Any Under 13 players out there in East Devon who fancy joining a side for the coming campaign? Brixington Blues Coach Simon Denny was hard hit by the 'No Academy lads can play' ruling and is now searching for new blood. He is having another TRIAL on Monday August 11th - call him for more details on 07730221136

Check out your age group on the web site, all the teams for all divisions are now up to date, so you can see who your team will be playing this season (under the table tab in each division). It is great to see so many new names and I am sure it will be a very exciting season for all involved.

Crediton Saints are looking for a coach for the U7s & U8s age group. We do not currently have a league team in these age groups but lots of younger players keen to train on a saturday morning. Anyone interested should contact club secretary, Richard Townsend on 01363 775574.

The point we are making about the Centre of Excellence youngsters is that, as things stand, it is the Under 10 age group and above who are affected by the policy of not playing for other teams.

At present this DOES NOT APPLY to any youngsters attending the Exeter City Academy at Under 9 and indeed Under 8 (although of course we DO ONLY meet to play 'friendly football' at Under 8 level!) So rest easy all parents with youngsters at the Academy of the two younger ages, as things currently stand the youngsters CAN still play in the League and that will remain until we, as a League, are told otherwise.

An increasing number of Under 8 sides are, understandably, wondering who, if anybody, to send their registration forms too. For now send them to the Secretary: Stephen Birley, 29, Townlands, Bradninch, Exeter EX5 4QY and he will collate them prior to the appointment of a more permanent Under 8 rep. But please coaches, take note, PLEASE ENSURE YOU SEND THEM WITH THE CORRECT POSTAGE.

Don't forget, with the new web site each division has its own photo gallery - If you want to se your footballing  youngsters ( or indeed if they want to look at themselves) use or online form to upload your team photos by clicking HERE make sure you let us know the age group and team name so we can gt them in the right section. 

Countess Wear Dynamoes U9's start pre-season training on wednesday 30th July at 100 club fields - time 6pm-7pm. we would welcome new players and need a goalkeeper for the new season-please contact jo on 01392 214329 if you can help.

Calling all Referee’s – WE DON’T HALF NEED YOU!! Here at the Exeter & District League we are happy to help our Match Officials to purchase their kit for the new campaign and if there are officials out there who could indeed take charge of Saturday morning games for us then we would ask you to contact the Secretary via e-mail (stephenbirley@aol.com).

We have been approached by a number of member clubs regarding the ‘can they or can’t they’ play with regard to the youngsters signed with the Exeter City Academy. The simple fact is that NO YOUNGSTER WHO IS WITH THE EXETER CITY ACADEMY PLAYING SQUADS can play for any other side, and that means ALL OUR TEAMS in the Exeter & District Youth League.

This is not something the Grecians have determined, it is a directive from the Football League and so we would ask ALL OUR MEMBER SIDES to refrain from ‘signing on’ such players as it will only cause potential for disputes as to ‘can he/can’t he play’ and we would ask all our clubs to observe this ruling.

Yes it means that some of our more competitive sides are going to be significantly ‘weaker’ but does this not also mean plenty more opportunities for others to ‘step up to the plate’. We as a League, do not want to be seen to condone ‘bad practice’ and so, we cannot accept registrations of players who are with a Football Academy and therefore disallowed from playing ‘other football’.

Newton St Cyres are staging a Football Fun & Trials Day on August 2^nd at their very pleasant Newton St Cyres Football club headquarters – so if you have yet to find yourself a team why not get along to St Cyres to see what they can offer – the youth section look forward to making you very welcome for the Fun Day / Trials which run from 10am to 2pm.

Whipton youth are currently looking for players from this years Year 2 to reception. Whipton have managers in place ready to coach the teams and prepare them for entering the Exeter & district youth league. We are especially looking for goalkeeper in Year 2 to join our squad ready to play in September. Anyone interested contact Jason on 01392 461965

Brixington Blues are to hold trials for their Under-13 team to compete in the Exeter & District Youth League this coming season. The Blues were one of the hardest hit lsides when Exeter City made the decision to stop Academy players playing with other sides but Blues Coach Simon Denny is determined to carry on and is looking for a new batch of players.

