Recently it emerged that there are likely to be only 11 clubs in the Spar Mid Wales League, second division next season – a situation that is hardly satisfactory as there are concerns about the likely number of matches.
I asked for views as to what might be done to improve the situation and am grateful to George Lancett for getting the ball rolling with a number of suggestions.
“When possible, kick offs should revert to 3.00pm this would help the Saturday morning workers as well as supporters,” says George.
“Anyone who follows West Midland League football will know it’s not unusual to have 22-team or even 24-team leagues, so why not increase the Spar One to 22 teams?
“The rest could go back to ‘recreational leagues’ until they have the playing facilities to merit calling them ‘senior teams’.
“As for poor Bucknell and Newcastle, it’s a sad fact that the Welsh started all this when they stopped Bishops Castle being promoted and introduced the farce of border clubs having to get ‘international clearance’ for English players!” he added.
These are all sensible points and are surely worthy of consideration – although I have no doubt those in charge of the FAW would point to the fact that the cross-border situation regarding clubs and international clearance is something that has been handed down by UEFA and Fifa.
The bottom line surely has to be that governing bodies at all levels have to realise that they exist to serve the clubs, and not the other way around. If clubs want to play recreational football only, then that is their right.
Not all clubs want to climb through the leagues and it’s crystal clear that not all players want to make regular round trips of 150 miles for their Saturday afternoon football. Then, there are those who can’t make those trips because of work and family commitments.
It would be a great shame if players were lost to the game because they felt unable to commit to their club for these reasons.
Thanks to George for his comments on the topic – if you have something to add to the discussion, then you can email us by clicking here, or by clicking on the image at the top of the story – keep those comments coming!