Keynsham return in FA Cup
Keynsham Town Ladies will make their return to competitive action on April 4 after The FA confirmed that the Women’s FA Cup will continue as planned this season.
The tournament was paused before the second round could take place - with a first round match between Kent United and Enfield Town also still outstanding. Keynsham will host local rivals Yeovil United at the AJN Stadium, kick-off 2pm.
The winners of that will then have a trip to either Southampton Women or Plymouth Argyle in the third round which is scheduled the take place on April 11.
As for the return of the Women’s National League, a decision is due to be announced next week.
In a statement released on social media, The FA said: “Following consultation with clubs, via the Women’s Football Pyramis Tiers 3-6 Survey, and leagues, via the Women’s Football Conference, The FA Women’s Football Board will now be reviewing all feedback and information received ahead of a decision being made on a resolution for the 2020/21 Women’s Football Pyramis Season.
“The FA would like to thank all those who have fed into the consultation process thus far. It is anticipated that an update will be given by The FA in the week commencing Monday 15th March.”
Keynsham haven’t played a match since December 13 when they lost 3-1 at Oxford United. When the league was paused, Keynsham sat ninth having played just seven games.
■ THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE will not be running a supplementary cup competition between April and May to fill the void left by the curtailment of the 2020/21 season. Unlike some other leagues who are looking to run a cup competition when allowed to do so as part of the government’s road out of lockdown, the Southern League has joined the Western League in believing such competition is unfeasible.
In a statement released on their website, the Southern League said: “Following a Board discussion over the past couple of days on this matter, there will be no cup competition organised by the league prior to the 2021/22 season.
“The League Cup competition is scheduled to return after the commencement of the 2021/22 season. Therefore, once clubs are able to resume playing matches, then friendlies can be arranged, ensuring that all COVID-19 requirements are adhered to that will no doubt be published in the coming weeks/ months.
“If clubs wish to enter into any other cup competition, then this will require sanctioning by each relevant County FA.”
■ KEYNSHAM TOWN Walking Football Club has donated over £16,000 to good causes in just four years. Having formed in 2015 and originally played on concrete in Keynsham Park, the team quickly moved to Keynsham Town’s ground and, in 2017, its musically talented members organised a benefit evening for Cancer Research with several players having had cancer or were currently fighting in.
In their first constitution, the side outlined three main objectives: to provide a safe environment for people over-50 to play walking football; offer social opportunities for members; commit to collecting money for good causes.
Of that £16,000 raised since, there has been large donations to children’s charities, Bristol Hospice South West and Jesse May plus national charities such as Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Prostate Cancer UK, CALM, In the Bag and Muscular Dystrophy.
The club has also supported local charities such as Saltford & Keynsham Dementia Alliance, Keynsham & District Dial-a-ride, Bistol NHS Above and Beyond, Bristol Frame Football and several local food banks. Over the past three years, through Keynsham Elim Church, members have also put together around 200 shoeboxes to go to less well-off children in Romania as well as sponsoring two children at the IGNIT-CASA Romania Camp 2019.