 “I am a great believer that football should be for the ‘masses’ and whilst I am very disappointed to lose the players that have had to stay with the City Academy, the fact is there is now a real opportunity for more youngsters to come along and get involved.”

The initial ‘trial’ will be held on Monday July 28 at Langstone Drive playing fields, Brixington Drive, in Exmouth and anyone who wants more information is asked to contact Simon on 07730221136.

There is a 'vacancy' for another Under 10 team following the withdrawal of one of the CREDITON SAINTS sides. Saints have been forced to reduce their entered teams from one to two after losing a number of players to the Exeter City Academy and a couple of others have gone back a year to play in their correct age group so its ONE side from Saints at Under 10 - anybody out there fancy making the number up to allow us to have FIFTEEN pairs instead of 14 pairs and one side playing on their own ?

If so then get in touch with the Secretary at stephenbirley@aol.com

All clubs are reminded that the advent of ID cards is HERE and ALL MEMBER clubs do need to be very pro-active in their efforts to have all their players photographed and the forms filled in to ensure that their teams are 'ID card' ready for the new campaign. Secretary Steve Birley says: "I have been advised by the people dealing with the whole system of introducing ID cards across the Devon County that we, as a League are trailing in the wake of other Leagues and so I do urge all teams to please ensure that they are on top of this one. Whether we like the concept or not, the simple unavoidable fact is that it is HERE TO STAY and we need to embrace the concept with all we have." Any teams that have not yet got the ball rolling are asked to get a move on - PLEASE!!!

154 Teams will play from 43 different clubs in next seasons six age groups. Chairman John Penkethman says: "It is further evidence of the growing popularity of the League that we continue to grow in numbers year on year."

Under 13 - 24 Teams: Alphington, Bradninch, Broadclyst, Brixington Blues, Brixington United, Buckland Athletic, Central Scorpions, Central Spitfires, Crediton Saints, Crediton Youth, Exwick Youth, Heavitree Youth, Hemyock, Ipplepen, Kentisbeare, Lympstone, Ottery St Mary,Pinhoe Spartans (2 teams), Phoenix Club, St Martins, Sidmouth Town, West Exe Athletic, West Exe Rangers

Under 12 - 30 Teams: Alphington, Beacon Knights, Broadclyst, Brixington Blues, Central, Crediton Saints, Crediton Youth, Cullompton Rangers, Culm United, Exmouth Town Youth, Exwick Youth, Feniton, Heavitree, Newton St Cyres, Okehampton Argyle, Ottery St Mary, Pinhoe Panthers, Pinhoe Pumas, St Martins, Sidbury United, Sidmouth Town, Stoke Hill, Tedburn St Mary, Tiverton Town, Topsham Town, Twyford Spartans, West Exe Athletic, West Exe Rangers, West Hill Wasps, Whipton Youth.

Under 11 - 25 Teams : Alphington, Beacon Knights, Brixington Blues, Brixington United, Central, Clyst Rovers, Countess Wear, Crediton Saints, Cullompton Rangers, Culm United, Feniton Hornets, Feniton Wasps, Heavitree (2 teams), Hemyock, Honiton Town, Ottery St Mary, Pinhoe Warriors, St Martins, Sidmouth Town Raiders, Sidmouth Town Warriors, Stoke Hill, Twyford Spartans, West Exe, West Hill Juniors.

Under 10 – 29 Teams: Alphington, Brixington Blues,  Broadclyst, Central City, Central United, Crediton St Ettiene, Cullompton Rangers, Reds, Cullompton Rangers Saints, Culm United, Dawlish United, Exwick Youth, Heavitree Harriers, Heavitree Phantoms, Moors Youth, Honiton Hurricanes, Kentisbeare Colts, Newton Abbot 66, Newton Knights, Pinhoe Gladiators, Pinhoe Spartans,  Sidmouth Town Viking Raiders, Sidmouth Town Viking Warriors, St Martins,  Stoke Hill, Thorverton, Tiverton Town, West Exe Youth, West Hill Wasps, West Hill Hornets.

