Guiseley Association Football Club is an English semi‑professional football club based in Guiseley, a suburb of Leeds in West Yorkshire. Founded in 1909, the club currently competes in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the seventh tier of the English football league system, and plays its home matches at Nethermoor Park, which has a capacity of approximately 4,000 spectators.
History
- Early years (1909–1930s): The club began in the Wharfedale League, winning the league title in 1912–13. After World War I, Guiseley moved to the Leeds League and later, in 1924, joined the West Riding County Amateur League, securing three consecutive league championships between 1932–33 and 1934–35, and additional titles in 1938–39.
- Mid‑century (1950s–1970s): Following a reorganisation of the West Riding County Amateur League in 1953, Guiseley played in Section A, achieving runners‑up in 1954–55 and winning the division in 1955–56. The club returned to the Leeds (later West Yorkshire) League in 1960, winning Division One in its first season and again in 1964–65. In 1968 the team entered Division Two of the Yorkshire League, gaining promotion to Division One by the mid‑1970s.
- Northern Counties East League (1980s–1990s): In 1981 the Yorkshire and Midland Leagues merged to form the Northern Counties East League (NCEL), with Guiseley placed in its Premier Division. The club reached the FA Vase semi‑final in 1989–90 and won the FA Vase in 1990–91, defeating Gresley Rovers after a replay at Wembley. That season also saw Guiseley capture the NCEL Premier Division title, earning promotion to the Northern Premier League (NPL) Division One.
- Northern Premier League and Conference (1990s–2000s): Guiseley won the NPL Division One in 1993–94, moving up to the Premier Division, and made several FA Cup first‑round appearances. In 2008–09 the club won the NPL Challenge Cup and finished fourth in the Premier Division, qualifying for promotion play‑offs. The following season they won the NPL Premier Division, securing promotion to the Conference North (now National League North).
- National League era (2010s): Guiseley consistently reached the play‑offs, achieving promotion to the National League (formerly Conference National) in 2014–15 after winning the play‑off final against Chorley. The club reached the FA Cup second round for the first time in 2017–18, losing to Mansfield Town, and repeated this feat in 2018–19 after beating Cambridge United. Relegation from the National League in 2017–18 returned them to the National League North, and a further relegation in 2021–22 placed them back in the NPL Premier Division.
Stadium
Nethermoor Park has been Guiseley’s home ground since the club’s inception. The ground features a main stand, covered terracing, and an overall capacity of around 4,000, including approximately 400 seated places.
Colours and Crest
The club’s traditional home colours are red shirts, black shorts, and red socks. The away kit traditionally incorporates white or yellow elements. The club crest displays a lion, reflecting the nickname “The Lions”.
Management and Ownership
As of the 2025–26 season, the club’s chairman is Gary Douglas and the first‑team manager is Ian Richards. The club is owned and operated as a community‑focused organization, emphasizing family‑friendly attendance and local engagement.
Honours (selected)
- FA Vase winners: 1990–91
- Northern Counties East League Premier Division champions: 1990–91
- Northern Premier League Premier Division champions: 2009–10, 2014–15 (play‑off promotion)
- Northern Premier League Challenge Cup winners: 2008–09
Guiseley A.F.C. continues to compete in the English non‑league system, maintaining a reputation for cup performances and a strong connection to its West Yorkshire community.
