More Net Results

Published: August 2009

Proof that grass roots sports sponsorship can lead to dramatic success comes in the form of Bradford Sunday Alliance League Premier Division heroes, Relay Recruitment Rovers, whose achievements led to it being asked to host Guiseley AFC in a pre-season friendly recently, at its new Myra Shay pitch.

The team was saved from oblivion six years ago, when Relay stepped in as sponsor, mentor and kit and equipment provider under its Fit For Business programme.  The recently formed team had just started training, but its initial backer pulled out due to financial pressures.
 
Since then, though, it has risen through the Alliance League divisions, winning promotion as champions five times in five years and ending the 2008/09 season, its first in the Premiership, in third place.  If was also presented with the Fair Play Award 2008/09, by referees.
 
They give points following each game, taking into consideration; attitude towards the opposition and match officials; how teams conduct themselves before, during and after matches; how they react to negativity from opposing teams; and how they respect the laws of the game and the League's rules.
 

The Relay Recruitment Rovers squad and coaching staff before the Guiseley match

Manager, Shamshir Shah said: "I am very proud of this award, because we have worked hard to ensure that we show respect and discipline at all times - even when things are not going our way.  It also proves something I have always believed; that a team can be successful by playing fair and having a good attitude.
 
"It is something that has rubbed off from Relay, and it was the company and its managing director, Steven Street, who encouraged us always to project a professional image.  This is vital as the team exists to encourage youngsters into the game and promote community cohesion - and it is unlikely that we could have achieved what we have without the assistance of the Fit For Business scheme."
 
The Guiseley friendly was played on Sunday 9th August.  For the record, Relay Recruitment Rovers lost 2-3, but so impressed were the visitors with the spirit and sportsmanship of the Alliance League team that they have asked if the match can become a permanent annual fixture - with the next contest to be held at Nethermoor.

Match Report

This fantastic contest, played in a fiercely competitive but truly sporting atmosphere, was end-to-end throughout and finished Relay 2 - Guiseley 3.
 
Relay led for much of the first half, but it ended 1-1 after Guiseley scored in the last minute.

Guiseley counters a Relay Recruitment Rovers offensive

The second half was just as fast paced, with Guiseley scoring first to take a 1-2 lead.  Relay replied mid-way through the session to level it, but the visitors recovered ten minutes from time to make it 2-3 - holding on valiantly for the win against repeated attacking waves from the home side.

A brilliant game, enjoyed by all players, officials and supporters; so much so that Guiseley's management said that, because of the quality of football and hospitality shown by Relay Recruitment Rovers, they would like to make it a permanent annual fixture - played at Nethermoor next year.
 
The referee was Paul Bennet and referee's assistants were Liam Thornton and Tariq Ali.