OFFICIALS of the new North Wilts District Youth and Minors Football League say they have been overwhelmed by the response from teams wanting to join.

Virtually all clubs from the Swindon and District League have made the switch to the new regime and the North Wilts committee has extended the registration deadline to allow other clubs a chance to sign up.

The new league has more entries at all age groups in the minors section than the Swindon and District equivalent had last season. Two divisions will be introduced at each of the age groups from under 11 through to under 14.

Entry levels for mini-soccer, which will be competitive at U9 and U10, have also been high with over 90 teams submitting applications so far.

There will be a U16 division, despite the absence of an U15 section in last term's Swindon Minors League.

Delighted fixture secretary Mark Smedley said: "The response to the new league has been fantastic.

"In particular it is really great that we have a viable league in the under 16 age group given that we had no teams at under 15 level last season.

"We could do with a few more teams at this age group and our hope is that when clubs hear that we have enough teams to have a good competitive league others will come across."

The league's committee is busy formulating the divisions in time for its AGM on June 18, but clubs wishing the join the league can still apply.

Any club interested in joining cancontact registration secretary Margaret Rivers on (01793) 346568 or mini-soccer registration secretary Claire Smedley on (01793) 852584.

The Wiltshire Football League has been boosted by a three-season sponsorship deal with Swindon-based business Plaister Autos.

A slightly re-vamped league will now be known as the Plaister Autos Wiltshire League, taking over from previous sponsors Skurrays.

Eight new sides will join the league for the 2003/4 season helping to form part of a new-look Junior Division. The Junior Division will be split into two Junior Division One and Junior Division Two after a decision to suspend Intermediate League football.