A CHARTERED accountants is backing a football club’s ambitious goals.

Wintersgill Associates is funding a special coach to help loyal supporters of Steeton AFC see their beloved team in cup action.

The initiative will enable fans to travel – at reduced cost – to the county FA headquarters in Woodlesford, Leeds, for the big match.

Steeton play there on April 19 against Boroughbridge FC in the semi-finals of the West Riding County FA Challenge Cup.

“We’re really pleased to have Wintersgill Associates on board as one of our sponsors,” said Steeton AFC manager, Roy Mason.

“We have big plans for the club and taking our fans to the semi-finals to cheer the team on will lift our spirits and bring us luck on the way.”

The Steeton outfit, which plays in the Taylor’s Timber Premier Division, is bidding to win the Challenge Cup for the first time in its history.

The fans’ transport, hired from Steel Coaches in Addingham, will carry Wintersgill Associates branding as it makes its journey through Yorkshire with 75 supporters on board.

Wintersgill Associates, based in Ilkley, said it was delighted to be involved.

Founder and managing director, Paul Wintersgill, said: “I’m thrilled to be supporting Steeton AFC.

“Football is a passion of mine and I believe fans bring the atmosphere which drives the players, so when I heard about this opportunity I didn’t hesitate to offer help to the club’s supporters.

“Our company is all about helping businesses grow and we want to see this hardworking club flourish and realise its dreams of lifting the county cup.”

The firm – founded in 2005 – has clients across a range of sectors including manufacturing, engineering, retail and professional services.

Among other charitable causes it has supported is Manorlands. Last year, it presented £1,780 to the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

The cash was raised after the company donated £10 for each tax return completed in the previous financial year.

Its donation capped an outstanding 12 months for the firm, which was named Best Professional Services Business at the Ilkley Business Awards and relocated to new premises to accommodate its expanding team.

“It was an incredibly exciting time for us and we were thrilled to be able to share that with Manorlands hospice – which does such amazing work in the community,” added Mr Wintersgill.