Former Premier League goalkeeper David Stockdale has successfully relaunched FC Farsley, with 480 fans attending the first men's game at their Throstle Nest ground in over two years. Stockdale, who is the owner and first-team manager, had cautiously predicted 140 attendees for the Yorkshire Amateur League contest against Collegians FC.
The new club, FC Farsley, was established after the old club, Farsley Celtic, went into liquidation in December 2025. Farsley Celtic had faced approximately £750,000 in debts and missed the 2025-26 campaign, having played much of the 2024-25 season in Buxton.
Stockdale and his family have been actively involved in the club's revival, with his wife Katie running the cafe and his children helping with activities. The club's sports hall, which previously had unpaid electricity bills, is now operational again, hosting badminton, netball, and five-a-side football. Stockdale's next major goal is to spend £1.5m on a new artificial pitch, aiming to transform the facility into a premium sports hub.