Sadly we have to announce that the League has lost an Under 11 team for the coming season, this following the decision by Exeter City to cease the practise of allowing the players involved with their Academies, playing football for their ‘Saturday sides’.

Central Under-11s are the first side to announce their withdrawal as their side did have a number of boys with the Grecians. League secretary Steve Birley says: “It does seem harsh and you’d have thought in this crazy ‘pc’ world we live in someone would start shouting about ‘the rights of a young player to play with whoever, whenever’.

I tend to think it ‘takes something away’ from the matches if we cannot have the ‘better’ players playing for their presence surely helps raise the overall standard, but if there is a silver lining then it is the fact that now teams will have to ensure that they look for a more balanced ‘spread’ across their squads and perhaps this will allow other players to shine and develop, players who may otherwise have spent matches in the shadow of the teams ‘star player’.

It will be very interesting to see how things shape up this coming season as a result of this ruling.”

Newton St Cyres have been let down by a number of withdrawals from their weekend tournament the weekend after next – July 12/13. As a result they have vacancies as follows :- Saturday July 12 they can take ONE U-9 boys and ONE U-11 girls teams and the following day, Sunday July 13 they can take ONE U-8 boys, ONE U-12 boys, ONE U-14 boys and ONE U-13 girls teams. Anybody interested should call MAURICE CODD on 01803 607 403.

We have an 8 year old Exeter boy looking for a team to join. The youngster lives in Heath Road, St Loyes and if there are clubs out there who can help would they please contact his mother Laura on (M) 07988736343 or via e-mail at Laura.deangelis@hotmail.co.uk

WEST EXE ATHLETIC have asked to be placed in the middle division of next seasons Under 13 league as they have lost a couple of their players and their Manager feels the second division is a more suitable spot for his side.

CHAIRMAN John Penkethman will assume the role of LEAGUE WELFARE OFFICER with immediate effect.

CREDITON SAINTS are looking for some more players for their Under-11 team, contact Simon Fowler on 01363776789 or 07530610947 Or email at s.fowler@hotmail.co.uk

Stoke Hill will provide training & fund the attendance on a Level One FA Coaching Course. Please phone Chairman Dave Oneill for details, 07944 297266.