OTLIENSIANS Hockey Club received a major boost this week after agreeing a 2024/25 sponsorship deal with new leisure brand Back Nine Golf.

The sports club has grown quickly in the last two years and now has over 35 members. Next season’s new kit will carry the logo of Back Nine Golf, the indoor golf, interactive darts and pool venue which opened close to the centre of Otley on May 1.

Co-owner Oliver Firth explained why he and his business partner Mark Flanagan chose Otliensians as its first major sponsorship deal.

“Those running Otliensians have done an amazing job rebuilding the club in the last few years and you can see how proactive they are across the board,” said Firth.

“Otliensians is also a special name for lots of people in Otley. The club has been going more than 72 years and we want to support them. It is also a great way of getting our name out. The players have been to Back Nine Golf and had a great time and they will be great ambassadors for us.”

Otliensians play in Yorkshire Moor & Dale Division 2, having just missed out narrowly on promotion last season. The club in years past has had great success having worked their way into the Yorkshire Premier league and would like to build on growing the sport of hockey in the local town.

Club chair Sue Mott said: “As an established ladies hockey club from Otley, we are thrilled to have the support and sponsorship from Back Nine Golf. A new venture into Otley themselves, we hope that we can help and support each other to the benefit of Otley people.

“The fantastic venue will provide a great spot for our team socials and end of year awards ceremony. Sponsorship plays a significant part in running an amateur club, and keeping local teams playing sport has been, and will continue to be, a significant driver for us.”

The Back Nine Golf logo will appear twice on the club’s new kit and Otliensians’ first team captain Jodie Rockett explained the club is hoping to grow.

“We have played as one club side for a number of years however, after some successful recruitment we have welcomed eight players last season and will be looking to do the same for the season ahead," she said.

“We have welcomed players of all abilities, some that have never picked up a stick before and some who are returning after time off after starting a family. We will be creating a new development side this season to ensure new and returning players get lots of game time and action on the pitch at a suitable level.

“The club’s approach means it’s a great way for those returning to hockey to do so without having to commit to every Saturday throughout the season whilst feeling comfortable back on the pitch and part of a team environment.”

Those interested in joining Otliensians should email otleyfixtures@gmail.com or reach out via the social media pages.

Pre-season with some social fitness will start in August. Training takes place every Wednesday at 7pm from September with fixtures scheduled not long after. Otliensians home fixtures are played at Horsforth School.

For full details on what Back Nine Golf has to offer visit www.backninegolf.net or ring 01943 512717 (Guiseley) / 513523 (Otley).