Keighley Cougars owners acquire Eccleshill United FC

The co-owners of Keighley Cougars Rugby Club, Ryan O’Neill and Kaue Garcia, have announced their acquisition of Eccleshill United FC, marking a significant step in their mission to build a unified, community-focused sporting legacy in West Yorkshire.

The move brings the NCEL Premier Division football club into the Cougars’ growing sporting family, with both teams now set to share Cougar Park in Keighley. Eccleshill United will play their first home fixture at the stadium on Wednesday 6 August, hosting Tadcaster Albion in what promises to be a landmark evening for local sport.

O’Neill and Garcia, who took over Keighley Cougars in 2019, have become known for their progressive leadership and commitment to inclusion. Under their stewardship, the Cougars have not only revitalised their on-field performance but also become one of the most socially conscious clubs in British sport.

They made headlines as the UK’s first openly gay owners of a professional sports team and have since championed LGBTQ+ visibility, trans rights, anti-racism initiatives, and community outreach.

Speaking about the Eccleshill acquisition, Kaue Garcia said: “We didn’t want to simply have a tenant relationship with an independent football organisation, but it was important to have an integrated community sporting strategy for the benefit of the town.

"We recognise the responsibility of being a custodian of a sports organisation, so we look forward to developing a great relationship with players, staff and making this a success for the community and the town.”

Last year, the Keighley Cougars made history by appointing trans rights activist India Willoughby as Patron. She said at the time: “I’m thrilled to represent this incredible club that is challenging societal norms. My community has faced unjust scrutiny for too long, and all I aim to do is represent this club to the best of my ability while advocating for understanding and acceptance.”