NCEL Premier Division newcomers Athersley Recreation have announced that they have secured a substantial investment over the next two years.

Wakefield based companies Curve and CareFree have agreed to back the club in their bid to develop their ground, Sheerien Park, and help maintain their position as Barnsley's highest placed Non-League club.

Paul Rosser, Development Director of Curve, and Steven Rowbottom, Managing Director of CareFree, will take up director roles on the board of the club with immediate effect.

A statement from the Penguins said: "Their vast business knowledge and fresh ideas will help the club to move forward and help in the aim of securing the next stage of development at Sheerien Park which is the building of a new all-purpose changing rooms/clubhouse."

Founder member and manager Pete Goodlad believes, with the help from Paul and Steve and their appetite for the club to succeed, that "this is a new era for the club and what I have always worked hard for over the last 34 years. After last season's fantastic achievements by the players and staff, we can now look forward to progression both on and off the field."