TADCASTER Albion have issued a plea for supporters to aid in the clean-up after flooding at the Young Guns Arena.

Flooding at the club’s ground, which is situated near the River Wharfe, led to the postponement of Saturday’s North Yorkshire derby against Knaresborough Town, with the NCEL premier division club again left counting the cost.

Despite the stadium being underwater, the match could not officially be called off until Saturday morning, with chairman Andy Charlesworth telling The Press that the postponement would cost the club more than £1000 in lost revenue.

However, the match has been rescheduled quickly, thankfully, for this coming Saturday (January 11).

“It’s not just for a typical game, tomorrow we’re losing a local derby versus Knaresborough so we’re going to be losing a big gate with that,” he explained ahead of the scheduled match.

“We’ll lose that matchday income, the cash flow, there will be less people when it’s moved to a Tuesday night. Because of that, it will cost the club in excess of £1,000.

“It’s not just the cost of that though, it’s a case of recovering.”

It is hoped that the debris from the flood can be cleared later this week.

A post on X (formerly Twitter) asked: “Any volunteers available on Thursday to help tidy [the] ground of all flood debris.

“10:00 for a couple of hours, need wellies, boots etc. Tea and coffee provided.

“Your help is much appreciated.”

The Young Guns Arena was flooded a total of six times last year due to various storms, with Charlesworth revealing that without the Premier League Stadium Fund, which provides financial support for clubs across the pyramid, the club would not have survived.

Funds have been invested into drainage that runs across the pitch – including a sump basin which allows water to drain naturally – as well as repairs to the clubhouse.

Flooding at the Young Guns Arena last week. (Image: Tadcaster Albion FC) However, it is hoped that the proposed Tadcaster Flood Alleviation Scheme, which would replace and improve the flood defences on the banks of the River Wharfe, will reduce the risk of flooding for residents and businesses.

“We’re just waiting for the environment agency now which is currently in the planning stage, but we need support,” Charlesworth continued.

“The plan is to hopefully build a two-metre wall between us and the river as it would save us from about 99 per cent of floods, other than the Boxing Day one with the bridge.

“We have to emphasise this, but we need we need every supporter to show their support for the environment agency, as it could be done as soon as next year.

“We need a big push to support the planning application.”

The application can be found on the North Yorkshire Council website. The Planning reference number is ZG2024/1144 and comments can be sent to planningcomments.sel@northyorks.gov.uk