Under 9 – 27 Teams: Alphington Jets, Beacon Knights, Brixington Blues, Central City, Central United, Countess Wear Dynamoes, Crediton Saints, Cullompton Rangers, Dawlish United, Exmouth Amateurs, Heavitree Eagles, Heavitree Hawks, Hemyock, Honiton Town, Moors Comets, Moors Stars, Pinhoe Spartans Pikes, Pinhoe Spartans Spears, Sidmouth Town Warriors, St Martins, Stoke Hill Celtic, Stoke Hill Rangers, Twyford Celtic, Twyford Rangers, West Exe Youth, West Hill Wasps.

Under 8 – 18 teams: Alphington Lions, Beacon Knights, Brixington Blues, Central United, Central City, Culm United Lions, Dawlish United, Heavitree Youth, St Martins, Sidmouth Town Raiders, Sidmouth Town Warriors, Stoke Hill Juniors, Tiverton Town, Twyford Spartans Milan, Twyford Spartans Tots, West Exe Youth, West Hill Juniors, Whipton Youth.

Tedburn St Mary Under 12's are looking for players for next season, in particular a goalkeeper. Could anyone who requires any further information, or is interested please call Carole Johnson on either 01647 61517 or 07791892053 or email caroleajohnson@tiscali.co.uk

Great news from West Exe where the clubs Under-11 side WILL compete this coming season following the appointment of JOHN HOPE as Manager. League Secretary Steve Birley says: "It's fabulous news and I would like to commend everybody at West Exe for the way they have refused to let that age group team not slip by the way. Its fantastic that a new chap has been found to run it and that they are now 'green for go', congratulations to all concerned at the club."

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.

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.

Secretary Steve Birley says: " The League is delighted to announce that it is re branding itself as THE EXETER & DISTRICT YOUTH LEAGUE sponsored by RedPost Media Solutions.

The decision to drop the 'Friendly' name  from the Title comes in response to a number of the member clubs feeling that whilst the word 'Friendly' remains very much the buzzword for the Leagues Under 8, 9 and 10 year age groups, the fact is that with the addition this coming season of an Under 13 League it was fitting that the League be placed onto a more professional fitting. The fact that local company RedPost Media Solutions have become involved also speaks volumes for the new branding. We are absolutely thrilled that we can link up with Russ Murch, Shaun Forsyth and the RedPost team in what I personally see as a wonderful partnership, one that can only take the League one way, further forward. Russ's team are responsible for the new look League web site which has already received much praise and there is no doubt that the multi functioning operation of the RedPost Media Solutions supplied web site makes life for the League Officers a lot more comfortable than it has been in the past!

These are exciting and progressive times for the League and I welcome the link to RedPost Media Solutions, long may our association continue."

The Devon FA are very keen to move on with the introduction of ID cards for ALL players. This is MANDATORY for the coming season and so we would ask that the respective age group reps prepare to send the County FA their lists of all the youngsters playing in each age group. Idealy the FA would like to get this information via spreadsheet.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD CONCISE INSTRUCTIONS AND A SUBMISSION FORM

Newton Knights, who play out of Newton St. Cyres, are seeking new players to add to their Under 12 squad for the coming season.  The Knights are particularly keen to hear from any young strikers who think they might be able to net at least ten league goals next term! For more details about joining the side contact Manager/Coach Kevin Gillham on 07849810138 or Ian Fowlis on 01363776782.

Don't forget that the MANAGERS MEETING for the Under 11 AND Under 12 age groups is MONDAY JULY 7th at the Civil Service Club in Exwick, we will deal with the Under 11 Managers/Teams from 7.15pm and the Under 12's from 8.15pm.

We have age group reps in place and if need be will continue with that ( in which case we do somebody to take on the Under 12's ) - Under 11's are under Nick Allen (Hemyock), and Under 13's under Norman Minto (West Exe) - so if somebody out there fancies wither taking on the role of Under 12 age group rep, or perhaps even taking up the new post of Registrations Secretary for the U11, 12 and 13 age groups. Anybody interested is asked to contact the league secretary, Steve Birley by e-mail at stephenbirley@aol.com.

West Exe Athletic are looking for new players for the Under 12s in the forthcoming season. if you are looking to get into a team for 2008/09  trials are on Thursday the 31st of July. For more details contact Shaun Mcandrews on 07990543441

CENTRAL under 8, under 9, under 10 (2 teams). under 11, under 12 (2 teams), under 13 (2 teams)   = 9 TEAMS IN TOTAL