Armthorpe Welfare have announced an official affiliation with Armthorpe Wolves Junior Football Club in a boost to football development within the village.

The move will see Armthorpe Wolves come under the Armthorpe Welfare umbrella to become Armthorpe Welfare Junior Football Club from next season with both entities being FA Charter Standard Development Clubs.

The link between the two clubs is the fruits of several months of work led by Armthorpe Welfare vice-chairperson Kirsty Wiffen and Armthorpe Wolves’ chairman Tony Walton.

An enthusiastic Kirsty said: "I can't begin to express how much the affiliation with Armthorpe Wolves means to not only both our clubs but importantly to the community of Armthorpe.

"After the pit closed, the heart of this village seemed lost, but Armthorpe has recovered and is now an ever growing and thriving village.

"Now, alongside Gaz Hirst and the Development Team, Paul Cook and the Under 18’s and now Tony and the new Armthorpe Welfare Junior Football club, we can offer sport for all the community, whether taking part or spectating.

"There are further plans to bring in other teams and offer football for all, whilst improving and adding to the facilities at all three grounds.

"I would like to wholeheartedly thank Steve Baskerville (chairman), Martin Turner (secretary) and Tony for all the background work in achieving our goal and cannot wait to start work on further developing this club and give the village something to be proud of.

"All we need now is to be able to play football again! Welcome to the family, Armthorpe Welfare Junior Football Club! I cannot wait to see you all in blue!"

Tony Walton added: "The agreement between ourselves and Armthorpe Welfare is great news for everyone involved in both clubs and I hope will make Armthorpe Welfare the heart of our community.

"We are blessed with some amazing coaches and volunteers at Armthorpe Wolves who devote many hours making the club a success, working very closely with both Shaw Wood Academy and Armthorpe Academy who have given us fantastic support.

"Working with Steve Baskerville and his team at Armthorpe Welfare can only make the whole club a force for years to come."

Formed in 2013 to provide affordable inclusive football, Armthorpe Wolves currently have eight registered Doncaster & District Junior teams from Under 7s through to Under 14s, along with a popular 'cubs' section and aim to add two additional teams every year.

2017 saw the Wolves set out to grow participation, especially in girls football, and also saw the addition of a walking football team which is still going strong, whilst this current year is due to see a new girls-only team added.

All of these teams will be known as Armthorpe Welfare Junior Football Club teams from 2021/22 as Armthorpe Welfare pushes forwards for a bright footballing future for the village of Armthorpe.

Picture shows from left to right: Kirsty Wiffen (Armthorpe Welfare), Andy Halliday, Tony Walton, Brad Walton, Oliver Conner (all Armthorpe Wolves).