9 v 9 update

Dear all, this is  very short e-mail to outline the leagues position in respect of us introducing 9 v 9 football for next seasons U11 age group. There has been much consultation and discussion between the league and this years U10 teams / clubs. We have also looked long and hard into the pros and cons of such a venture.  As some of you will see in the media recently there is a strong will on behalf of the FA and those involved in the development of the game in general to promote this for the good of the game. It seems that the FA will almost certainly make this compulsory in the next few seasons and this league believe the time is right to go that way now in advance of this decision.

This league in  joint partnership with Surrey County FA are very seriously considering this to take place next season. It would be for U11's only and would be for every division, effectively we would not offer 11 a-side football at all for u11's next season.

There are many issues like pitch sizes and goal posts etc that  we have began to address, we have a grant application in progress to hopefully assist clubs with the purchase of those and we have developed partnership agreements with local councils to assist re renting pitches etc.

There will be a very detailed report published next week after  the matter is discussed by the management committee on Monday 21st February.

The league accept there will be problems, we will have to work hard with the clubs and teams to ensure it works. There was a very clear mandate from feedback we have had from the U10 teams / clubs we have spoken to so far but obviously as it will effect  all clubs with teams approaching that age group we feel it is only right we ask you for your comments as well.

Please e-mail me at frank.thompson@wsyl.org.uk with any views positive or negative as soon as possible so we can add these to the mainly positive feedback we have already had.

Like all new ventures there will be teething problems but I can assure you we will approach this in the same very robust proactive manner that we do everything else, we will do all that is needed to ensue it succeeds, we have the full support of the FA and most local authorities. I personally feel its for the best  and offers all our players the best possible development chance and best hope of continued enjoyment, after al thats why we are all involved in this, kind regards, Frank Thompson [General Secretary]