Campion are gearing up to join the ranks of the semi-professional clubs on the non-league ladder and are pushing through their plans.

They have proved their potential on the pitch and have taken steps over recent years to upgrade their facilities.

They play at Scotchman Road in Manningham Mills and finished third in the West Riding County Amateur League Premier Division last season.

They have seen Brighouse Town, who still have a reserve side in the Premier Division, and Silsden make the move up in recent seasons. Now Campion are focused on joining their neighbours in the higher leagues.

Campion secretary David Keegan explained: "We are in talks with the West Riding County FA about the possibility of gaining a grant for floodlights at our ground. We will need those to be considered for the NCE League.

"Also, our stand blew down and although it was insured, we have not had promising discussions about having it rebuilt. Our club sponsors Upright Scaffolding are doing what they can to help.

"Once we get the ground up to standard we think we have a squad strong enough to make the step up. Brighouse have a team in our league and we beat them last season, even though they had five or six first-team players in their side.

"Silsden are another club that inspire us and we have always given them a good game in pre-season friendlies, which have been regular over the past few seasons.

"We have won the County Cup several times and been in the top three or four in the league, so we have good playing personnel.

"But what usually happens is that when a club does progress to the non-league ladder, they attract both experienced and promising players. So if that happens then there might be a few additions of quality."

The only thing yet to fall into place with Campion's master plan is the time scale. They are keen and ready to make the step up but are waiting on circumstances out of their control.

Keegan said: "Personally, I feel next season is probably just too soon and that may see Albion Sports just beating us to it. But you never know and we never rule anything out until we know it is impossible.

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