You are here: Home - News - Project South West Approved by FA Leagues Committee  
 
Project South West Approved by FA Leagues Committee
Project South West Approved by FA Leagues Committee
Following extensive consultation, The FA – in conjunction with the South West Peninsula League and the Toolstation Western League – are able to announce progress to a new divisional structure in the South West, aimed to combat the extensive travel encountered by clubs in this part of the country
Friday 22 July 22 I 11:31:04 I Photo by

With the progression of clubs from Devon and Cornwall into Step 5 aligned with the restructuring of the National League System, the extremity of the league expanded to see journeys from Cornwall to Bristol.

 

Following representation from the leagues on behalf of their member clubs, the FA Leagues Committee agreed to consider a series of proposals, with a final proposal undergoing consultation with key stakeholders. The consultation feedback was reviewed, and the proposal ratified by the Committee.

 

The new league will be a merger of the existing Western and Peninsula Leagues who between them currently run four divisions - one at Step 5 and three at Step 6.

 

The new league will run five divisions, two at Step 5, designed to reduce travel and costs, and still three at Step 6.

 

The sizes of the current four divisions vary between 22 and 17 clubs, the new structure will see divisions of up to 18 clubs in each.

 

Mark Frost, Chair of the FA Leagues Committee said: “It is important that as the pyramid evolves, we consider the feedback of clubs and leagues. This issue was raised in a proactive manner by the leagues, and we are delighted that we are able to find a solution, while protecting the integrity of fluid promotion and relegation that the pyramid restructure has now enabled.”

 

Phil Hiscox, secretary of the South West Peninsula League said: “The South West is a unique region with challenges for clubs travelling both in terms of time and distance, and more than ever costs as well. The new set up will allow the previously disadvantaged clubs a pathway through the national league system which will be both achievable and affordable whilst maintaining a high level of football for those clubs.”

 

John Pool, Chair of the Toolstation Western League said: “It has been the aim from its concept to open up the opportunities for all clubs in the South West to fulfil their aspirations to be able to compete in the National League System. The proposals being carried forward to improve the opportunities for clubs has been endorsed by County FA’s and relevant leagues, which is much appreciated by all concerned. The pathway to the future will allow clubs at all levels to be able to view the new league structure with optimism’’.

 

Copyright Non League Today. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to the Non League Today website as the source and a link back to the Non League Today website.
Top Stories & Videos
Arlott-John Given Lambs Chance
Vanarama National League North club Tamworth have announced the signing of Leicester-based Dempsey Arlott-John, who has committed to the Lambs for the new season.
McElroy Earns Rebels Deal
 
Experienced Thomas Joins Marske
 
 
Lambs Add Competition for Keeper's Jersey
 
Veteran Defender Joins Warrington
 
New Keeper for City
 
1
 
Oystermen Looking for Young Players
 
What’s it really like behind-the-scenes of a football club?
 
Armani Little Vs Welling National League South Play-Off Final 12/06/19
 
Paul Hodges | Signing On For 2019/20
 
Peter Jameson interview - York City
 
 
     
 
 
Project South West Approved by FA Leagues Committee
Project South West Approved by FA Leagues Committee
Friday 22 July 22 I 11:31:04
Photo by

With the progression of clubs from Devon and Cornwall into Step 5 aligned with the restructuring of the National League System, the extremity of the league expanded to see journeys from Cornwall to Bristol.

 

Following representation from the leagues on behalf of their member clubs, the FA Leagues Committee agreed to consider a series of proposals, with a final proposal undergoing consultation with key stakeholders. The consultation feedback was reviewed, and the proposal ratified by the Committee.

 

The new league will be a merger of the existing Western and Peninsula Leagues who between them currently run four divisions - one at Step 5 and three at Step 6.

 

The new league will run five divisions, two at Step 5, designed to reduce travel and costs, and still three at Step 6.

 

The sizes of the current four divisions vary between 22 and 17 clubs, the new structure will see divisions of up to 18 clubs in each.

 

Mark Frost, Chair of the FA Leagues Committee said: “It is important that as the pyramid evolves, we consider the feedback of clubs and leagues. This issue was raised in a proactive manner by the leagues, and we are delighted that we are able to find a solution, while protecting the integrity of fluid promotion and relegation that the pyramid restructure has now enabled.”

 

Phil Hiscox, secretary of the South West Peninsula League said: “The South West is a unique region with challenges for clubs travelling both in terms of time and distance, and more than ever costs as well. The new set up will allow the previously disadvantaged clubs a pathway through the national league system which will be both achievable and affordable whilst maintaining a high level of football for those clubs.”

 

John Pool, Chair of the Toolstation Western League said: “It has been the aim from its concept to open up the opportunities for all clubs in the South West to fulfil their aspirations to be able to compete in the National League System. The proposals being carried forward to improve the opportunities for clubs has been endorsed by County FA’s and relevant leagues, which is much appreciated by all concerned. The pathway to the future will allow clubs at all levels to be able to view the new league structure with optimism’’.

 

Copyright Non League Today. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to the Non League Today website as the source and a link back to the Non League Today website.
Top Stories
McElroy Earns Rebels Deal
Tuesday 01 August 23 I 11:30:01
Experienced Thomas Joins Marske
Sunday 30 July 23 I 16:19:50
Lambs Add Competition for Keeper's Jersey
Sunday 30 July 23 I 15:39:11
Veteran Defender Joins Warrington
Sunday 30 July 23 I 15:33:29
Around the leagues
The National League read all the latest news from the National League
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League latest headlines
Evo-Stik Southern League latest headlines
The Isthmian League latest headlines
Hallmark Security North West Counties League latest headlines