Open football

The League are considering offering  football those older than the U18 age group. We have had a number of clubs approach us as they feel that they want to continue past U18 but do not want to go into Sunday League Adult football. They have suggested that the league provide a division that would be used as a stepping stone or bridging process to that level. There have been many different ideas and in fact the league did run an under 21 division some years ago which it would be fair to say for a variety of reasons never really worked.

 First of all we need to get an overall contentious of opinion of all the clubs that it effects. To that please clink on the link below to go to a short questionnaire that it is essential you complete. This will be open to all current U16 and U18 managers and all club secretaries. Please complete this asap, we will be monitoring the response carefully. 

Click here to fill out questionnaire 

 One of the suggestions is that we have an adult division like the Surrey Girls league, this could perhaps be open to under our current 18 teams and give them flexibility of playing some older players as we realise players leaving for University and Colleges does effect this age group.  We could also open this to current clubs who have left in the past few seasons or indeed to some of the better U17's that feel they are ready for this format. There are many suggestions and ideas  none of which we will undertake without consultation with our current clubs.

 I have arranged a meeting at Imber Court on Monday 7th November 2010 for all current U16 & U18  managers /coaches and associated club officials from this years competition.

The meeting starts at 7.15pm and is not expected to last more than an hour. Tea & Coffee will be provided.

I know you all are very busy, and that your time is valuable, but this is an important issue that needs to be discussed, as to embark on such a change may well have ramifications for every team concerned. I have therefore decided to make attendance from every team compulsory.  Ideally I would like every team represented. Failing to attend will result in your club being dealt with as having failed to deal with league business. I am sorry to adopt this line but, as I said, it's vital we get the opinion of you all and you have a chance to air your views on the subject. 

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and consider the following points. . 

 1) Do we want to do it ?

2) How do we want to do it ?

3) How can we achieve it ?

Please answer the  questionnaire prior to the meeting if possible as it will add to the debate on the night. 

If anyone has any ideas thoughts etc they wish to send to me, prior to the meeting, please feel free to do so to frank.thompson@wsyl.org.uk 

Best regards,  Frank Thompson 

General Secretary - SYL