Locating Gargrave AFC training sessions – 3 things to know before you turn up

Gargrave AFC teams train on weekday evenings at the club's home ground, with sessions split by age group and squad. You'll find the first team and older youth sides training under floodlights during autumn and winter, while younger age groups tend to meet straight after school. The rest of this guide covers where to go, when each group trains, and what to bring if you're thinking of joining in or watching from the sidelines. For more on becoming part of the squad, visit Gargrave AFC or read our article on joining Gargrave AFC as a player.

Getting to the training ground

All Gargrave AFC training takes place at the same pitch used for home matches. The ground sits just off the main road through the village, with a small car park beside the clubhouse. If you're walking from the centre, head towards the recreation ground and you'll spot the floodlights. Parking fills quickly on evenings when multiple age groups train, so arriving a few minutes early helps. Changing rooms are open from half an hour before the first session starts.

The postcode gets you close, but the entrance is easy to miss in the dark. Look for the metal gate with the club sign – it's between the primary school and the allotments. On foot, the walk from the village centre takes around ten minutes.

Working out which session suits your age group

Youth teams train according to school year, with the youngest starting at under-sevens. Each group has its own evening slot to avoid clashes on the pitch. The first team and reserves share a later session, typically kicking off once the youth groups have finished. Sessions run throughout the season, with a short break over the summer when the squad moves to friendlies and pre-season fitness work.

Times shift slightly at the start and end of the season to make the most of daylight. The club sends updated schedules to registered players at the beginning of each term. If you're new and want to confirm the current timetable, the contact details on our volunteering page will put you in touch with the right coach.

Adjustments during the school holidays

Training continues through half-term and most holidays, but some age groups combine sessions or move to weekend mornings. The club posts any changes on social media a week in advance. Youth players are expected to let their coach know if they can't make a session, especially during tournament build-up.

Preparing for your first session

Turn up with boots, shin pads and a water bottle. The club provides training bibs, and goalkeepers can borrow gloves if they don't have their own yet. Younger players should bring a coat for the walk to and from the pitch, as the weather turns quickly once the sun drops.

New players are welcome to join any session for a trial before committing. Speak to the coach at the start of the evening – they'll introduce you to the group and explain the format. Most sessions begin with a warm-up, move into drills and small-sided games, then finish with a short cool-down. Coaches keep an eye on fitness levels and adjust the intensity for anyone returning from injury or joining mid-season.

Following the process to join a training group

1. Check the age group that matches your school year or playing level.
2. Contact the club using the email address on the homepage to confirm which evening that group trains.
3. Attend one session as a trial – no registration needed for the first visit.
4. If you want to continue, complete the registration form and return it before the next session.
5. Pay the termly subscription, which covers coaching, pitch hire and insurance.

Registration forms are available from the coach or can be printed from the club's social media pages. The club asks for emergency contact details and any medical information that might affect training. Once registered, you're added to the squad list and invited to matches as well as training.

Watching from the sidelines

Parents and supporters are welcome to watch training from the touchline. The clubhouse stays open on training nights, with tea and coffee available. Spectators are asked to keep back from the pitch edge to give players and coaches space to work. On cold evenings, the clubhouse provides shelter between sessions if you're waiting for more than one child.

Photography is allowed for personal use, but the club asks that you avoid posting images of other people's children on social media without permission. Coaches sometimes film drills to review technique with the squad – if you'd rather your child wasn't included, mention it at the start of the season.

What happens when the weather turns

Sessions go ahead in light rain, but heavy downpours or frozen ground can lead to cancellations. The club posts updates on social media by early afternoon on the day of training. If in doubt, check before you leave home. Cancelled sessions aren't usually rescheduled, as the calendar is already tight with league fixtures and cup matches.

Staying involved beyond match day

Training is one part of staying connected to Gargrave AFC. The club also runs social events, fundraising evenings and volunteer days throughout the year. Many players and their families help with pitch maintenance, kit washing and matchday duties. For more on how to contribute, see our guide on volunteering at Gargrave AFC.

Good to know: the club's youth section depends on parent volunteers to keep sessions running smoothly. If you have an hour to spare on a training night, the coaches will find a role that suits – whether that's setting up cones, organising small-sided games or simply keeping an eye on kit bags in the changing rooms.

#Training #Youth teams #Fixtures #Facilities

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