harrogate Town and has shown that football is more than a game. As the club continues grow their fanbase year on year, the close connection with their local community has allowed everyone to feel a part of the club which has embodied what it means to be ‘Proud to be Town.’
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