RYLANDS and Fife Rangers football clubs are looking to develop their facilities after joining forces.

A merger sees 17 teams, aged from under sevens to adults, play under the Rylands banner for the 2016-17 season, with further expansion expected.

The newly-named Rylands Junior Section will continue to be based at Crab Lane in Fearnhead, a venue which will now be known as Rylands Academy, with games also being staged at Rylands Recreation Ground in Gorsey Lane.

Mark Pye, club chairman, said: “We have a mission to become a community club that provides football for all, and joining with Fife Rangers gives us a great platform to build on.

“We hope that this is just the start of growth for Rylands, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds with our new junior section.

“Hopefully in a few years we’ll get to see some of the youngsters go on to represent the first team.”

Ran Young, junior secretary of the former Fife Rangers, added: “After more than 46 years providing football for children in the Warrington area, Fife Rangers aligned with Rylands FC with a vision to grow and develop.

“After talks with the club, it became clear that a merger would be beneficial for both parties and provide the best opportunity to grow both junior and senior football simultaneously.

“The merger has given the new Rylands Juniors a clear pathway and an outlet for football activity from the age of five until retirement.

“We also have an opportunity to work together to develop facilities and provide a higher quality education for our children.

“We’re excited to now be a part of a great club with a long history that goes back to 1911 and are sure we will be a great success.”