Major lift for minors

The Swindon & District Football League Minor Divisions will definitely go ahead again next season.

Rumours had been rife at the end of the 2001/02 campaign that the youth and minor divisions were about to fold.

Apparently all of their officers had resigned at various points during the season and the main committee had kept the league running.

A meeting was held a couple of weeks ago when the senior officers of the S&D League invited parties interested in children's football to attend.

"It was a very fruitful meeting and there was a good response," said league chairman Trevor Boffin, who has been associated with football in Swindon for more than 50 years.

"They stayed on and then held a meeting of their own and I am very pleased with the outcome. I did not think the leagues would collapse."

Last season the S&D Minors Division consisted of six sections: two under 11 and under 12 leagues and one at under 13 and under 15 levels. And the total number of teams competing in those six divisions was a very healthy 64.

Former Minors secretary Margaret Rivers who will look after registrations in future said, "I had previously suggested that we run our own affairs and that is now coming to fruition.

"We held another meeting last week and have now formed a sub-committee to take the minor league forward next season.

"We are holding another meeting next Tuesday (May 21) to finalise committee positions and how the league will be conducted.

"It really is good news that we have been able to secure our own autonomy which will undoubtedly be to the benefit of all clubs entering the minor league next season.

"We will also be joining up with the mini soccer section who run football for the 10s and under.

"There is a lot going on behind the scenes as well which will be to the benefit of all clubs.

"It certainly is an exciting time for the future of minor football in the town," she added.

League application forms will be available from early next week for the new season.