YOUTH soccer in Swindon faces a massive shake-up after the proposed North Wilts Youth League was given the thumbs-up by the Football Association.

Wilts FA secretary Mike Benson has confirmed that the new organisation a breakaway from the existing Swindon & District Minors League has been affiliated in time for the 2003/2004 season.

"The league rules have been sanctioned and they have our full support," he said.

"We wish the league every success for the coming season it can only enhance youth football in Swindon and the surrounding areas."

More than 120 teams the vast majority of the previous Swindon Minors establishment have already submitted entry forms to the league, which will run divisions from under sevens through to under 17s.

And now the North Wilts proposal has been rubber-stamped, scores more are expected to defect from the current Swindon set-up along with other local youth leagues.

Officials for the new constitution are former committee members of the Swindon Minors League.

Disenchanted with the way youth football fell under the shadow of the adult section, the committee formed a breakaway group and after months of planning, the independent league has finally come to fruition.

One of the individuals spearheading the project is Stuart Morgan, who was delighted to receive the FA seal of approval.

"We're really pleased to get the all clear," he said.

"We've strived for this and worked really hard to get the league up and running.

"There is always the fear that something might go wrong at the 11th hour but now we can press on and encourage more teams to join us we already have quite a few."

The league has recruited Swindon Town legend Don Rogers as its president and major financial backers have also committed themselves to the venture.

Morgan confirmed: "We have had endorsements from Reckitt Benckiser (existing sponsors of the Swindon Minors League) who will come over with us, and we have an anonymous backer who has donated a sizable sum."

Morgan urges all clubs that have yet to commit themselves to the North Wilts League to apply by May 31 so they may reap the benefits of a self-governed youth set-up

"Those that have been wavering can now see we have approval and make their minds up. We want entry forms in by the end of the month so we can sort out the structure of the divisions as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, Swindon & District League chairman Trevor Boffin has confirmed that their youth section is now defunct.

The absence of any youth committee and the decimation of their ranks means that the Swindon & District League will be adults only next term.

THE North Wilts League will hold their first AGM on June 18 at Ferndale Youth Centre, where member clubs will be able to approve the committee and league rules.