The District Association (cont)
On the 22nd February, 1907 The Association called a special meeting to propose investment of funds in a company for promoting a ground, this led to the formation of an offshoot of the F.A. called the Huddersfield Association Football Ground Company Ltd., the express purpose of which was to purchase a ground for important matches. Discussions took place to acquire the Old Technical College ground along Leeds Road and these were completed in January 1908 in time for the Invitation Challenge Cup semi-finals to be played there. Thus did 'Leeds Road Ground' come into existence.
The formation of Huddersfield Town A.F.C. Ltd in August 1908 was a direct result of the efforts of the local F.A. The first board of Directors of the newly formed club numbered seven and included the Association President, five Vice-Presidents, with the Association Secretary as Hon. Secretary of the club.
So much for the introduction of football to Huddersfield, from 1909 onwards the Association has played a major role in consolidating soccer football in Huddersfield and its surrounding area. Support has been given to establishment of Leagues and competitions over the years and today it can boast upwards of four hundred clubs playing open age and junior football on Saturday's and Sundays in the various affiliated leagues. There have been tremendous changes over the last 100 years, indeed Sunday football and a Woman's League would no doubt have some of our founding fathers turning in their graves, but through it all the Association has moved with the times to ensure that its primary function - to oversee the provision of a healthy, active sport for the boys, girls, young men and women of Huddersfield is run for the benefit of all. A worthy objective of which it can feel justifiably proud of its achievements over the past years.
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