merger of leagues to build better future for saturday adult football
MERGER OF LEAGUES TO BUILD BETTER FUTURE FOR SATURDAY ADULT FOOTBALL
Following negotiations between the Durham County FA, the TWR Wearside League and Durham Alliance League both Leagues held Extraordinary General Meetings (EGM) this week to discuss a merger. This merger would result in the Durham Alliance League becoming a Development Division within the TWR Wearside League set up, which would allow a natural route for promotion into the FA National League system.
At their respective EGM’s clubs voted 100% in favour of the merger and proposed Management and Rule changes from the commencement of the 2018 – 2019 season.
Durham County FA Company Secretary, John Topping, who has been involved since the first meeting in March stated; “This is a fantastic opportunity for teams who play Saturday afternoon football to not only have an opportunity to progress through the FA National League System but to also develop their facilities, players and finances. I would like to thank the Management Committee of both Leagues for the support they have shown regarding the merger and also all the teams for having the foresight to take on board what the outcomes can be. This is a big step to try and arrest the decline in Saturday Adult eleven aside football and offer more opportunities”.
The next step is to hold further discussions with representatives of the Frank Hudson Crook & District League to see if progress can be made regarding further developments within the structure.
John Topping added; “The Durham County FA is committed to try and prevent, where possible the decline in Saturday adult eleven aside football and this could result in one structure involving all the aforementioned adult leagues plus a link with the Durham County FA current Under 18’s Saturday League. This season we administer leagues from Under 14’s to Under 18’s and the eventual aim would be to progress them through to an Under 21 or Under 23 league and then into the adult league structure”.
The TWR Wearside League and Durham Alliance League management committees will meet as soon as possible to discuss the next steps regarding advertising for teams and moving forward together.
This is a fantastic opportunity for teams who play Saturday afternoon football to not only have an opportunity to progress through the FA National League System but to also develop their facilities, players and finances.