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Tuesday, 9th February 2010

Now is the time for North Lancs League to think ahead

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Published Date: 03 July 2008
WHEN does the football season start? It's a question with many answers, but not one that's definitive, writes Steven Hewitt (article published in Guardian Sport, July 4)
May I suggest that for the North Lancashire League teams, the season started on Monday with the AGM.

I was at the AGM and most of those who were there and are reading this now, will know that the team I have been involved with for five years – Vine FC – resigned from the league.

Thanks to those who had kind words for myself and the team, it is appreciated, but time moves on and I am sure Saturdays will still be busy!

But enough of me, what about the League? Evidence of how well the League is doing was clear to see on Monday night with 68 teams being confirmed – two short of the maximum allowed.

It bodes well for an exciting season and also for an exciting future but now – I would suggest – is the time to be looking at how that future can be shaped.

Yes, this season started on Monday but ideas for the 2009-10 should be on the table now as well to ensure that the growth and development of the League continues.

It's noticeable that of the five teams coming into the League, four are second or third teams of clubs. It means that there are 30 teams out of 68 who are not first teams, potentially making promotion and relegation issues complicated – Bolton-le-Sands denied their reserves promotion last season.

Is it time for a Reserve league? It's what they do in the West Lancs. I know it was raised at last year's AGM but it's nigh on impossible to have constructive debate in a room full of people. Perhaps it is time for a group of officials to look at it properly and come up with something.

And what about an Under 18 division?

Speak to people and this seems a good idea, bridging the gap from the Service to Youth League and keeping young men in the sport.

The new Highgrove Colts team will be mainly lads from last year's U16s but is it ideal for them to come straight into men's football?

With other clubs (eg Carnforth Rangers) also looking at setting up a third team of youngsters, why not put them in a league together for the North Lancs area instead of watching them head towards Preston where there is an Under 18 set-up?

The North Lancs U18 League stopped in 1976. Now is the time for clubs to seriously consider whether it should return.

Talking now could lead to action. Not talking now definitely leads to inaction. 2009-10 starts now.

What do you think? Email sport@lmnews.co.uk or leave a comment below.

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  • Last Updated: 31 July 2008 12:21 PM
  • Source: n/a
  • Location: Lancaster
 
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Peter Boardman,

Home 06/07/2008 17:37:34
The North Lancs League is a testament to the hard work put in by the Management Committee but especially by Lawrie Postlethwaite & Mick Barnes. The League goes from strength to strength due to their hard work, they are always available to assist all the Clubs, a lot more leagues could learn from them.

We at Ingleton are reaping the benefits of having an A team in the Fourth Division feeding two other teams and bridging the gap for the young lads coming through to quickly learn the big step up. I personally wouldn't like to see an Under 18 league I think as we have found the lads learn good habits and improve their skills by playing with the senior players to nurture thier talents and progress I dont think they would progress the same or as quickly just playig with and against lad of their own age. This is the beauty of having the A team in the fourth division and other clubs are following out lead in bringing young players through this way.

again it was only through the encouragement of Lawrie and Mick that we were allowed to do this as some rule changes were require and the Management Committee backed us totally in this
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wistle blower,

07/07/2008 11:52:11
as a referee in this league i agree it is a very well run league the discipline of the players and managers is ok for todays society we live in. I do think that the forth div is ok for young players my only worry is the league is short of referees and alot of games played in the lower leagues dont get one every match . talking to other referees they do agree with me that the fees for refereeing a match are small compared with other leagues espesially with todays driving costs .
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anothrewhistler,

Lancaster 07/07/2008 20:45:58
As I am also a referee, but at contributory level. I feel that the conduct of players and club managers have improved slightly. Clubs must also work together with the referees's society.
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wistle blower,

08/07/2008 16:54:53
I agree clubs should aways work together with there local referee society. what would be a good idea would to invite clubs to send a linesman to a referees meeting where we could help them to understand the laws of the game and give them confidance its a hard job and we do have problems in matches in this area.
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ron manager,

dug out 21/07/2008 19:30:17
Let's look at the top of the league too. Is it not time that Marsh and Storeys moved on to the West Lancs league and spread the word a bit further about Lancaster football.
As for referees wanting more money well they would only spend it on ale and pies. Have you seen the size of some of them!
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wistle blower,

23/07/2008 21:22:10
thats it have a go at the referees,I wonder why there isen,t many NEW ONES tipical comment from some managers, give it a few years and you,ll have no one to blame but yourself the average age of the referees on the north lancs league is about 50 so whats wrong with abit more ale and pies some consolation for 90 minuets of earake on a sat, afternoon.
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wistle blower,

06/08/2008 12:15:04
I referee in the preston sunday league . as my fixtures arrived i noticed three under 18 teams have entered from the lancaster area, so peraps an under 18 league could run in the north lancs league. it would save traveling time and cost just a thought.
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