TWO football teams in Yate have joined forces in an 'exciting move'. 

Yate Town and Yate United have joined forces in a move which will see children from Yate United plus their coaches establish a base at the South West Interiors Stadium at Lodge Road, the home of Yate Town FC.

Yate United teams will meet at the clubhouse on a Sunday after their games across the region to enjoy a drink, some food and a great community feel.

Yate United recently played a pre-season friendly at Lodge Road and convincingly beat St Vallier 9-0 with goals from Riley Helliker (3), Corey Warren (2), Billy Michael, Jan Ladip, Zack Wiggington and a Joe Tibbert penalty.

This affiliation comes after junior teams from Yate United were mascots at Yate Town’s pre-season friendlies against Chippenham Town, Bristol City U23 and Bath City - something the children at Yate United are looking forward to repeating throughout the season.

Gazette Series: Officials from both clubs, and players, before the game between Yate Town and Tavistock AFC.Yate United players will be able to attend Yate Town games for free when attending with a full paying adult helping to build the ties between the clubs and capturing the Yate Town supporters of the future.

It will also provide a base for Yate United team and club activities, a pathway into senior football, and an ability to jointly engage and interact with the community – making a difference not just for the players and fans of today, but for the future.

Yate United joint Chairmen Ross Michael and Tony Wingrove said: ”As soon as we began speaking to members from Yate Town it was obvious that we shared values, ideas and a willingness to succeed and improve our established clubs. 

"An affiliation between our clubs makes absolute sense, from a Yate United perspective it gives us the home that we have always strived for and a clear path for our young people to aspire to. 

"For Yate Town it gives the advantage of youth football and helps to unlock Lodge Road’s potential to the wider community."

Yate Town Chairman Mark Thorne, said: “I am so excited about this very interesting partnership between our two clubs. 

"Talks have been going on for some time and the full extent of the partnership is still to be finalised which is even more exciting."